Remote Webinar Mar 2024
human resources online

How Singapore plans to groom the cybersecurity workforce

Affording the nation's priority to build a resilient and trusted cyber environment, Deputy PM and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean opened the 2nd Singapore International Cyber Week on 19 September.

Sharing Singapore's progress in the role of cybersecurity to support the future economy, DPM Teo pointed out that the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), established in 2015, has achieved full operating capability, after its first exercise involving all 11 Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors in Singapore.

He added that the nation is currently investing in three areas: people, capabilities, and networks to build a more secure and resilient digital community together. The key schemes under each are listed below.

People

  • CSA has implemented a Cybersecurity Professional Scheme to groom skilled cybersecurity manpower for the public sector.
  • CSA will develop a new academy to train cybersecurity professionals. Called the CSA Academy, it will partner industry players to train those in government and CII sectors. It will start operations in the later part of this fiscal year.
  • For a start, the Academy will provide intermediate to advanced, niche training to cyber defenders in the government, and also invite selected parties in the CII sectors to join in the training.
  • The CSA Academy plans to engage US-based cybersecurity firm, FireEye, as its first training partner with customised courses on topics such as cybersecurity incident response and malware analysis. There is plan for the Academy to engage other training partners in the future.
  • The government will also launch the Cybersecurity Awards to recognise outstanding cybersecurity professionals, enterprises and students who have made significant contributions to the ecosystem.

Capabilities

  • The government is developing a new Cybersecurity Bill, to strengthen regulatory powers that support the resilience of the nation's CII essential services.
  • It will also work with industry partners and other stakeholders to build up cybersecurity capabilities. For example, CSA has worked with the Industrial Control Systems community to develop a set of guidelines such as those used in the energy, water, and power sectors.

International networks

  • At the operational level, cooperation will be strengthened among national Computer Emergency Response Teams (or “CERTs”).
  • As for CIIs that have impact beyond our shores, i.e. “supra-national CIIs”, efforts will be coordinated to conduct regular exercises to validate our collective ability to respond to threats.
  • Singapore has been working closely with its partners in the Forum of Small States to foster a more inclusive and cross-cutting conversation on norms.
  • The nation Singapore stands ready to contribute and has joined the management board of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC).

ALSO READ: Get off the internet

In another development, ISACA and CSA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly enhance Singapore’s cyber security capabilities and workforce, using ISACA-developed training, assessment tools and certification. The MOU formalises the collaboration between the two parties through an initial three-year period.

David Koh, chief executive, CSA, commented: "There is a strong demand for cyber security professionals; we need to grow our cyber security ecosystem in order to ride the digital wave. ISACA’s professional certifications and frameworks are well-recognised and adopted by the industry."

Both parties will cooperate to strengthen cyber security content and practice-sharing platforms in Singapore and beyond. The MOU would also take into consideration technology developments such as Internet of Things (IOT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

Theresa Grafenstine, ISACA board chair (CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, CPA, CISSP, CIA, CGMA, CGAP, ISACA Board Chair, and inspector-general of the U.S. House of Representatives), added: "As a globally recognised leader in cyber security capacity building, public policy and infrastructure, Singapore shares ISACA’s drive to build well-qualified cyber security workforces. We are proud to announce our commitment through this partnership with CSA."

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window