Cyber security job placements increase as demand in Singapore heightens
- IMDA
As the world becomes more digitally connected, cyber attacks will continue with greater frequency and severity. Governments, corporations and consumers will continue to need protection from cyber security threats.
With government initiatives set to open more doors for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals than before, abundant employment opportunities await job seekers in the ICT sector.
As companies make headway in their digitalisation journey, they will increasingly need a skilled ICT workforce to propel their growth. IT jobs are attracting not only younger professionals but mid-career professionals who are looking to grow their skills and make a transition as well.
In the wake of data breaches across critical services sectors and digitalisation, companies are strengthening their internal capabilities to counteract the cyber risks and vulnerabilities. This has led to an increase in the demand for well-trained cyber security professionals with excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities backed by strong ICT fundamentals.
At the same time, Singapore is arming itself with a new generation of cyber security professionals to counter these rising threats. Over the next half-decade, Singapore will invest $30 million into the ASEAN-Singapore Cyber Security Centre of Excellence to deepen the region’s cyber capabilities through the training of national emergency response teams2.
Join the ICT industry and equip yourself with a Double Major Degree in Cyber Security & Forensics and Computer Science to gain competitive advantage. Demand is surging for cyber security specialists across all industries, amid growing awareness of cyber security threats and the introduction of new regulatory processes to combat the threats.
Polytechnic Diploma holders receive exemptions and gain direct entry to Year 2 of the Degree3. You can complete your Degree in 16 months instead of 28 months4. You can look forward to starting your careers and earning sooner, possibly even one year earlier. You also have the flexibility to plan your schedule and study at your own pace even while you are working.
Student Membership with Centre of Strategic Cyberspace and International Studies (CSCIS)
All students will be entitled to a waiver of membership fee of their initial application for membership with CSCIS. The CSCIS supports members in their ongoing career development and benefits include dedicated industry talks and sessions, networking opportunities, updates on cyber security-related topics.
Established in the United Kingdom and headquartered in London, the CSCIS is a bipartisan, multilateral, international non-profit organisation. It seeks to advance global cyberspace security and prosperity by providing strategic insights for cyberspace and policy solutions to decision-makers.
The CSCIS focus on cyberspace provides advancement on cyber international policy with an emphasis on defence and security, regional and transnational cyber challenges ranging from critical infrastructures, technology, cybercrime, terrorism, and research to national security, development, and economic integration. Since its inception, the CSCIS has worked to develop practical solutions for today’s cyberspace challenges.
3 Must-have Skill Sets for Cyber Security Professionals
Cyber security is a transferable skill set and industry agnostic. ICT professionals with a strong understanding of IT fundamentals in infrastructure and applications backed with excellent problem solving and analytical thinking skills should do well in these roles. It is essential to approach the cyber security profession with humanised skill sets.
Here are the skill sets:
Ability to strategise to ensure protection of network, infrastructure and computer systems
Develop people management and communication skills to ensure effective coordination with teams and clients
Enhance technical competency through skilling up in order to better identify and resolve issues more quickly
Areas in Need of Cyber Security Professionals
Incident and crisis management
Security management
Threat and vulnerability management
An Overview of the Cyber Security Landscape in Singapore4
Interested in innovating technology that benefits our society’s economic and social wellbeing? Join the rapidly evolving technology industry and bring your revolutionary ideas to life.
Financial technology (Fintech) is now more than a buzzword; the exponential growth in the industry is not showing any signs of a slowdown. In Asia, Singapore is one of the hottest Fintech hubs, with investment more than tripling to US$61.5 million (S$83.3 million).
Cyber Security Analyst, Foreign Bank
Bachelor of Information Technology in Cyber Security and Forensics
Murdoch University Graduate (2022)
I found a new job as a Cyber Security Analyst while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree programme. Quite interestingly, the fact that I was about to complete my Degree actually helped me negotiate a significant starting salary.
The module, Cyber Forensics and Information Technology, gave me very useful insights into the way Cyber Forensics is practised in the industry. It also provided me with a thorough understanding of commonly used tools.
The module, Information Security Policy and Governance, has enhanced my understanding of policy creation, and how one could identify and manage risks - these are really important for cyber security practitioners to know and start applying.During my study with Murdoch University, I attended lessons online due to the pandemic. This has helped me to focus on my studies as well as save time as I was able to head home after work for dinner before lessons.
As for the lecturers, they were very helpful and engaging – giving us very useful feedback and advice to improve our understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.
Shawn Phang Zhi Wei
IT Security Bank Officer, Banking Industry
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics & Information Security and Business Information Systems (Double Major)
Murdoch University Student (2017)
As cybercrimes and unethical hacking are escalating and becoming more prevalent, there is an increasing demand for cyber security professionals not just in Singapore but globally. I decided to obtain a Degree in Cyber Security.
