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The Cybersecurity Clinic is one of five being launched across three countries as part of the first phase of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund, an initiative by The Asia Foundation supported by Google.org — Google’s philanthropic arm. Launched in October 2023, the initiative aims to strengthen the cyber capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises across 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Temasek Polytechnic (TP) will be the first polytechnic in Singapore to launch a student-led Cybersecurity Clinic, advancing national efforts to boost cybersecurity resilience among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

A common challenge faced by MSMEs is managing cyber risks due to limited resources. This partnership is instrumental in delivering specialised knowledge and hands-on assistance to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities.

Empowering Students Through Real-World Learning

By empowering TP students to lead cybersecurity engagements, TP aims to develop skilled professionals critical to Singapore’s digital future. Through the Cybersecurity Clinic, students gain hands-on experience by conducting training and workshops as well as providing customised cybersecurity assessments and solutions before and after each MSME workshop.

Under faculty supervision and with industry guidance, TP students at the Clinic will:

• Lead Cyber Essentials workshops for MSME staff
• Assess basic cybersecurity practices and recommend improvements
• Provide tailored guidance and support based on MSME specific needs

Managed by second and third-year students from TP’s Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (CDF), the Clinic embeds real-world experience into the academic curriculum, equipping students with both technical and workplace-ready skills.

Supporting MSME Cybersecurity Needs

MSMEs can contact the Cybersecurity Clinic for their cybersecurity needs. Students and staff who oversee this clinic will then respond to the queries or escalate the issue to subject matter experts. The support provided includes:

• Access to Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) Cybersecurity Clinic Consortium and training materials
• Advisory support for general cybersecurity queries
• Assistance with complex issues provided by subject matter experts
• Fully sponsored, 4-hour Cyber Essentials workshops conducted at MSME premises or TP’s campus, covering topics such as understanding phishing attacks and basic data backup strategies

The establishment of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund’s Cybersecurity Clinic at Temasek Polytechnic marks a pivotal step in our efforts to fortify cybersecurity education and practice in Singapore. This clinic will not only equip our students with hands-on experience and knowledge but also provide important and critical support to local MSMEs in safeguarding their digital assets," said Mr Tang Ming Fai, Director, School of Informatics & IT, Temasek Polytechnic.

Temasek Polytechnic’s Cybersecurity Clinic is a powerful example of community-based innovation--equipping students with real-world skills while helping local businesses strengthen their digital safety. This model of locally driven support lies at the heart of our commitment to advancing inclusive cyber resilience across the region,” said Anthea Mulakala, Senior Director for International Development Cooperation at The Asia Foundation.

The clinic aims to train 100 students and 100 MSMEs by 2026, supporting national efforts such as Singapore’s Cyber Safe and SMEs Go Digital initiatives, which focus on enhancing cyber resilience and accelerating digital adoption among businesses. MSMEs interested in participating in the CybersecurityClinic can register here: https://tinyurl.com/CyberShield-SME

About Temasek Polytechnic (TP)

Established in 1990, TP is one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Singapore. Currently, it offers 36 full-time diploma courses in the areas of applied science, business, design, engineering, humanities & social sciences and informatics & IT. It also offers over 40 part-time courses, up to specialist diploma level. TP students undergo a holistic learning system that combines hands-on experience, character education and relevant life skills, in an enriching learning environment. The Polytechnic has also infused global realities into its programmes and developed a mindset on campus that embraces socio-cultural diversity. Believing in the possibilities of tomorrow, Temasek Polytechnic is committed to co-creating a better world with its stakeholders by nurturing the next generation of values-centred leaders, lifelong learners and future-oriented creators. For more information, please visit www.tp.edu.sg.

About The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is an international nonprofit organisation working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Informed by more than 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, The Asia Foundation works with partners across more than 20 countries through 17 offices to improve lives and expand opportunities. 

About Google.org

Google.org applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone.

For more information or media interviews, please contact:

Ninemer Communications
tp@ninemer.com