Speech by Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean at the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies' 20th Anniversary Celebration on 12 May 2023

Minister Ng Eng Hen

Mr. Goh Wei Boon, Chief Executive, CSIT

Distinguished guests

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate CSIT's 20th anniversary. Congratulations to CSIT.

CSIT's Beginnings

Twenty years ago, as Minister for Defence, I attended the topping-out ceremony for the construction of this very facility. I have visited several times since then. I am happy to see that it is a vibrant and conducive environment for the innovative work that CSIT does.

The formation of CSIT in 2003 took place following the mainstream adoption of the Internet and its associated technologies across the world. It changed the way people communicate, handle data and sensitive information, and therefore we had to find a new way to protect the information. In Singapore, Singnet was launched in 1994 – those of you who are old enough will recall having to dial up to the Internet. Broadband Internet was then introduced in 1998, which allowed households to enjoy the benefits of the Internet at far greater speeds.

At the same time, the global and regional security environment was in flux. Countries, including Singapore, were grappling with emerging non-conventional threats, especially terrorism, and cyber threats.

Against this backdrop, it became clear that MINDEF needed to establish an internal capability, to conduct applied research and develop customised solutions harnessing cutting-edge digital technologies, to meet Singapore's changing national security needs.

Today's Security Challenges

Twenty years is a long time in digital technology. The latest discoveries and inventions today would have been just a gleam in the eye a few years ago. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, Web 3.0, and others offer boundless opportunities for improving our lives.

But just as we have integrated new technologies into our daily lives, malign actors are exploiting technology for their nefarious goals. The security picture has therefore evolved. We see this in a few domains.

In cyberspace, malicious actors are using very sophisticated technologies and tactics, whether to steal sensitive information or to take down critical infrastructure for political reasons or for profit. Ransomware attacks globally are bringing down digital government services for extended periods of time. Corporations are not spared. Hackers continue to breach sophisticated systems and put up stolen personal data for sale, and classified information as well.

Deepfakes and botfarms are generating fake news to manipulate public opinion. Just weeks after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, deepfake videos of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announcing Ukraine's supposed surrender, and Russian President Putin supposedly declaring peace, were circulated. These videos were quickly debunked. But as generative AI technologies like Chat-GPT mature and become more widely available, we can expect more sophisticated content blurring the line between fact and fiction.

In the security domain, extremists are spreading radical material and recruiting followers through social media and encrypted applications, while also exploiting blockchain and cryptocurrencies to finance their illicit activities. These are not theoretical possibilities but have happened here in Singapore as well, directly threatening our security.

CSIT's Contributions to National Security

Threats like these reinforce our need for agencies like CSIT to develop strong capabilities that will support our security agencies and keep Singapore safe. CSIT's role which has mostly been in the background for national security reasons, will continue to be invaluable in three ways:

First, CSIT helps to secure our government networks, products and services against malicious cyber actors and criminals. Cybersecurity is a team sport: CSIT works closely with MHA, GovTech, CSA, and DIS to defend Singapore against malicious threats. For example, CSIT has developed an Automated Malware Analysis and Attribution System – or ACUBE – that shortens the time needed for incident responders, malware analysts and investigators to react and respond to threats. As we provide more digital government services, the work of CSIT to safeguard the sensitive data of Singaporeans and our Government remains crucial.

Second, CSIT will continue to deploy its advanced cybersecurity expertise to cyber incident investigations. After the SolarWinds attack was exposed in 2020, CSIT, together with CSA, worked to investigate potential data breaches in Singapore. While there was no indication that our critical information infrastructure or Government systems were adversely affected, it was a stark reminder that if we let our guard down, we can be severely impacted. Agencies like CSIT must continually enhance their capabilities and expertise, to guard against such attacks, and respond swiftly and decisively should they occur.

Third, CSIT's products help our security agencies detect extremist propaganda and disinformation online, by using advanced analytics and machine learning. As threats surface with new ways to evade law enforcement, CSIT's applications expand the toolkit of our security agencies to discover and nip these new threats in the bud.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Digital Talent

The security landscape especially in the digital domain is ever evolving. We need to anticipate new technologies, and create solutions that strengthen our defence and security.

A key imperative is for agencies like CSIT to attract talentedpeople.

I understand from Wei Boon that while CSIT has done quite well in nurturing young talent and attracting new talent, there is increasing demand for even more such able and trained infocomm professionals in Singapore.

Although our resident workforce in the infocomm sector has grown by 40% over the past five years, the demand for more professionals remains strong. There were around 9,000 job openings available in the infocomm sector in September last year, even after accounting for the series of layoffs in the year.

Our people are our strongest asset, and we need to always provide opportunities to identify and nurture talent. The Government remains committed to developing both students and professionals in the technology workforce.

Our public sector agencies offer various scholarships and study programme, such as the SG Digital Scholarship, Smart Nation Scholarship, DSTA, DSO and CSIT scholarships, to encourage students to pursue tertiary studies in infocomm technology. Fresh graduates and mid-career professionals can tap on programmes under the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) to acquire relevant in-demand skills and gain in-depth industry exposure, to take on careers in tech.

CSIT plays an important role in creating more opportunities for budding technologists, fresh graduates and also those looking for a mid-career change, to develop their passion and interest in this field. Initiatives include internships; competitions like the annual Cyberthon jointly organised with Hwa Chong Institution and the DIS; and the Nanyang Polytechnic Centre for IT Innovation (Cybersecurity), which is set up together with cybersecurity companies Ensign Infosecurity and Fortinet Inc.

Over twenty participants of these initiatives have gone on to pursue full-time careers in CSIT or taken up CSIT scholarships. We will continue to grow our pool of cybersecurity experts to meet the demands of the future.

Today, I am pleased to launch CSIT's Cyber Traineeship Programme, which provides fresh university graduates and mid-careerists, with no prior formal training in cybersecurity, the opportunity to reskill to become cybersecurity professionals. This is an exciting opportunity, especially for those who have always wanted to take a leap into this sector but did not have the opportunity to do so earlier.

Selected candidates will undergo a 7-month paid intensive training programme. They will also be paired with a CSIT mentor who is a skilled cybersecurity specialist to guide them through their reskilling journey. Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees will be placed in a permanent role in CSIT.

Over the next three years, CSIT plans to reskill close to 100 individuals through the Cyber Traineeship Programme. The programme will help Singaporeans capture new opportunities presented by the digital economy, and contribute to our national defence and security. I strongly encourage interested Singaporeans to take advantage of this chance to become a part of Singapore's next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Conclusion

CSIT has made great strides over the past two decades. Much has been achieved and there is much to be proud of. To our dedicated professionals in CSIT: As you embark on your next 20 years, build on the foundation that has been laid, challenge yourselves to remain at the cutting edge of technology, and continue to anticipate the security challenges of tomorrow. Do this in collaboration with the whole of Government. This will help Singapore stay one step ahead of threats and move confidently into the digital future.

Thank you very much and congratulations.

More Resources

SM Teo: Cyber Traineeship Programme by CSIT for Singaporeans to Develop Next Generation of Digital Talent

Fact Sheet: CSIT Cyber Traineeship Programme (CCTP)