Moreover, due to my Diploma in Information Security from Nanyang Polytechnic, I was exempted from some modules. To broaden my knowledge and skill sets, I have decided a Double Major so as to gain competitive advantage and increase my career choices. And the reason I have chosen Murdoch University because the Degree is internationally recognised.
My job scope includes monitoring, analysing, investigating and escalation of real-time security risks that are threats to the organisation. It includes providing timely detection, identification, and containment of possible cyber-attacks or intrusions. And also to determine the effectiveness and impact assessment of an observed attack
No doubt, Murdoch University Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Security and Forensics & Business Information Systems boost my skills and knowledge to perform my job effectively. And the programme is accredited by Australian Computer Society.
The challenge we now face is to shape a digital society that is resilient to cyber threats, I encourage people who are keen to combat these threats, to join the cyber security industry. There is plenty of opportunities for graduates because Singapore is facing a massive shortage of cyber security and information and communications technology professionals.
Ahmad Aizat Bin Ahmad Zaini
Network Technician, Amazon Web Services
Bachelor in Cyber Forensics, Information Security & Management and Business
Information Systems (Double Major) Murdoch University Graduate (2019)
In search of enhancing my credentials, I was attracted to Murdoch University due to its stellar reputation in grooming graduates with strong employability prospects. There were many Double Majors to choose from and I eventually decided to enrol for a Degree in Cyber Forensics, Information Security & Management and Business Information Systems. My Double Major Degree not only taught me to pinpoint an organisation’s weak security governance, it exposed me to varied ways of implementing proper data storage systems and also enhanced my analytical skills.
I was offered a new role in managing critical security governance issues and adeptly applied my theoretical knowledge to drive productivity and revenue for digital security in my organisation. Pursuing a Double Major Degree has expanded my perspectives, and I encourage others to take it on with Murdoch University as well.
Jonathan Piak Chin Fong
Systems Engineer, Power Industry
Bachelor in Cyber Forensics, Information Security & Management and Business
Information Systems (Double Major) Murdoch University Graduate (2018)
Since young, I have always wanted to pursue a career in cyber security. Upon attaining a Higher Nitec certificate in Network Security Technology and a Diploma in Information Technology from Republic Polytechnic, I was motivated to advance my tertiary education with
Murdoch University.
Reminiscing my Kaplan journey reminds me of my deep appreciation for the refreshing curriculum delivered by experienced lecturers. Not only were they able to highlight the essence of each topic through the sharing of real-life experiences, they patiently guided us in terms of prioritising our workload. The knowledge I have gained from this Degree programme has strengthened my adaptability in countering real-world issues such as spotting key indicators in system faults, performing active hunting and providing prompt incident responses.
Zhang Jia Cai
Engineer, Security Solutions Provider
Bachelor in Cyber Forensics, Information Security Management and Business Information Systems (Double Major)
Murdoch University Graduate (2019)
Mention “cyber forensics” and you will probably think of hit Hollywood dramas like CSI: Cyber or any of the hacker-inspired movies in this list. For 27-year-old Zhang Jia Cai though, the phrase means a whole new exciting career.
A few years ago, the Computer Engineering Diploma holder was a desktop engineer handling technical computer issues faced by his colleagues. Then, like how great things began, he asked the big question: Why?
“As a desktop engineer, you only have access to surface-level information when a security incident happens in your organisation. But I wanted to find out why, what, when and how it happened, and analyse in-depth data to solve it,” shared Jia Cai.
To do that, he needed to have advanced knowledge of cyber forensics. This led him to enrol in a Degree programme at Murdoch University.
Murdoch University at Kaplan was Jia Cai’s top choice, as he was drawn to its sterling reputation and widely recognised Degrees. Murdoch’s part-time programme structure allowed him to hold down a full-time job while pursuing his dream programme. Kaplan’s central location also made it easily accessible from his office.
Today, Jia Cai is a proud Murdoch University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics and Information Security and Business Information Systems (Double Major).
After graduation, he received a job offer as an Engineer in the Security Operations Centre at PCS Security Pte. Ltd. He ensures his organisation's information assets are secure, through monitoring for anomalies in the network, investigating them and performing remediation/escalation as required.
This was his dream come true. “My new career has just begun, and I’m certain that it’ll be an exciting one,” Jia Cai remarked.
He added: “I've always been interested in various aspects of IT. However, I love to work in the cyber security field as I’m curious to know why and how security breaches and incidents occur. Graduating with Double Majors allows me to expand my field of knowledge, and be more versatile in my future career progression.
“My Murdoch Degree has equipped me with the knowledge to review different cybersecurity events and network traffic flows. I’ve also learned how to analyse available information to find out why specific security incidents occur.
