Introducing women with a deep interest in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an important growth sector in Singapore’s economy and digital future. There is a growing need to strengthen Singapore’s cybersecurity capabilities so as to protect our cyberspace. I am part of a dynamic team that looks into growing a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline through programmes on talent development under SG Cyber Talent, a national initiative by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). We work with internal and external stakeholders such as employers, government agencies, industry associations and training providers to grow and develop the cybersecurity workforce, and create job opportunities for Singaporeans.

What brought you to the cybersecurity industry?

I have a tech degree and always worked in tech-related roles since I graduated. My experience spans across the private and public sectors in applications development, enterprise architecture and workforce development. My first role as an applications developer in a local telecommunication company had laid a foundation for my tech skills and generated my strong interest in tech. In that role, I had good mentors who taught me the importance of security-by-design and how we should design our applications to ensure they would not be vulnerable to attacks. When I came across the opportunity to take on the cybersecurity workforce development portfolio, I took on the challenge as I could leverage on my technical foundation and workforce development experience in this role. In addition, I have always liked to solve puzzles such as word puzzles and Sudoku since young. I realise that the work in cybersecurity is akin to solving real-life puzzles! In cybersecurity, there is a variety of challenges and you will certainly be thoroughly engaged in your job.

What were your defining moments in this industry, and factors or guidance that helped you achieve them?

Cybersecurity is a team sport. Thus many of my defining moments in this industry (just to name a few) – launching the national initiative SG Cyber Talent, bringing the international panel to speak at the annual Singapore International Cyber Week Women in Cyber event, introducing the SG Cyber Talent Development Fund to seek proposals from industry to develop initiatives that engage, upskill or advance the cybersecurity workforce – are not just mine, but they are the defining moments of my organisation, my team and the community.

What is it that you love most about your role?

What motivates me at work is knowing the work that we do is very meaningful and that we have the support of stakeholders, who are passionate in creating the robust cybersecurity talent pipeline. They are from a range of ages and from diverse backgrounds, all passionate about contributing to the cybersecurity industry in their own ways. The international exposure is also a plus point. I had the opportunity to share about Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce development initiatives at international platforms with government/private sector representatives from other countries. I was also encouraged by their positive responses to Singapore’s efforts.

Prominent Cybersecurity trends:

What are some of the trends you have seen in the market lately, and what do you think will emerge in the future?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about the accelerated pace of digitalisation and cybersecurity has become a key enabler for our digital economy. More job opportunities are being created in cybersecurity during this “new normal”. Many organisations understand that other than building up their cybersecurity teams, it is important that the whole organisation at all levels need to understand and interpret cyber risks. These organisations are stepping up their efforts to deepen the cybersecurity skills of their staff across all businesses (for both cybersecurity and non-cybersecurity professionals) – from introducing cybersecurity awareness programmes to upskilling their cybersecurity skills. The traditional non-cybersecurity job roles such as operational technology professionals, software engineers, product developers, and auditors, have absorbed cybersecurity- related tasks that require these professionals to acquire cybersecurity skills and not only at the awareness level

Females in Cyber Security

What can we do to encourage more women to join the cybersecurity sector?

Despite global economic situation, the global cybersecurity market is still growing. Cybersecurity is no longer limited to technical roles and this trend presents good career opportunities for men and women. Under SG Cyber Talent, opportunities are created for all, from youths to professionals to leaders, and individuals with diverse backgrounds, to gain knowledge, skills and experience in cybersecurity. I’m heartened to see that many who have benefitted from our programmes, contributed effortlessly to the ecosystem to support in the development of cybersecurity talents. One such initiative was the students who went through the Youth Cyber Exploration Programme (YCEP) bootcamp furthered their cybersecurity interests and provided knowledge sharing by forming or joining communities such as Cyber Youth Singapore to engage and interest other youths in cybersecurity. Another initiative is AiSP’s Ladies in Cyber Mentorship programme, which I joined many enthusiastic cybersecurity leaders and professionals to provide mentorship to the students from the Institutes of Higher Learning.

Final thoughts

How can you debunk the myths of a career in cybersecurity

Each cybersecurity professional has his or her own playbook to start the cybersecurity career journey. When there is a cyber-attack, it is unexpected, and the cybersecurity teams will require the expertise of diverse backgrounds (education, gender, skills, knowledge, and judgement) to come together to counter the sophisticated attacks. Thus, start creating your own cybersecurity career playbook now!