Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft and Google to enhance national cyber defence and cybersecurity.
The partnership, announced during Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) 2023, aims to facilitate threat intelligence sharing, joint operations to combat cybercrime and malicious cyber activity, and exchanges on emerging and critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence and capacity-building efforts.
CSA’s chief executive David Koh said, “Cyber defence is a team effort. Big Tech plays a key role in shaping our digital terrain and are therefore important partners in cyber defence and cybersecurity. We look forward to working closely with Microsoft and Google to advance our shared mission of building a safer cyberspace for all users."
Google expects generative AI will present novel security risks and become the foundation for a new generation of cyber defences through advanced security operations and front-line intelligence with "bold and responsible" decisions with its development and regulation.
Google's vice president for government affairs and public policy in the Asia Pacific region, Michaela Browning said, “AI has long had a tremendous impact for good on the security ecosystem and leveraging advances in AI will be important for global security and stability going forward."
The agency said it welcomes more such collaborations with other key industry players.
Capacity building
Singapore is also launching a structured programme - SG Cyber Leadership and Alumni Programme to cater to participants at different stages of their cybersecurity journey.
To support the initiative, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat told the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) 2023 that they are extending earlier funding cyber capacity building commitment of S$30 million for another three years, from 2024 to 2026.
The programme comprises training courses catered to participants across all countries at the executive, foundation and advanced levels.
It includes a fellowship and an introductory foundation course focused on basic cyber diplomacy concepts, international law, and norms in cyberspace, and operational and technical considerations of international cyber policy.
It also aims to provide participants with an understanding of the cyber threat landscape and mitigation strategies.
The advanced course is targeted at senior officials to gain a deeper understanding and analysis of key cyber issues across the policy, legal, technical, and operational areas.
