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In an era of increasing digitalisation, cybersecurity has become paramount for national security and economic stability. The opening of the CyberSG Talent, Innovation, and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre marks a significant step in Singapore’s commitment to cybersecurity. This initiative, a partnership between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), aims to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem and workforce.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) refreshed the Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy in 2021, emphasising the development of a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem and a robust workforce. These foundational elements are essential for safeguarding Singapore against cyber threats while also creating economic opportunities and enhancing the nation’s reputation as a trusted business hub.
Collaboration between government, industry, and academia has yielded a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore. Today, the country hosts over 500 cybersecurity providers, driven by constant innovation to counter emerging threats and explore new business avenues. Companies in Singapore benefit from access to talent, technology, markets, and funding, all within a synergistic research environment.
The growth of the cybersecurity workforce has been remarkable, expanding from 4,000 professionals in 2016 to 12,000 in 2022, with over 70% being locals. Singapore’s academic institutions play a crucial role, offering more than 20 tertiary-level courses in cybersecurity.
To maintain its competitive edge, Singapore continues to innovate and expand its talent pool. In September of last year, two national-level CyberSG initiatives were launched: the CyberSG R&D Programme Office (CRPO) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the CyberSG Talent, Innovation, and Growth Plan, which includes the establishment of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre at NUS.
NTU and NUS have been instrumental in driving these initiatives. The CRPO will launch the CyberSG Consortium, a platform for academia, research institutes, SMEs, and large corporations to share developments in cybersecurity research and innovation. This consortium aims to empower enterprises with academic innovations, foster industry-academia exchanges, and promote best practices through collaborative working groups.
The CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre, a joint effort by NUS and CSA, focuses on developing the talent pipeline through various manpower programs, funding innovative companies, and nurturing local firms to explore international markets. One notable initiative is the Youth Cyber Exploration Programme (Y-CEP), which engages secondary school students through boot camps and competitions to spark interest in cybersecurity careers.
CSA is also leading a study on professionalisation to enhance the quality and recognition of the cybersecurity workforce. Input from industry stakeholders will help shape a professional framework for the cybersecurity sector in the coming years.
Innovation is a cornerstone of the cybersecurity strategy. The recent Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation (CyberCall) attracted around 200 representatives from various companies, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in addressing cyber threats. For example, local startup pQCee is developing a quantum-safe public key infrastructure (PKI) to protect against future vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing.
The CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre is also committed to supporting the growth of cybersecurity companies. A collaboration with SGInnovate will provide early-stage startups with the necessary capital and talent. Additionally, the CyberBoost Catalyse program, co-delivered by TIG Centre and Plexal, aims to support cybersecurity companies during critical growth stages.
Singapore’s dedication to strengthening its cybersecurity ecosystem through these CyberSG initiatives and strategic partnerships is a testament to its commitment to creating a secure digital future. The CyberSG Talent, Innovation, and Growth Collaboration Centre will not only shape the future of cybersecurity in Singapore but also contribute significantly to global cybersecurity advancements.
