SINGAPORE — Singapore has launched its Cybersecurity Strategy 2026 (SCS 2026), outlining a whole-of-nation approach to strengthening national cyber resilience amid escalating cyber threats and emerging risks from artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

The strategy was launched by Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam at the opening ceremony of the 11th Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 13 October.

Guided by the vision of a secure, trusted and resilient cyberspace, SCS 2026 aims to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure, improve cybersecurity across the wider digital ecosystem, prepare for emerging technological threats and deepen international cooperation.

In the strategy’s foreword, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding cyberspace, noting that actions by individuals and organisations can affect the security of others in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

The latest strategy builds on Singapore’s earlier cybersecurity strategies, first introduced in 2016 and refreshed in 2021. It responds to a more challenging threat landscape, including increasingly sophisticated advanced persistent threat (APT) actors targeting critical infrastructure, the growing use of AI in cyberattacks and defence, and the potential for quantum computing to compromise existing encryption methods.

Singapore’s growing digital interdependencies also mean that cyber incidents can trigger cascading disruptions across sectors and national borders, while geopolitical tensions are making international cybersecurity cooperation more complex.

Four Strategic Pillars

SCS 2026 is structured around four strategic pillars, supported by two foundational enablers.

The first pillar, Defend Critical Infrastructure, focuses on strengthening national cyber defence through centralised capabilities to anticipate, detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats. The Government will also enhance the ability of critical information infrastructure (CII) owners to protect essential systems against advanced and AI-enabled attacks.

The second pillar, Secure Our Wider Cyberspace, aims to raise cybersecurity standards beyond critical infrastructure operators. Measures will include strengthening upstream protection, supporting organisations in improving their cybersecurity posture and continuing public education initiatives to help individuals stay safe online.

The third pillar, Strengthen Capabilities for AI and Quantum, addresses the opportunities and risks posed by emerging technologies. Singapore plans to use AI to enhance cyber defence, encourage the adoption of AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and provide practical guidance for organisations deploying AI systems securely.

The Government will also accelerate the transition to quantum-safe technologies by working with public agencies and industry to plan and prioritise migration, alongside developing resources to support the process.

The fourth pillar, Enhance Resilience Through Global Partnerships, focuses on deepening international cooperation despite geopolitical and technological competition. Singapore will continue to facilitate cybersecurity dialogue through platforms such as SICW, advance rules-based cooperation in cyberspace and collaborate with major technology companies on priority areas, including AI-enabled cybersecurity, operational technology security and quantum-safe migration.

Strengthening Industry and Workforce Capabilities

Beyond the four strategic pillars, SCS 2026 identifies two key enablers to support long-term cyber resilience.

Under the first, Build a World-Class Cybersecurity Ecosystem, Singapore aims to establish itself as Asia’s leading cybersecurity innovation hub. The Government will focus on developing local capabilities from research to commercialisation and accelerating the co-development of cybersecurity solutions with academia, industry and international firms operating in Singapore.

The second enabler, Level Up Our Cyber Workforce, seeks to build a future-ready talent pool with strong technical expertise, professional standards and the ability to adapt to evolving threats. Initiatives will focus on professionalising the cybersecurity workforce, deepening capabilities and broadening the national pipeline of cyber talent.

Call for Industry and International Collaboration

The Singapore Government will work with relevant stakeholders over the next five years to implement the strategy’s key initiatives.

Governments, industry players, academic institutions and the wider cybersecurity community are being invited to collaborate on these efforts to strengthen Singapore’s cyber defences and build a more secure and resilient digital environment.

Through SCS 2026, Singapore seeks to reinforce the protection of essential services, improve cybersecurity across society and prepare the nation for technological developments that could reshape the cyber threat landscape in the years ahead.