NTT DATA and CSIT come together to bolster Singapore’s national cyber defense

NTT DATA and NTT Security Holdings have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) to collaborate on strengthening Singapore’s national cyber defense and to further explore areas of emerging digital technologies. The signing ceremony took place at CSIT’s premier annual cybersecurity event TechCon 2024 and was attended by senior representatives from both NTT and CSIT, along with key stakeholders from Singapore's public sector.

The MoU was signed by Png Kim Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore, NTT DATA, and Darren Teo, Chief Executive, CSIT. Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) and Takashi Taniyama, President, NTT DATA Asia Pacific, and Executive Vice President, NTT DATA, Inc. were also present at the signing.

CSIT aims to enhance Singapore’s cybersecurity posture, and through the MoU with NTT DATA Singapore and NTT Security Holdings, will focus on key strategic areas, including the collaboration on capabilities in cyber threat intelligence technology, and joint exploration of innovative digital technologies. The partnership will jointly explore threat intelligence information in the Asia Pacific region, including advanced analytical approach, technology exchanges across fields such as data engineering and next-generation architecture and address threats posed by sophisticated actors to contribute to broader regional security.

The MoU also sets a framework for collaboration in exploring new opportunities where innovative platforms from NTT DATA in Singapore and NTT Security Holdings can be piloted and contextualized for Singapore’s cybersecurity needs. CSIT will benefit from joint initiatives focused on refining specific cybersecurity challenges and developing scalable solutions to enhance Singapore’s defense capabilities. Regular leadership engagements and reviews will ensure ongoing progress and continuous improvement.

"This MoU marks another significant step in NTT DATA’s commitment to driving digital innovation and bolstering Singapore’s national security. It is imperative that in an increasingly digitally connected world, businesses are adequately equipped with the right capabilities to cope with the cybersecurity risks emerging from today’s technological advancements. The initiative also adds to our ongoing commitment to Singapore where we continue to invest in talent development and sustainable innovation. We are confident that the collaboration will result in advanced solutions that enhance the nation’s defense" said Png Kim Meng, CEO, Singapore, NTT DATA.”

“As an agency responsible for developing capabilities to address sophisticated cyber threats, CSIT is constantly innovating our methods and building up our expertise to tackle the evolving threat landscape. Collaboration with capable industry partners like NTT DATA in Singapore and NTT Security Holdings is crucial to bolstering our cyber defenses. The MOU signifies another step forward for us to tap on one another’s expertise, and for Singapore's national security to be strengthened,” added Darren Teo, Chief Executive of CSIT.

This collaboration is part of NTT DATA’s broader strategy to introduce its advanced R&D assets and global expertise into the Singapore market. Through initiatives like this MoU, NTT DATA aims to unlock new opportunities for innovation across multiple disciplines, with cybersecurity as a key focus. By leveraging its extensive R&D capabilities, NTT DATA seeks to offer progressive technologies that address Singapore’s unique needs while setting a benchmark for the wider region.