Singapore Launches Digital Industry and Cybersecurity Initiatives

Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore and the regulator, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), have joined forces to establish Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), to better support and capitalise on the growth opportunities for Singapore’s technology sector. The new joint office brings together 45 existing officers from EDB, Enterprise Singapore and IMDA, “drawing on and combining the unique strengths in industry development, market access, capability development and policy formulation from the three agencies. DISG will transform the way the Singapore government engages with the technology sector, as it serves as a single interface for the industry. The streamlined approach will enable DISG to better understand companies’ needs, with a view to anchor global technology leaders, build local champions, and nurture future ready talent in Singapore.” Kiren Kumar, who has been appointed chief digital industry officer of DISG, says: “Singapore today is a vibrant technology hub that is home to 80 of the top 100 global technology companies, and more than 4,000 home-grown and international start-ups from around the world.” DISG will be active in digital policy and guide investments in areas such as data, talent, trade and digital infrastructure, and up to 10,000 new jobs within the technology sector are expected in the next 3 years. In a related move, a specialised team will be set up to look into the security of Singapore’s telecoms ecosystem to bolster its defences against attackers and prepare for the rollout of the 5G network, reports the Strait Times. The telecoms cybersecurity specialist team will be working with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to conduct cybersecurity vulnerability assessments and exercises as well as test new technologies. It will comprise staff from the public service and will be housed at the IMDA. See more and here.