“I recommend Murdoch University to anyone who wants to be a cyber forensics investigator, or be involved in the information security of an organisation. With the University’s Double Major system, they can also attain knowledge and skills in other areas like business information systems or programming. The University’s Degree improves their versatility and creates more career opportunities.”
Reina Margarita O. Mendoza
Software Engineer, Aspire Systems Consulting Pte. Ltd
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security & Forensics and Computer Science (Double Major)
Murdoch University Graduate (2019)
Top 2% Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Awards 2018 Recipient
Believing that there was an increasing demand for labour in the IT sector, I chose to broaden my knowledge in two specialisations, Computer Science and Cyber Forensics. As a Software Engineer today, I can actively apply the coding skills and computer science principles gleaned during my studies to code and create progressive software compliant with coding standards.
Gaining a recognised Double Major Degree from Murdoch, accredited by the
Australian Computer Society (ACS), further affirms that choosing Murdoch
University has been the best decision I have made.
Ang Bing Quan
Software Engineer / Application Consultant, NCS Pte Ltd
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics & Information Security and Computer Science (Double Major)
Murdoch University Student (2020)
Aiming for gainful and lucrative employment, I decided to switch to an IT career, which I felt would also be a fulfilling experience. With its flexible study schedule, wide range of programmes, and the option to take any number of modules per trimester, Murdoch University was the obvious choice. The flexibility alone is advantageous for part-time students like myself.
Set on acquiring an IT-related qualification, I began with a Kaplan Diploma in Information Technology as my foundation. Through its completion, I had smooth advancement to my chosen Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics & Information Security and Computer Science Double Major Degree.
Seeing how computer science and cyber and information security go hand in hand, I chose to study both in a Double Major programme to gain knowledge and increase my opportunities in both fields.
My efforts have paid off, and my Bachelor’s Degree education has enabled me to develop essential skills related to my work. I would recommend students take up Double Majors to increase their employability and expand their job options.
Lim Chang Jie
IT Forensic Investigator, IT Industry
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Forensics
Murdoch University Student (2020)
My choice to study with Murdoch University was due to its highly positive reputation compared to other universities and its association with the Innovative Research Universities network. They also provide programmes which fit my career needs flawlessly, and exceeded my expectations of the syllabus. I found the “Cyber Forensics and Information Technology” and “Information Security Policy and Governance” modules to be especially practical for my work.
As my current role involves investigation of suspects’ electronic devices and monitoring suspicious activity within company networks, my Degree has helped me understand my job scope in greater detail and allows me to improvise investigation methods. It also educates me on performing my job ethically.
As a part-time student, I appreciate that Murdoch University provides flexible study schedules, suitable for part-time students, and keeps assignment and revision deadlines reasonable for us to cope with. The lecturers’ presentations were clear and paced evenly so as not to overwhelm students, and I have found the lecturers themselves to be quite helpful.
To my fellow students, I recommend Murdoch University as my choice to study with as they offer well-organised programmes that focus on the essentials.
Genevieve Teo
Forensic Specialist,
Home Team Science and Technology Agency
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security & Forensics and Criminology (Double Major)
Murdoch University Student (2020)
I chose the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security & Forensics and Criminology Double Major as I wanted to further my studies in cyber security and forensics and combine my interest in criminology.
I graduated from a polytechnic in 2018 with a Diploma in Information Security and Forensics. Thus, Murdoch University was my first choice as I could skip the Year One modules and there was flexibility regarding the modules taken. The two modules which have helped me at work were Databases, and Creativity and Innovation. I would recommend the University to others, especially if they prefer something more specialised and flexible. The lecturers and staff are knowledgeable and helpful as well.
I am now in my second trimester. Since classes are conducted online during the COVID-19 period, there is no need to rush down to the campus after work. I can simply log on to classes from anywhere, even using my phone. Assignments are posted at an early date, giving me sufficient time to complete them.
Darren Ho Cheng Hui
Cybersecurity Analyst, Deloitte
Bachelor of Information Technology in Mobile and Web Application Development and Cyber Security and Forensics (Double Major)
Murdoch University Graduate (2022)
I chose to enrol in the Diploma in Information Technology (IT) with Kaplan as I have always been interested in how technology works. Upon graduating from this programme, I knew I had to further my studies to expand my knowledge and decided to enrol at Murdoch University. My Kaplan Diploma granted me exemptions and I could proceed straight to Year 2 of the Degree programme.
Pursuing this Degree has equipped me with niche skills that are necessary to stand out professionally. Some of the lessons applicable to my career include practical cyber security and IT knowledge. Furthermore, I was also taught critical analysis and problem-solving skills and learned how to tackle problems in the real world independently.
I had plenty to learn at the University, and my Degree enabled me to secure my job. In fact, I have recommended Murdoch University to my best friend who will be enrolling in 2023.
