ST Engineering, in collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity awareness and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. The SME CyberResilience programme was officially introduced on 18 September by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, at the ATxEnterprise segment of Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG).
This initiative supports Singapore’s Digital Enterprise Blueprint, which seeks to empower businesses with stronger cyber defences and accelerate digital transformation across the nation.
Programme aims to support 2,000 SMEs
Led by ST Engineering’s Cyber business, the SME CyberResilience programme is expected to benefit up to 2,000 SMEs. Each participating business will receive a one-time complimentary Cyber Threat Scanning service covering up to ten endpoints. This service will be delivered through IMDA’s CTO-as-a-Service platform.
Following the scan, SMEs will receive a detailed report outlining the threats found, alongside tailored recommendations. They will also gain access to a cyber analyst who can offer expert guidance and further support. In addition to the scanning service, the programme will feature a series of cybersecurity awareness events. These sessions aim to educate SMEs about the current threat landscape and provide practical advice on how to strengthen their cyber defences.
Mr Goh Eng Choon, President of Cyber at ST Engineering, said, “Through the various initiatives like those offered under the SME CyberResilience programme, we are supporting SMEs in improving their cyber posture as part of our broader mission to fortify the entire ecosystem. We will continue to explore new initiatives and partnerships to help SMEs safeguard against evolving cyber threats.”
Addressing growing cyber risks for SMEs
Cybersecurity remains a pressing concern for businesses in Singapore. The Singapore Cyber Health Report by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore found that 80% of local companies face breaches each year, with 99% of these incidents resulting in business impact. SMEs, which make up 99% of all enterprises in Singapore, are especially vulnerable due to limited resources and a lack of in-house cybersecurity expertise.
Mr Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive of IMDA’s Sectoral Transformation Group, stressed the urgency of this issue, stating, “Cybersecurity is important not just for large corporations; it is also an essential foundation for the survival and success of our SMEs in today’s digital economy. It is crucial that SMEs remain resilient against the growing cyber threats we face. IMDA is pleased to collaborate with ST Engineering to strengthen the cyber awareness and defence of our SMEs. This partnership exemplifies the collective effort needed to safeguard the digital future of SMEs and empower them to thrive in the digital economy.”
Ongoing commitment to cybersecurity
Beyond offering immediate support, ST Engineering sees this programme as part of a long-term commitment to improving cyber resilience among SMEs. The company has consistently worked to raise awareness of supply chain vulnerabilities and believes strengthening SMEs will have a positive impact on the wider economic and digital landscape of Singapore.
The SME CyberResilience programme marks a significant step towards equipping businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to identify risks, adopt better cyber hygiene, and prevent cyberattacks. Interested SMEs can visit IMDA’s CTO-as-a-Service platform to sign up for the complimentary services and upcoming workshops.
