ACS and ISACA expand memorandum of understanding

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) and ISACA (the global association for IT audit, governance, risk and cybersecurity professionals) have announced they have extended their memorandum of understanding (MOU), bolstering joint efforts to combat the global IT skills shortage and boost member experiences.

Under the renewed MOU, both organisations will enhance their collaboration across several domains, including training and credentialing, advocacy to governments and agencies, expanded conferences and events, and joint research efforts.

This enhanced partnership is expected to play a critical role in developing a more skilled and adaptable IT workforce in Australia, tapping into ISACA’s global network of more than 180,000 members and ACS’s local presence of over 47,000 technology professionals.

Jo Stewart-Rattray, Vice President of Community Boards, ACS and Oceania Ambassador, ISACA said the longstanding bond between ACS and ISACA, spanning many years, has now been further solidified.

“I am proud to see two of the most respected organisations in the technology sector deepen and extend their partnership,” she said. “Both ACS and ISACA have consistently driven innovation and excellence and will continue to do so together, elevating efforts to tackle emerging challenges in the IT field.

“This offers members of both organisations more opportunities to gain a broader skillset, through an array of new resources, along with enhanced training and credentialing.”

Erik Prusch, CEO of ISACA, highlighted the strategic value of the expanded collaboration with ACS.

“As Australia intensifies its focus on digital trust and cybersecurity, our combined resources and expertise will give IT professionals a distinct advantage in the sector,” he said. “At ISACA, our commitment extends beyond simple membership: we strive to be a lifelong career partner to our members. Our collaboration with ACS not only strengthens our capability to support this endeavour, but also amplifies our collective efforts to promote a safer and more trustworthy digital environment. Together, we are indeed stronger.”

According to a recent ACS Digital Pulse report, Australia alone is projected to need 1.3 million technology professionals by 2030, while 82% of ISACA’s 2024 State of Digital Trust research respondents said digital trust will grow in importance over the next five years.

Josh Griggs, CEO of ACS, said that this is a crucial juncture, where digital trust has become a top priority for boards and executives worldwide; however, the global IT workforce has not kept pace.

“Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with ISACA, are essential to strengthen and diversify our workforce,” he said. “As companies strive to establish digital trust, and fully realise its benefits, IT professionals with diverse credentials will be highly valued.”

Image caption: (L–R) Josh Griggs, Jo Stewart-Rattray, Erik Prusch.