Doha:Distinguished guests and participants gathered for the CyberSG Innovation Day 2026, where Rahayu Mahzam delivered the opening address, emphasizing the crucial need for cybersecurity innovation in Singapore.
According to Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Mahzam underscored the rapidly changing technological landscape, highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is both an opportunity and a risk. She noted that malicious actors are leveraging AI to enhance the sophistication and speed of cyberattacks, posing new security challenges. The recent hacking incident targeting supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe served as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of cyber threats.
Mahzam stressed that Singapore must continue to innovate to keep pace with emerging cybersecurity threats. The nation aims to develop its capabilities by drawing on global ideas and technologies while also fostering local expertise. The CyberSG R and D Programme Office has already funded 23 research projects and supported seven spin-off companies to advance these goals.
To translate innovation into practical solutions, Mahzam advocated for closer collaboration between innovators and end-users. She cited the example of Protos Labs, which developed the NEXUS platform in partnership with NTU and a public-sector entity. The CyberSG CISO Advisory Committee has been established to facilitate such collaborations and ensure that innovations address real operational needs.
Mahzam also highlighted Singapore's ambition to serve as a launchpad for cybersecurity companies aiming to compete internationally. Initiatives like CyberCall, CyberBoost, and CyberGrowth are helping companies like pQCee to develop, test, and scale their solutions. Additionally, government and industry investments in the Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre are fostering a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
The address concluded with a call for all stakeholders to contribute to making Singapore a vibrant hub for cybersecurity innovation. Collaboration among researchers, companies, and end-users is essential to solving cybersecurity challenges and enhancing resilience.