Singapore’s armed forces formally launched two new commands on March 18 to better guard the nation’s “digital core” and crucial information technology infrastructure from hostile cyber threats.
The Digital and , Intelligence Service ( DIS), which includes Singapore’s fourth military service, includes the Defence Cyber Command and SAF C4 and Digitalisation Command ( SAFC4DC ).
Given the alarming rise in the speed, style, and scope of virtual risks, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen stated in a speech at a ceremony to launch the new commands.
He noted that “Cyber danger actors have refined their strategies and employed cutting-edge techniques– they even use AI, zero-day exploits, and ransomware to targeted essential infrastructure in the government, healthcare, and energy sectors.”
Dr. Ng predicted that the Defence Cyber Command may combine the Cybersecurity Task Force and the Defence Cyber Organization under one control, thereby combining Singapore’s cyber-security features.
To safeguard Singapore’s digital core and essential services, he continued,” They will deal with angry modern threats against Singapore.”  ,
The Digital Ops-Tech Centre, which supports the Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ), will be under the control of the SAFC4DC, who will develop digital products that can inspire new fighting concepts or enhance existing workflows.
Additionally, it will create the SAF AI Center in addition to the existing C4 Operations Group, which oversees the SAF’s corporate systems and resources, including directing its cloud-related developments.
Dr. Ng outlined the SAFC4DC’s vision for the SAF to develop and adopt best-in-class digital technologies like cloud, artificial intelligence ( AI), and 5G.
The SAFC4DC may “accelerate modern change across the SAF and increase operational effectiveness,” he added.
During a media briefing, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Yong Wei Hsiung, head of DIS operations and Chief of Staff ( Digital and Intelligence Staff ), explained that to improve unity of command and clarity of mission, various DIS entities have been divided into two distinct commands.
The establishment of the new SAF AI Centre is intended to facilitate the integration of AI into wider SAF activities and raise the level of AI education within the armed forces.
The SAF AI Centre’s leader, Military Expert ( ME) 6 Shawn Kan, stated that its main objectives are to enable the use of safe, reliable, and robust AI across various domains, employ AI for a wide range of activities to a broad audience, and develop expertise through partnerships and strengthen the SAF workforce.
He added that the SAF should remain at the forefront of AI research and use the technology to change daily operations and management.
safeguarding Singapore’s online foundation
Dr. Ng argued that the SAF must take action to address the issue of protecting the land from such threats in light of the exponential rise in virtual threats.
He cited the 2017 violation of Mindef and SAF sites used by NS personnel and the more recent ransomware attack on HomeTeamNS machines as examples of Singapore’s security sector’s defenses.
And while these problems did not undermine the capabilities or effectiveness of significant roles played by the SAF or Home Team, they do serve as reminders that both state and non-state actors are looking for weaknesses in Singapore’s online defenses, Dr. Ng said.
The new Defence Cyber Command may get involved in Singapore’s entire cyber-security operations as well as the SAF’s.
Dr. Ng said the government and business will need to collaborate to improve the resilience of the country’s online methods.
Therefore, it will establish a specialized Cyber Protection Group in partnership with the CSA ( Cyber Security Agency of Singapore ) and other relevant organizations to strengthen our nation’s cyber defense, he added.
This new organization will work with business partners to raise the level of security for Singapore’s digital ecosystem, according to RADM Yong.
The class will expand existing partnerships that the DIS has already established and look into new partnership opportunities with other government agencies, according to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Lim, who is in charge of it.
These efforts include training to improve Singapore’s front-line cyber-incident responders ‘ skills and those of interagency exercises like the Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise ( CIDEX ), as well as training.
These relationships have been encouraging, according to RADM Yong, with his peers completely aware of the need to work together.
You are only as secure as your weakest link, he continued, adding that cyber safety is a group sport.
According to Dr. Ng, about 500 national service members have been stationed in both departments ‘ positions in terms of architectural appointments, including those in computer, program, AI, cloud infrastructure, and engineering.
Some more NSmen does step forward to develop our modern defense as the digital threats and SAF’s capabilities increase, he added.
He also emphasized the need for the R to collaborate with the private sector to keep up with the fast development of digital technologies and computer security.
Dr. Ng concluded by stating that the opening of the two new orders is a positive and significant step forward for the R and SAF.
” I commend the leaders for this growth, which gives Singaporeans the assurance that its crucial electronic equipment can be kept safe and adaptable.”
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