Singtel today announced an initiative to further strengthen Singapore’s cyber security talent pipeline with the launch of the Singtel Cyber Security Experience or CSX,
an interactive cyber security education portal to engage students and
mid-career professionals who aspire to be cyber security professionals.
The
CSX raises awareness of cyber-related careers by profiling real-life
cyber security professionals and mentors from Singtel and its US-based
managed security services subsidiary, Trustwave, as well as the Cyber
Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). Visitors to the portal can explore
various career paths in cyber security and experience a day in the life
of a cyber security professional through interactive, virtual cyber
scenarios to understand the hard and soft skills needed for various
roles.
Visitors can also test their skills by taking
part in cyber challenges that focus on basic cyber security terms,
concepts and operational principles. Those who fare well will be invited
to the Singtel Cyber Security Institute (CSI) to hone their skills in
cyber war game sessions which will allow them to understand cyber attack
and defence approaches. They will also meet cyber security
professionals or mentors to learn more about their roles.
“The
CSX initiative helps address the cyber security talent gap in Singapore
by using an interactive platform to engage aspiring cyber security
professionals of all ages,” said Bill Chang, CEO, Group Enterprise at
Singtel. “This self-guided platform is designed to introduce them to
various cyber security roles and kindle their interest in a career in
this fast-growing field.”
The launch of CSX dovetails
with the Singapore government’s strategic focus to develop cyber
security capabilities in Singapore. The Committee on the Future Economy Report
recommended that Singapore builds advanced cyber security capabilities
to accelerate high-growth industries and core competencies that support
the digitalisation of other industries.
In support of
this initiative, David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA said, “This is an
innovative way to generate interest in cyber security as a career and
attract enthusiastic individuals into the profession. The CSX will augment our efforts to grow our talent pool and develop a vibrant cyber security ecosystem in Singapore.”
Globally,
the demand for cyber security professionals outstrips supply. Frost
& Sullivan forecasts the shortage of cyber security talents
worldwide is expected to hit 1.5 million by 2020. The CSA expects the
demand for cyber security professionals in Singapore to reach 9,700 by
2021.
Singtel has partnered with all five local polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to make CSX available as an additional tool in their efforts to raise awareness of cyber security. A series of trials of CSX were conducted with selected educational institutions. To date, close to 1,000 students have participated in these trials. The CSX also helps teachers pick up the fundamentals of cyber security at no cost in a six-hour Cyber Teacher Programme learning module.
The CSX also ties in with Singtel CSI’s partnership with the SkillsFuture Singapore
(SSG) to develop cyber security capabilities of mid-career
professionals, who can access the portal to expand their career options
in cyber security.
“Our partnerships with the
educational institutions and SSG allow us to cast a wider net to bring
in suitable candidates who can form the frontline of Singapore’s cyber
defence,” Chang added.
The CSX adds to Singtel’s initiatives to build a sustainable cyber security talent pool in Singapore. These include the Singtel Cadet Scholarship for polytechnic students and the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists
programme for fresh graduates and midcareer professionals. Singtel also
partners the Singapore Institute of Technology to offer work-study
programmes and trains new undergraduate to postdoctoral level cyber
security professionals at the NUS – Singtel Cyber Security Research and
Development Laboratory.
Interested?
View the video introducing the CSX
