The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is tapping into the existing talent pool among full-time national servicemen (NSFs) in cyber vocations to bolster Singapore’s cyber defence capabilities.
The “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cyber NSF Work-Learn Programme” was signed between MINDEF’s Defence Cyber Organisation (DCO) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) on Feb 12, 2018.
This is the first work-learn programme between MINDEF and an education institute, where NSFs are sent for academic upgrading while employed in an operational role. The aim is to equip them with the necessary skills to better perform their duties.
The programme was made possible through close collaboration between MINDEF, the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and SIT. It will be applicable to NSFs who are recipients of the Cyber Specialist Award. Award recipients will also attend professional courses and attain professional certifications.
Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung said that the new Cyber NSF Scheme was a meaningful breakthrough.
He added that it was a marrying of three trends. “One, the operational requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces to defend our country better, especially in the area of cyber defence. Two, the rise of a young group that is au fait with cyber defence, and we want to tap and leverage on their expertise. And three, an evolution of teaching methods in all our universities and Institutes of Higher Learning, that it is not just lectures but also hands-on experience.”
A pilot batch of participants will enlist for full-time NS in the second half of 2018.