Singapore launches new Skills Pathway for cybersecurity training

Singapore Computer Society (SCS) has launched a Skills Pathway for Cybersecurity, developed in collaboration with founding employers and supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Association of Information Security Professionals (AiSP). This employer-centric and industry-led initiative aims to provide guidance for individuals aspiring to enter the field of cybersecurity, including those looking to switch careers mid-way. The initiative was officially launched by Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, during the SkillsFuture Forum 2024.

The Skills Pathway for Cybersecurity was developed under the guidance of an advisory committee composed of representatives from 13 founding employers. These include CSA, Ensign InfoSecurity, GovTech, NCS, ST Engineering, and Synapxe, among others.

This initiative was crafted to support CSA's national drive to create a professional framework for the cybersecurity workforce, aiming for standards similar to those in established fields such as professional engineering and accountancy. This framework was announced by the Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, in October 2023. Over the coming year, the Skills Pathway for Cybersecurity will help to lay the groundwork for this overarching framework.

Through the Skills Pathway, individuals can gain industry-relevant training leading to recognised certifications. The committee's role is crucial in maintaining the relevance and efficacy of the initiative by identifying essential skills and curating courses that align with current industry demands. This provides participants with the skillsets necessary for various entry-level roles in cybersecurity, namely Cyber SOC Analyst, Cyber Incident Response and Forensics Analyst, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, and Cyber Penetration Tester.

Available training courses and certifications, curated by employers, offer opportunities for career transition and employability, especially for mid-career individuals. These certifications and training courses are supported financially through SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), which allows individuals to offset out-of-pocket fees.

The initiative is part of SCS's efforts as an appointed Skills Development Partner by SSG to align individual skillsets with evolving business needs. SCS remains focused on strengthening the link between the skills acquired by individuals and the demands of the industry.

In his comments, President of Singapore Computer Society, Sam Liew, highlighted the critical nature of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. "This initiative demonstrates our commitment to building a strong cybersecurity workforce in Singapore. This employer-led initiative addresses the significant gap in the cybersecurity sector, ensuring training and certifications are aligned with industry needs. By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, we enable Singaporeans to secure quality jobs and enhance the nation's digital resilience," he said.

Echoing these sentiments, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore, Tan Kok Yam, remarked, “When industry is clear about its skills needs, Singaporeans will have more confidence to pursue upskilling. We are pleased that SCS has pioneered the Skills Pathway for Cybersecurity, for employers to clearly signal their cybersecurity skills requirements to potential employees, including mid-careerists looking to level up their career options. We will work with our Skills Development Partners and other potential collaborators, to tailor similar solutions for their profession or industry sector.”

Detailed information on the full list of training courses and industry-recognised certifications available under the Skills Pathway for Cybersecurity can be found in the associated Factsheet. Individuals interested in the programme can access funding support through SkillsFuture Singapore to offset related expenses.