Fortinet and Temasek Polytechnic Join Forces to Address Cybersecurity Skills Gap
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. Recognizing this urgent need, Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) to integrate its industry-recognized cybersecurity training and certification programs into TP’s existing curriculum. This strategic partnership aims to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity talent tailored to meet Singapore’s growing demand for professionals in this vital field.
Commitment to Industry-Relevant Education
Dr. Eng Pin Kwang, Senior Director, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Data Officer at Temasek Polytechnic, highlighted the institution’s dedication to aligning its educational offerings with the evolving needs of the industry. “Our partnership with Fortinet demonstrates our commitment to providing education that meets today’s industry demands while ensuring our staff remain updated with industry practices,” Dr. Kwang stated. This collaboration is designed to empower students with the essential skill sets and knowledge required to navigate an increasingly digital world, ultimately contributing to building cyber resilience in Singapore and beyond.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
The collaboration between Fortinet and TP is part of a broader initiative to tackle the significant shortfall of cybersecurity professionals in the workforce. Vishak Raman, Vice President for India, SAARC, SEA, and ANZ at Fortinet, emphasized the urgency of developing a robust pipeline of cybersecurity talent. “The need for a robust pipeline of cybersecurity talent is more crucial than ever,” Raman remarked. By providing students with access to Fortinet’s industry-recognized training and certification programs, the partnership aims to equip them with the necessary skills and credentials to confront the increasingly complex cyber landscape and thrive as cybersecurity professionals.
Integration of Fortinet’s Certification Programs
As part of the MOU, Fortinet’s award-winning certification training programs will be seamlessly integrated into the cybersecurity courses offered by TP’s School of Informatics & IT. This includes the Fortinet Network Security Expert certification training, which will be accessible to both faculty and students. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as network and cloud security, security operations, security analytics, and threat intelligence, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that is relevant to current industry standards.
Real-World Learning Opportunities
One of the standout features of this partnership is the opportunity for students to engage with Fortinet experts through guest lectures. These sessions will provide invaluable insights through case studies and hands-on experiences, allowing students to learn directly from industry leaders. Certified instructors from Fortinet will guide practical learning sessions, enhancing the real-world applicability of the skills taught and preparing students for the challenges they will face in their careers.
Establishment of an Operational Technology Security Laboratory
In addition to integrating training programs, the MOU also includes the establishment of an Operational Technology Security Laboratory. This facility will serve as a sandbox for joint projects focused on both educational and research purposes. It will provide a practical environment for students and faculty to experiment and innovate, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving in cybersecurity.
Tackling the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
The urgency of addressing the cybersecurity skills gap is underscored by findings from the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, which revealed that 87% of organizational leaders reported experiencing one or more security breaches. Alarmingly, 70% of these incidents were partially attributed to a lack of cybersecurity skills, while 72% of leaders indicated difficulties in finding candidates with the right technology-focused certifications. The partnership between Fortinet and TP aims to bridge this skills gap by producing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry and contribute to a more secure digital landscape.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Fortinet and Temasek Polytechnic marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing need for cybersecurity professionals in Singapore and beyond. By integrating industry-recognized training programs into the educational framework, providing real-world learning opportunities, and establishing dedicated research facilities, this partnership is poised to empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be crucial in ensuring that businesses and nations are better equipped to defend against the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks.