Mitigating Risk and Elevating Excellence: How Standards Drive Success in Singapore

More than ever, businesses today face a complex web of risks, from economic disruptions to technological vulnerabilities, environmental challenges, and societal upheavals. 
 
This reality, which sociologist Ulrich Beck termed the ‘risk society’, underscores the normalisation of risk as an inherent aspect of modern life. Beck’s concept has only grown more relevant in the decades since he introduced it in the 1980s, as the pursuit of economic progress and technological development has made risk management a critical concern for industries worldwide.
 
The proliferation of risks – from global pandemics and financial crises to extreme weather events linked to climate change – highlights the need for businesses to adopt structured approaches to mitigate potential threats. Standards and certifications, such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, OHSAS 18001 for occupational health and safety, and many others, offer organisations a framework for managing risks and improving operational resilience. 
 
These standards not only help businesses enhance safety, quality, and reliability, but also enable them to gain a competitive edge and meet the expectations of customers and regulators alike.
 
Embracing standards to mitigate risk and access new opportunities
As Singapore positions itself as a leading economy in Asia Pacific, the role of standards in ensuring stability, efficiency, and safety has become even more critical. Enterprise Singapore, the national agency for standards development, works closely with the industry-led Singapore Standards Council (SSC) to create and promote standards that support businesses in navigating today’s risk landscape. 
 
Through collaborations with over 2,000 industry, research, and government partners, these organisations help to develop new standards, review existing ones, and encourage the adoption of both local and international standards.
 
This approach supports various sectors, including traditional industries and emerging fields, ensuring that Singaporean businesses remain resilient and competitive. The importance of standards is reflected in the results of Enterprise Singapore’s Quality and Standards Survey conducted in March 2022, which found that nearly 90% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that adopted quality standards reported a competitive advantage in differentiating their products and services. Additionally, around 70% credited standards for helping them expand internationally, highlighting the value of certification in enhancing global market access.
 
Scaling the heights of rail reliability
The transportation sector, particularly the rail industry, provides a prime example of how standards contribute to operational excellence. The measure of rail reliability, known as mean kilometres between failure (MKBF), is a benchmark used to assess the distance trains can travel before experiencing a delay of more than five minutes. Achieving a higher MKBF reflects not just superior performance, but also effective risk management practices in minimising service disruptions.
 
Singapore’s rail network has made remarkable progress in this area. In 2012, the rail system’s MKBF stood at just 67,000 km. Through significant investments in maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the adoption of new standards and technical references, the network reached an MKBF of 1 million km by 2019. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards rail reliability, setting a benchmark for other urban rail systems globally.
 
The SSC has been instrumental in driving this transformation. Through the development of technical references such as TR 90 (Maintenance of vehicle gauges for railway), TR 97 (Safety management in a rapid transit system), and TR 118 (Risk management framework for railway assets), the SSC has provided a robust foundation for the maintenance, safety, and risk management of railway operations. These standards support the day-to-day operations of the rail network and its long-term sustainability, ensuring that Singapore continues to maintain high levels of service reliability.
 
ComfortDelGro a key player in Singapore’s transportation sector, exemplifies how standards can pave the way for international expansion. By leveraging the country’s stringent technical references and high standards in Operations and Maintenance (O&M), ComfortDelGro has successfully exported the Singapore model of rail reliability overseas. Since 2022, the company has clinched contracts to operate rail services in major metropolitan cities such as Auckland, Paris, and Stockholm, demonstrating the value of adopting international best practices.
 
Setting the foundation for autonomous vehicle deployment
The deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) marks a groundbreaking leap forward in the evolution of transportation. With advanced technologies like LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging), cameras, and AI algorithms, autonomous driving is redefining the way we navigate roads, detect obstacles, and assess real-time road conditions. These cutting-edge innovations enable AVs to respond swiftly and accurately to potential hazards, promising safer and more efficient travel.
 
Building on this promise, Singapore is leading the charge in integrating autonomous vehicles into its public transportation network. The country’s ambitious roadmap for AV deployment, a key component of its Smart Mobility initiative, is designed in three phases to ensure a successful rollout. Following trials in test-beds and controlled environments of Phase 1, Phase 2 will see the Land Transport Authority (LTA) pilot the deployment of autonomous buses and shuttles in Punggol, Tengah, and the Jurong Innovation District. The final phase will be a full deployment of autonomous vehicles across all tracks and new towns that are designed for these vehicles, along retrofitting existing towns to be ready for autonomous vehicles. 
 
