Last year, the Cyber NSF Scheme was launched by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in a bid to boost its cybersecurity capabilities.
Tapping on the pool of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), the Cyber Operators under the scheme will perform roles like 24/7 threat monitoring and analysis.
Among them, selected NSFs will be offered the Cyber Specialist Award, a short-term contract on Regular service on top of their full-time NS.
NSFs under the scheme will receive advanced training to perform specialised roles like penetration testing, cyber forensics, or malware analysis.
Key benefits of the scheme include:
- SIT Work-Learn Programme: Earn credits that count towards a cybersecurity degree with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
- SAF Regular Pay: Upon commencement of the contract, cyber specialists will receive Regular salary and benefits, such as leave, bonuses and medical coverage
- Professional Training: Undergo professional, industry-related certification by SysAdmin, Audit, Network and Security (SANS) Institute
Last December, the Cyber NSF Scheme received its first intake of 59 NSFs.
First Batch Of 56 Cyber Specialists Have Graduated
According to a report on The Straits Times, the pioneer batch of 56 cyber specialists have graduated on 22 Aug (Thurs) after undergoing a 35-week course at the Cyber Defence School at Stagmont Camp in Choa Chu Kang.
One of the graduates is Third Sergeant (3SG) Tan Jia Le (20), who will now perform “advanced cyber roles […] such as threat monitoring for signs of intrusion [and] responding to cyber incidents” for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and SAF.
He will also attend weekly lessons at SIT, and in the fourth to sixth year in the scheme, will complete a full-time degree in cybersecurity.
In his speech during the 40th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and for Trade and Industry Tan Wu Meng said that “the pioneer batch of cyber specialists will lead the way in building up Singapore’s cyber defence capabilities“.
Earlier in February, MINDEF revealed in a statement that it hopes to recruit around 300 personnel to perform specialised operational roles in cybersecurity, and hopes that the Cyber Defence School will also “help improve cyber hygiene for servicemen and employees across the ministry and the SAF”.
Said Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How then: “(Why we’ve set up these capabilities is) to ensure that we are operationally ready even in the face of these attacks, so that we can protect our sovereignty and give peace of mind to Singaporeans.”
- Find out more about the Cyber NSF Scheme here.