Digital Defence was introduced as the sixth pillar of Total Defence in 2019 to increase awareness of defence in the digital domain, in recognition of the increasing threats that the digital world may pose to Singapore and Singaporeans. MINDEF/SAF recognises the need to engage Singaporeans from a young age on the importance of digital defence. In 2022, the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) piloted the Sentinel Programme in selected schools, to equip youths with useful cybersecurity and digital skills that can contribute to Singapore's digital defence.

Over 300 students from four secondary schools, 13 junior colleges and five polytechnics participated in the programme last year. Through hands-on workshops, engagement sessions and competitions, the student development programme enabled participants to learn about basic programming, cryptography and network forensics. This pilot programme will continue to be conducted this year.

With the strong student interest received, the DIS will continue to work with agencies such as the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to offer the programme to youths from all secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) in the coming years.