Kaspersky Expands Academic Partnerships in Singapore

Global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, today announced the expansion of its academic partnership program with tertiary institutions in Singapore, signing three separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Republic Polytechnic (RP), and Temasek Polytechnic (TP). The move comes as the Singapore government outlined its new proactive cyber-security strategy earlier in October.

As part of the MOUs, Kaspersky will provide support in curriculum development, consultancy in the areas of digital forensics, malware analysis, threat intelligence, threat hunting and incident response, as well as student and staff training opportunities along with student internship programs.

Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific (APAC) at Kaspersky comments, “The extension of our academic partnerships with the various tertiary institutions in Singapore is a key milestone for Kaspersky. Cyber threats are increasing in frequency, scale and complexity. Organisations and societies have had to pivot online and increasingly integrate themselves into the Internet of Things, which has left many extremely susceptible to cyberthreats. This has also brought to attention the huge talent gap present, along with the challenge that organisations face when finding the right talent to combat the complexities of our increasingly digitised society. We are honoured to lend our expertise and play our part in bridging this talent gap. This not only raises the level of cyber expertise in the Singapore workforce but more importantly, contributes to strengthening Singapore’s position as it continues to grow in strength as a regional and global hub.”

The tertiary partnership renewal is also timely as the ASEAN region continues to collaborate and strengthen the region’s collective cybersecurity capabilities and defences. This can be seen through the establishment of the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.

Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore’s Director for Strategic Resource & Policy Office and Workforce Development and Ecosystem Development Division, Mr. Wong Choon Bong commented that, “CSA is heartened to see industry partners such as Kaspersky working closely with Institutes of Higher Learning to build a strong pipeline of local cybersecurity talent. Given the evolving cyber threat landscape and the advent of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, it is important that the next generation of talents is equipped with the right skillsets and knowledge to prepare themselves as cybersecurity professionals.”

Industry training and exposure for tertiary students also enables Singapore’s workforce to be agile and ready as its data centre market scales the ranks in global positionings and remains the key technology hub in the region.

Dr. Eng Pin Kwang, Director, School of Informatics & IT, Temasek Polytechnic said: “Given the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats, we appreciate the opportunity that this collaboration with Kaspersky provides in deepening and extending our students capabilities in cybersecurity.”

Associate Professor Ivan Lee, Vice President (Industry & Community), SIT said: “Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving area where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As Singapore’s University of Applied Learning, SIT aims to grow a pool of cybersecurity talent that can meet the industry needs in building up cyberdefence capabilities. We are pleased to advance our partnership with Kaspersky. This will provide our students and cyber professionals with opportunities to broaden their exposure and enhance their skills in countering cyber threats.”

Ms Wong Wai Ling, Director, School of InfoComm, Republic Polytechnic said: “As part of the collaboration with Kaspersky, RP co-hosted the Kaspersky SecureIT Cup (Singapore leg) where students from Institutes of Higher Learning gathered to develop and present countermeasures to combat cybersecurity cases to an expert panel. RP’s lecturers also participated in Kaspersky’s “Train the Trainer” programme in Digital Forensics and Security Incident Response as part of their ongoing skills training to keep abreast of industry trends. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Kaspersky in our journey to nurture cybersecurity professionals through learning and sharing from industry experts.”

To date, close to 400 students and professionals have attended Kaspersky academic events and workshops or took on internship roles within the company.

With the renewal of Kaspersky’s academic partnerships, it aims to build a larger generation of prospective cybersecurity experts and equip them with the best-in-class techniques and knowledge to prepare them for the battle ahead. The agreements will focus on shaping the curriculum along with providing industry-relevant exposure and guidance to empower these skilled graduates as they embark on their careers after graduation.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 240,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

About Republic Polytechnic (RP)

The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage the Problem-based Learning approach for all its diploma programmes, Republic Polytechnic (RP) has seven schools and one academic centre offering 37 full-time diplomas in Applied Science, Engineering, Management and Communication, Hospitality, Infocomm, Sports, Health and Leisure, and Technology for the Arts.

RP is committed to nurturing professionals with strong problem-solving capabilities through an innovative and entrepreneurial learning environment, based on a holistic and industry-relevant curriculum. RP's Academy For Continuing Education also offers a comprehensive suite of lifelong learning programmes to provide adult learners with skills upgrading opportunities.

For more information, visit http://www.rp.edu.sg

About Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s University of Applied Learning, offering applied degree programmes targeted at growth sectors of the economy. With a mission to nurture and develop individuals who impact society in meaningful ways, SIT aims to be a leader in innovative learning by integrating learning, industry and community.

The university’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study by incorporating applied research for students to work on real industry problems and creating solutions that meet industry needs. SIT also advocates the work-learn continuum, which places an emphasis on upskilling and lifelong learning.

For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg

About Temasek Polytechnic (TP)

Established in 1990, TP is one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Singapore. Currently, it offers 36 full-time diploma courses in the areas of applied science, business, design, engineering, humanities & social sciences and informatics & IT. It also offers over 40 part-time courses, up to the advanced diploma level. TP students undergo a holistic learning system that combines hands-on experience, character education and relevant life skills, in an enriching learning environment. The polytechnic has also infused global realities into its programmes and developed a mindset on campus that embraces socio-cultural diversity. These ensure that TP graduates are ready for work or further studies, and to contribute meaningfully to the community. For more information, please visit www.tp.edu.sg.

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