This initiative is closely aligned with Singapore’s broader vision of becoming a Smart Nation, where technology is leveraged to elevate the quality of life for all citizens.
 
The SSC has played a critical role in laying the groundwork for AV deployment through the release of TR 68, a comprehensive technical reference that addresses four key areas – vehicle behaviour, safety, cybersecurity, and data formats. By establishing these standards, SSC has provided a framework for the safe and efficient deployment of autonomous vehicles, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of the autonomous driving industry. 
 
In July 2024, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of the Robobus shuttle service, a Level 4 automated vehicle operating in Sentosa – and specifically, the world’s first purpose-built Level 4 autonomous driving minibus, specialising in micro-transit. This service, a collaboration between WeRide, Resorts World Sentosa, and EZ Buzz Pte. Ltd, marks Singapore’s first publicly accessible, L4-level autonomous Robobus route for passenger operations. The Robobus initiative demonstrates how rigorous standards, and a well-thought-out regulatory framework, can help mitigate risks and foster innovation in the transportation sector.
 
Addressing AI security challenges
While AI has become a transformative force across industries, it also introduces new risks that must be managed. AI’s potential for misuse, such as enabling sophisticated cyberattacks, poses significant threats to businesses and national security. The ability of AI-powered tools to exploit vulnerabilities at speeds beyond human capabilities raises concerns, particularly in sectors where precision and safety are paramount, such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
 
Recognising these challenges, Singapore has taken proactive steps to enhance AI security through the Coordinating Committee for Cybersecurity (CCCY) and the SSC. The Cybersecurity Standards Roadmap, a five-year strategy aligned with the Cyber Security Agency’s (CSA) overarching cybersecurity plan, outlines a framework for building resilient infrastructure, creating a safer cyberspace, and developing a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem. Singapore’s launch of Smart Nation 2.0 in October 2024, accompanied by a $120 million investment in AI adoption, reaffirmed its commitment to staying at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation, especially in the field of AI.
 
As part of this effort, technical references such as TR 106 (Tiered cybersecurity standards for enterprises) and TR 111 (Securing cyber-physical systems for buildings) have been released to help organisations protect against cyber threats.
 
In addition to these traditional measures, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions are emerging as vital tools in defending against digital threats. These solutions can detect anomalies and potential threats through real-time monitoring, enabling organisations to respond swiftly to incidents. AI-powered threat detection systems can identify irregular patterns, such as unusual spikes in data requests or suspicious login attempts, before a full-scale attack occurs. This adaptive approach helps mitigate the impact of cyberattacks and enhances overall security resilience.
 
Furthermore, SSC has addressed AI-specific risks through the release of TR 99 (Artificial intelligence security – Guidance for assessing and defending against AI security threats). This standard provides comprehensive guidance on the security requirements for AI systems, including best practices for risk assessment, defence strategies, and measures to ensure the integrity of AI algorithms. By empowering decision-makers with the knowledge and tools to assess AI security threats, the standard supports the development of robust AI-driven solutions that can withstand malicious interference.
 
Standards as pillars of a smart nation
As Singapore continues its journey toward becoming a Smart Nation, the importance of standards in supporting technological innovation and risk management cannot be overstated. 
 
The adoption of international and local standards plays a crucial role in ensuring that new technologies are implemented safely and effectively. Standards serve as the backbone of a resilient society, providing a consistent framework for managing risks, improving quality, and facilitating international trade. These standards help companies comply with regulatory requirements, while also enhancing their reputation and marketability. By adhering to recognised benchmarks, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and gain the trust of customers and partners.
 
As the demands of a rapidly evolving world push the boundaries of technological adoption, the need for robust standards will only grow. The SSC – working closely with industry, research, and government stakeholders – continues to play a crucial role in developing and refining standards that address emerging challenges, helping to uphold the high levels of safety and quality that the nation is known for. 
 
Better standards for a better Singapore
Risk is an ever-present reality in the modern world, driven by advancements in AI, automation, and digitalisation. As businesses strive to navigate this risk-laden environment, the role of standards becomes increasingly essential. 
 
Standards provide the foundation for mitigating risks, building product quality, and achieving operational excellence. By setting clear benchmarks for safety, reliability, and consistency, standards enable companies to manage uncertainties while paving the way for growth and expansion.
 
