Opening Address by MOS Rahayu Mahzam at SICW Women In Cyber Panel 2024

SPEECH FOR OPENING ADDRESS BY MOS RAHAYU MAHZAM AT THE SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CYBER WEEK (SICW) WOMEN IN CYBER PANEL ON 15 OCT 2024

1. Distinguished guests, speakers, colleagues and friends. Good afternoon.

2. I am happy to be here with all of you at this year’s Women in Cyber event.

3. The Women in Cyber event has been an integral part of SICW. We continue this tradition year after year for a crucial reason: despite our growing numbers, women working in cybersecurity continue to be a minority. It is an important part of our work to promote the advancement of women.

4. However, this is not just about improving statistics. Creating and sustaining trust in our digital world calls for a comprehensive, ecosystem-wide collaboration. As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated and impact our communities, tapping into the unique perspectives and talents across society is essential to strengthen our collective defences.

5. As we gather here this afternoon, we should think about the future we can create together. A future where our security community become as diverse and dynamic as the society we protect.

6. Having diverse backgrounds, unique approaches to problem-solving, and fresh perspectives are not just beneficial – they are crucial in our fight against cyber threats. In a field where thinking differently can mean the difference between vulnerability and security, such diversity can be invaluable.

7. Today, we are here in a room full of women, and men, who are leaning forward to join the big challenge that is cybersecurity. And there are also many here who are leading the community. I am proud to be in the room with so many women who are so distinguished in their fields.

a. Take for example, Cheri, the Chief Information Security Officer of Temasek International. Cheri has the responsibility of overseeing Temasek’s cybersecurity strategy and managing its cyber and IT risks. Her work involves ensuring the company’s digital resilience and promoting best practices within the wider network. With significant experience in cybersecurity leadership, Cheri’s journey reflects the growing contributions of women in this field and serves as an encouraging example for others looking to pursue similar paths.

Our diversity is key in building digital trust

8. We are seeing significant changes in the cyber landscape. AI and quantum will change the threats and risks we face. Each of these areas demands deep domain expertise, as the problems we are facing are getting increasingly complex and challenging.

9. AI is a good example. There are new emerging risks and unknowns on how AI models can be manipulated and misused across different domains. Existing threats such as cyberattacks, misinformation, disinformation, and scams, are expected to increase in speed, scale and sophistication once enabled by AI. This makes cyberthreats even more challenging to defend against.

10. What we need is a concerted way to tap on talents across society. We need to groom and equip more individuals who may not have traditional cybersecurity experience to become more familiar with these concepts and challenges. Through synergising their domain expertise with newfound cybersecurity knowledge, these individuals will help strengthen our talent pipeline to help tackle these evolving challenges.

11. To address this, CSA had rolled out the SG Cyber Associates programme to provide cybersecurity training for various groups of non-cybersecurity professionals, including many women in other sectors, to develop cybersecurity skills relevant to their work.

12. Since the launch of the programme last year, CSA has worked with the Law Society, Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), Temasek Polytechnic and ISACA to roll out short courses in specific technology domains such as Internet of Things security, Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC), and legal frameworks in cybersecurity.

13. CSA will continue to work closely with the industry to identify training topics that are in demand, such as AI security.

14. By having a workforce that is increasingly familiar with cybersecurity concepts, we will be better equipped to create solutions that are not only technically sound, but also nuanced towards the needs of the different industries. These targeted cybersecurity trainings represent a step forward in encouraging a collective effort to protect our cyberspace.

Building new pathways in cybersecurity

15. Besides training non-cyber professionals on cybersecurity, it is also crucial that we actively build new pathways for women and others to join us in cybersecurity.

16. One way we can do this, is through understanding the hurdles that stand in the way of our women achieving a fulfilling career with abundant opportunities for growth.

17. We want to make sure that cybersecurity is seen as a meaningful, rewarding career, and that there are different pathways for a cybersecurity professional to advance.

18. As such, CSA is embarking on a study of how we can effectively professionalise Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce, including that for women and other minority groups.

a. For Singapore, professionalising the cybersecurity workforce will allow us to enhance the capabilities of our cybersecurity workforce, in addition to strengthening our national security, and Singapore’s reputation as a trusted business hub.

b. For organisations, clarity in standards and desired skills at various roles will mean greater improvements in workforce competency and productivity.

c. At the individual level, cybersecurity becomes more appealing as a long-term career when there are clear pathways for development, and practitioners are recognised for their professional expertise, skills and qualifications, both locally and internationally.

19. This comprehensive study will provide crucial insights to guide our professionalisation efforts. It will:

a. Examine our industry’s readiness for professional standards

b. Identify what cybersecurity roles should be professionalised

c. Develop strategies for international cross-recognition.

20. Consultations with stakeholders from the Government, industry, training institutions and certification bodies have begun, and we expect the study to conclude early next year.

21. These findings will form the foundation of a robust framework to ensure Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce meets world-class standards and remains globally competitive. For our cybersecurity professionals in Singapore, this means your skills and credentials will be recognised not just locally, but on a global stage.

22. Having a clear roadmap for elevating the cybersecurity profession in Singapore opens up new opportunities for all of us, especially women looking to advance their careers in cybersecurity. It is about creating an environment where your expertise is recognised, your contributions are valued, and you see a clear and meaningful path forward.

Conclusion

23. So, to everyone joining us here today – whether as a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in cyber – your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your presence in this field is not just welcomed, but deeply necessary.

24. We will continue to support your growth, your ambitions, and your success in the cybersecurity field.

25. However, this has to be a community effort. Organisation leaders play a vital role in championing women in cybersecurity within your own organisations. Create mentorship programmes, offer growth opportunities, and actively build a culture where women can thrive alongside their counterparts.

26. This journey of empowerment and inclusion will be an ongoing one. We welcome you to join in this shared endeavour, and to share your feedback and suggestions with us. This will ensure that we support your needs effectively.

27. We have a wonderful line up of women that are breaking new ground in cybersecurity. I wish all of you a fruitful discussion, and look forward to the panel insights into how we can continue to grow together and build an inclusive and safe digital cyberspace.

28. Thank you.