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The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) have joined forces to create the NUS-CSA CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre aims to position Singapore as a leading global hub for cybersecurity innovation, with the goal of uplifting the nation’s cybersecurity sector.
The country acknowledges a rise in the demand for reliable and sophisticated cybersecurity solutions. With Southeast Asia’s digital economy expected to reach S$1 trillion by 2030 and a growing number of internet users, a robust cybersecurity industry is crucial.
Beyond protecting Singapore’s digital future and bolstering its resilience against scams and cybercrimes, the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre strives to reinforce Singapore’s reputation as a trusted digital hub and aims to propel cybersecurity into an emerging economic driver for the nation.
The CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre serves as a central platform for integrating and developing programmes that cater to the needs of both industry and talent development in Singapore. It also serves as an international hub for cooperation on cybersecurity innovation, connecting local and global stakeholders in the cybersecurity field, including academia, industry professionals, and government representatives.
Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, emphasised the importance of cybersecurity not only for national security but also as a driving force for economic growth. He outlined their collaborative approach with CSA, leveraging NUS’ strengths to promote growth in the cybersecurity sector and enhance cybersecurity capabilities across industry sectors.
The strategic initiatives of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre are structured around three core pillars, focusing on talent development, co-innovation with industry, and enabling the growth of local cybersecurity companies.
The talent development pillar will create a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals and expand capabilities across various industries. This will be achieved by closely coordinating with CSA’s Talent & Skills Development programmes and engaging potential partners to deliver impactful programmes supported by CSA’s Talent Development Fund.
Under the innovation pillar, the Centre will foster co-innovation with the industry, nurturing promising cybersecurity companies. The collaboration will result in cybersecurity innovation challenges like the Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation (CyberCall), designed to develop and implement innovative solutions to tackle cybersecurity challenges in Singapore.
The growth pillar aims to enable local cybersecurity companies to scale regionally and globally, providing support to companies at various stages of development, including early-stage startups and more established businesses.
David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive of CSA, highlighted that workforce and ecosystem development are at the core of Singapore’s 2021 Cybersecurity Strategy, and the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre plays a crucial role in bringing together stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and grow talent.
To ensure the success of the Collaboration Centre, NUS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISTARI, the global cybersecurity platform established by Temasek, at the Cybersecurity Innovation Day.
This partnership encompasses three key areas, including internship opportunities for NUS students under the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme, mentorship opportunities for NOC students, and joint events to enhance cyber resilience in the region.
In addition to the launch of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre, CyberCall 2022 was dedicated to fostering innovative cybersecurity solutions and promoting the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in Singapore.
CyberCall 2022 presented seven challenge statements and received proposals from over 50 local and international companies, with four outstanding proposals securing funding of up to S$1 million from CSA’s Cybersecurity Co-Innovation and Development Fund.
CyberCall 2023 is currently accepting submissions targeting cybersecurity challenges in sectors like manufacturing, maritime, healthcare, and energy and utilities, fostering opportunities for co-innovation, adoption, and test-bedding in the cybersecurity sector.