In Singapore’s journey towards becoming a Smart Nation, standards will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future. The ongoing development and adoption of both local and international standards are not just about meeting regulatory requirements – they are about ensuring that Singapore remains a safe, reliable, and forward-thinking economy. 
 
And with the unwavering commitment of organisations like the Singapore Standards Council and Enterprise Singapore, businesses in Singapore can confidently embrace new opportunities, knowing that robust standards will support them every step of the way.

Setting New Standards to Support Resilience and Sustainability in a Post-COVID Era

COVID-19 proves to be one of the most defining moments of our time. In just a span of 10 months since January 2020, it has significantly impacted businesses across the world. In Singapore, sectors that have been most affected are travel and hospitality. Consumer-facing sectors such as retail and food services have also been badly affected by the cutback in domestic consumption amidst progressively stricter safe distancing measures. Concurrently, outward-oriented sectors such as manufacturing and wholesale trade have been affected by the fall in external demand and supply chain disruptions, while domestically-oriented sectors like construction and real estate have been affected by negative spillovers arising from the downturn in the domestic economy. However, the bright spots in the economy are to be found with the rise in demand for online sales and services.

Singapore Standards Council (SSC) was set up by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and works with industry, academia and government organisations to review and develop standards in Singapore. In the past year, ESG and SSC have developed and reviewed over 168 standards and technical references, impacting 13,000 organisations. 91 of these new standards were launched by March 2020, with about 70 per cent focusing on emerging areas such as smart manufacturing to support the adoption of Industry 4.0.

COVID-19 has also brought to the fore the importance of standards that focus on resilience for businesses to adapt quickly to disruptions. It has also emphasised the importance of the need for resource sustainability. Thus, in 2020, beyond efforts in new and emerging areas, ESG and SSC announced they will also focus on addressing industry needs and national initiatives by developing standards that build sustainable and resilient industries and enterprises. These include standards that mitigate the disruptive impact of COVID-19 and bolster recovery efforts.

Building greater resilience to support businesses

Business Continuity and Supply Chain
Business and Community Resilience
To help companies develop and activate business continuity plans and adapt to the changing landscape amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the SSC adopted several ISO standards as Singapore Standards. ESG’s guide on business continuity planning for COVID-19, targeted at SMEs, was developed at the end of January 2020. ESG and the SSC have made available for free viewing over 40 international and Singapore standards across different areas to help enterprises mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The guide has since been downloaded 14,000 times and circulated to about 70 trade associations and chambers to disseminate to their members. Regardless of size or type, organisations are able to obtain accredited certification against these standards and demonstrate to legislators, regulators, and customers that they are adhering to good practices in business continuity management.

E-commerce
To support enterprises in leveraging online platforms, ESG and SSC launched the first national standard, Technical Reference TR 76 Guidelines for electronic commerce transactions in June 2020. The standard is aimed at bolstering SMEs’ online presence in the growing e-commerce market.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Infrastructure
Biometrics and ID card
In the pipeline, consumers can expect a higher level of security and privacy in the standards of smart cards. The SSC plans to adopt International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for Biometric System-on-Cards, in which the acquisition of users’ biometric sample from fingerprints, face, iris or voice for verification purposes, could be executed within a smart card. No transference of data to any external terminal means higher security and privacy for users. Such cards are expected to receive high takeup rate for purposes of electronic payments and security access.

Air-conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation
Works are ongoing with Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to revise the SS 553 Code of practice for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in buildings, to take in new guidelines on how to deal with respiratory outbreaks and reduce the presence of the virus in buildings.

Healthcare Solutions
Supply and delivery of medication
In November 2019, SSC developed SS 644, a standard for the supply and delivery of medication to ensure consumers can get medicines sent safely to their homes. This was widely adopted by both public and private healthcare providers such as National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Its timely launch saw the greater relevance and merit of SS 644 in supporting telemedicine during the pandemic, especially for elderly patients who were unable to go to pharmacies.

Digital healthcare provider such as WhiteCoat who adopted the standard on medicine delivery, were able to cope with the spike in demand during the pandemic and reduce express delivery time from 3 hours to 90 minutes. More importantly, they were able to implement uniform protocols so that medication integrity was preserved and could be delivered safely, securely and on time.

Thermal imagers
The SSC expanded its existing standard on mass temperature measurement using thermal imagers to include guidelines and examples for its use in public areas and commercial buildings. To ensure that thermal scanners have the capability to work with current technology, minimum specifications were required of such devices.

