NEC and Singapore’s EDB partner to build cybersecurity capabilities

• Training programme to equip security pros and grads with needed skills
• Trainees get to work at one of NEC’s Security Operations Centres in Japan

NEC Corporation and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have agreed to a multi-year partnership to build strategic capabilities in cybersecurity through EDB’s Strategic Attachment and Training (STRAT) Programme.
 
NEC and EDB will seek qualified cybersecurity professionals and graduates to take part in a cybersecurity training programme designed to equip them with the needed skills to counter the latest cyberthreats, NEC said in a statement.
 
The training aims to develop key skills and cybersecurity capabilities in the areas of malware analysis, incident response, intrusion detection, digital forensics and vulnerability assessment.
 
This comes in the wake of a recent partnership between NEC and EDB to develop smart energy products and solutions.
 
The STRAT Programme aims to build up Singapore's manpower capabilities in strategic areas and sectors through overseas training and attachment with leading companies, and is open to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.
 
The one-year programme will involve cybersecurity training locally, as well as with one of NEC’s Security Operations Centres (SOCs) in Japan, which will focus on developing cyber operator, analyst and incident responder skills.
 
Training options also include working at one of NEC’s Regional Competency Centres or at an international partner agency, which will provide on-the-job-training in technical support for cyber operations, cyber forensics and malware analysis.
 
Trainees will also have the option of working at NEC’s research laboratories on research and development projects, the company said.
 
“EDB is pleased to form this strategic training partnership with NEC to provide the opportunity for Singaporeans to be trained in advanced cybersecurity capabilities, in turn strengthening the local pool of cybersecurity experts,” said Gian Yi-Hsen, director of EDB’s Safety & Security Industry Programme Office (SSIPO).
 
“Within a year, trainees will get an unique opportunity to acquire skills in different functions of security operations, research and forensics. This wide exposure will be an invaluable experience for trainees as it will equip them to be proficient for the wide range of job roles within the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
 
According to the McKinsey and World Economic Forum Risk and Responsibility in a Hyperconnected World: Implications For Enterprises report, delays in adopting cybersecurity capabilities could result in a loss of US$3 trillion (S$3.75 trillion) in economic value by 2020 globally.
 
The (ISC) 2013 Global Information Security Workforce Study by Frost & Sullivan and Booz Allen Hamilton highlights that hacking, cyber-terrorism and hactivism are top concerns identified by organisations, yet more than half feel their security organisations are short-staffed, NEC said.

“We are glad to work with EDB, to develop and provide the opportunities to groom the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore,” said Tan Boon Chin, managing director of the Global Safety Division at NEC.
 
“The demand for skilled talent is critical in the current environment, and we are committed to ensuring our identified trainees receive the relevant training that will broaden their exposure and sharpen their skills to counteract the sophisticated cybersecurity challenges of today,” he added.
 
Related Stories:
 
Cybercrime: Malaysia not lagging but needs to level up
 
Singapore announces third cyber-security masterplan
 
RSA to help create next-gen Singaporean cyber-security pros
 
NEC in smart energy partnership with Singapore’s Economic Development Board
 
FireEye sets up CoE and regional Hq in Singapore
 
 
For more technology news and the latest updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Like us on Facebook.