NEC and Singapore’s Economic Development Board partner to build strategic capabilities in cybersecurity

Singapore, 24 September 2014 – NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leading information communications technology company and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) will be partnering in a multi-year agreement to build strategic capabilities in cybersecurity through EDB’s Strategic Attachment and Training (STRAT) Programme.

NEC and EDB will seek qualified cybersecurity professionals and graduates to take part in a comprehensive cybersecurity training programme designed to equip them with the needed skills to counter the latest cyber threats. The training aims to develop key in-depth skills and cybersecurity capabilities in areas of malware analysis, incident response, intrusion detection, digital forensics and vulnerability assessment. The STRAT Programme aims to build up Singapore's manpower capabilities in strategic areas and sectors through overseas training and attachment with leading companies, and is open to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.

The one-year programme will involve cybersecurity training locally, as well as with one of NEC’s Security Operations Centres (SOC) in Japan, which will focus on developing cyber operator, analyst and incident responder skills. Training options also include working at one of NEC’s Regional Competency Centres or at an international partner agency, which will provide on-the-job-training in technical support for cyber operations, cyber forensics and malware analysis. Trainees will also have the option of working at NEC’s research laboratories on research and development projects.

The global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals has been highlighted in numerous reports. According to a Mckinsey and World Economic Forum report, delays in adopting cybersecurity capabilities could result in a loss of US$3 trillion (S$3.75 trillion) in economic value by 2020 globally1. A global study by Frost & Sullivan highlights that hacking, cyber-terrorism and hactivism are top concerns identified by organisations, yet more than half feel their security organizations are short-staffed2.
The signing ceremony for the partnership between EDB and NEC was held at Governmentware 2014 on 24 September 2014, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Mr Gian Yi-Hsen, Director of Safety & Security Industry Programme Office (SSIPO) commented, “EDB is pleased to form this strategic training partnership with NEC to provide the opportunity for Singaporeans to be trained in advanced cybersecurity capabilities, in turn strengthening the local pool of cybersecurity experts. Within a year, trainees will get an unique opportunity to acquire skills in different functions of security operations, research and forensics. This wide exposure will be an invaluable experience for trainees as it will equip them to be proficient for the wide range of job roles within the field of cybersecurity."

“We are glad to work with EDB, to develop and provide the opportunities to groom the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore. The demand for skilled talent is critical in the current environment, and we are committed to ensuring our identified trainees receive the relevant training that will broaden their exposure and sharpen their skills to counteract the sophisticated cybersecurity challenges of today,” said Mr Tan Boon Chin, Managing Director, Global Safety Division, NEC Corporation.


1 Risk and responsibility in a hyperconnected world: Implications for enterprises, by The World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company
2 The (ISC)2 2013 Global Information Security Workforce Study, by Frost & Sullivan and Booz Allen Hamilton

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company’s experience and global resources, NEC’s advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.  For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2014 NEC Corporation.

About NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Singapore-based NEC Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters for NEC Corporation (HQ: Japan) in the Asia Pacific region (South and Southeast Asia, and Oceania). As a leading infocomm technology provider and systems integrator offering regional sales and services support and consultancy, NEC APAC develops solutions on carrier network, global identity, RFID, enterprise server, unified communications, multimedia display, and contact centre, as well as provide outsourcing and managed services.

To leverage on its technological expertise, NEC APAC has established regional competency centres for public safety and display solutions to expand its capabilities and expertise to support businesses in the Asia Pacific region.

In line with the NEC Group Vision to realize an information society friendly to humans and the earth, NEC embarks on corporate social responsibilities initiatives to support the Nature (environment), Education and Community. For more information, please visit www.nec.com.sg.


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Cherie Ho
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