Developing sustainability-related standards
The SSC will also focus on emerging areas such as environmental sustainability, for new standards in the year ahead, as well as support ongoing industry transformation efforts. Green standards such as renewable power, energy storage and efficiency, and sustainable food production were identified as priorities for SSC in 2020 and 2021.

Renewables
Floating Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plants
In 2019, an ambitious goal was unveiled for Singapore to install at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) power by 2030. To achieve this goal, a new standard is being developed to help developers, engineers and regulators design and deploy floating PV systems in a safe and effective manner for large-scale installations in Singapore’s reservoirs and seas near the shore.

Renewable Energy Certification
In support of Singapore’s shift to cleaner forms of power generation through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), guidelines have been developed on the measurement and verification of renewable energy generation, and on its issuance, use and management. RECs are tradable green energy attributes that represent units of electricity generated from renewable energy generation facilities. The guidelines will improve the accounting, traceability and transparency of RECs issued as claimed in Singapore, and support companies in their environmental sustainability targets.

Energy Storage and Efficiency
Grid-integrated Electrical Energy Storage (EES) System
As Singapore steps up its efforts towards energy sustainability, the implementation of Electrical Energy Storage (EES) System aims to facilitate the widespread deployment of solar energy and build up local capabilities to benefit from the growing opportunities in the EES market. As such, two new standards are being adopted to support safe deployment, avoid costly redesign during system integration or post-commissioning, and shorten the debugging time for any new Electrical Energy Storage (EES) deployment.

Energy efficiency of equipment and systems
The SSC is developing a standardised measurement methodology to track the long-term energy efficiency of compressed air systems. This standard aims to encourage the adoption and development of more energy efficient compressed air equipment and systems in Singapore.

Sustainable Production
Clean and green urban farms
The upcoming standards on clean and green urban farms for agriculture and aquaculture can be used to certify urban farms that have established a sustainable farm production system. The standards allow certified farms to brand their farm produce and encourages the use of sustainable good practices in the local farming industry. One such example is the certification that no pesticides are used in vegetable farming.

Good agriculture practices
The new standards, applicable to vegetable farms, food fish farms and poultry layer farms have two intended outcomes – to support the responsible use of chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides for the local farming community, and to align to the standards of farming communities within ASEAN member states. This will enhance trade flows and reduce compliance costs for the expansion of business operations within the ASEAN region.

Singapore Launches First National Standard for E-commerce Transactions

E-marketplaces and e-retailers now have a reference guide that sets out what they should provide across the entire transaction cycle.

To support enterprises in leveraging online platforms, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Standards Council (SSC) launched the first national standard, Technical Reference 76 (TR 76) Guidelines for electronic commerce transactions in June 2020.

For the past two years, online retail sales in Singapore had generated some 5 to 5.8 per cent of total retail sales value. More recently, Singapore saw figures increase from 5.5 per cent in January 2020 to 17.8 per cent in April, reflecting the substantial increase in e-commerce transactions, fueled by the COVID-19 outbreak.

TR 76 supports ESG’s efforts to bolster SMEs’ online presence in the growing e-commerce market amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Executive Director Rose Tong expects online retail to make up a larger share of retail sales with the prolonged COVID-19 situation. She highlighted, “As more retail companies venture into online platforms, TR 76 will support businesses in implementing e-commerce effectively and efficiently. We strongly recommend retailers to use this opportunity to go or expand online, diversify, and tap on new customer segments both locally and overseas.”

Further driving the need to grow the e-commerce market, Ms Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said, “E-commerce is a new stream of business for retailers diversifying from traditional brick and mortar shops. E-marketplaces and e- retailers will be able to implement, maintain and improve their internal processes and policies related to business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer transactions. TR 76 will also help these businesses develop customer-centric business policies and processes, to enhance consumer confidence and trust; key considerations which will drive the growth of the e-industry.”

What’s in the TR 76
TR 76 serves as a practical reference for e-retailers, and online intermediaries such as e-marketplaces. The guidelines provide comprehensive end-to-end coverage of the e-commerce transactions’ process, from pre-purchase activities of browsing and selection, to purchasing and payment procedures, and post-purchase activities which include fulfilment, delivery, tracking of products, and returns, refunds, and exchange. The guidelines also cover best practices on customer support and managing relations amongst e-marketplaces, merchants and consumers.

Businesses can refer to the guidelines as a checklist to develop customer-centric e-commerce processes and policies, enabling customers to make more informed purchases.

Pre-purchase
During this process, information regarding the e-retailer or merchant should be clearly reflected on e-commerce platforms.

The products or services should be presented with information and designs that accurately reflect the key selling points. The functionality and benefits of the product or service must be correct and should include any health and safety concerns, its availability and whether there are guarantees or warranties available.

Prices should be displayed with the applicable currency. Reviews, comparisons and ratings could be used to assist consumers in making an informed decision.

Purchase Activities
The e-marketplace and e-retailer must ensure that the information for the product/service being purchased in the shopping cart are listed clearly.

This includes the name, description, quantity, availability and price point; the product warranty and validity period; any applicable taxes such as goods and services tax (GST) or import/export duties; modes of payment; delivery options, its fees and estimated delivery date; amount, frequency and expenses arising from recurring charges; any free gifts or purchase-with-purchase entitlements tagged to the purchases; any other additional surcharges based on payment mode or other special requirements e.g. express delivery and refunds and exchange policies.

A variety of electronic payment options that offer convenience, security, and smooth user experience should be provided, with a strong security strategy to ensure customer data is safe against breaches.

Once the payment is complete, customers should be notified, which should include all the billing details.

Post-purchase
TR 76 covers aspects within the scope of delivery including delivery time, product handling during delivery, payment upon delivery, self-collection, delivery information, proof of delivery, and failed delivery.

E-marketplaces and e-retailers working with third-party logistics providers need to ensure they adhere to applicable handling protocols and that delivery times are within the estimated time promised to customers.

Information on the delivery status should be provided upon request. Additionally, the e-marketplace and the logistics provider should agree on the suitable proof of the delivery method such as photo evidence or signatures.

Any refund policies should be clear and include the conditions for refunds, the timeframe and mode of reimbursements.

Customer Support
E-marketplaces and e-retailers should put up information relating to terms and conditions, frequently-asked-questions, and mechanisms to manage interactions with customers. These include mechanisms to handle general enquiry, feedback and complaints, as well as transaction disputes.

Webinar to learn more about TR 76
ESG also worked with NYP-SIRS to organise a webinar on 2 July 2020, to assist businesses in implementing TR 76 in their operations. Building a Trusted Online Business saw participants learning about TR 76 and how the new guidelines will apply to e-commerce transactions. Retailers diversifying into e-commerce took away insights on creating smooth, secure, and customer-friendly processes for their online customers. Companies which had adopted TR 76 shared their experiences and tips on how to maximise the guidelines for better outputs.

Cybersecurity – a Competitive Advantage

While the year 2020 has been a chaotic whirlwind of prolonged economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has catalysed a quickening of the pace of digital transformation and the exponential growth of the digital economy.

Studies estimate that there are 31 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices today, with 127 new devices added every second. This will grow to more than double to 75 billion connected devices by 2025.

“Greater connectivity also brings greater risks,” said Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information.

“The “Internet of Everything” represents a vulnerable conduit that expands our attack surface, and can impact our broader cyber landscape. The vast majority of IoT devices – baby monitors, home routers, even our fridges and cars – are optimised for functionality and cost, rather than security.”

To create a safer and more secure cyberspace in Singapore, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) developed Singapore’s Safer Cyberspace Masterplan 2020. The Masterplan, which aims to raise the general level of cybersecurity for individuals, communities, enterprises, and organisations was launched on 6 October 2020 by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

Mr David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive, CSA, said: “Singapore’s digital transformation to achieve our Smart Nation goals in this post-COVID environment must be undergirded and enabled by robust cybersecurity. To leverage the opportunities, we must also mitigate the risks. To this end, the Safer Cyberspace Masterplan aims to raise the general level of cybersecurity in Singapore for Singaporeans, our enterprises and organisations. Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, where all stakeholders can and must play a role to protect ourselves in the digital domain.”

The Masterplan comprises three strategic thrusts: securing our core digital infrastructure; safeguarding our cyberspace activities; and empowering our cyber-savvy population. The Masterplan also outlines 11 initiatives; one of which is the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) for consumer smart devices.

A first-of-its-kind in the Asia-Pacific region, the CLS scheme will see smart devices rated according to their levels of cybersecurity provisions. This will enable consumers to identify products with better cybersecurity provisions and make informed decisions, as well as help companies that produce secure IoT devices to distinguish themselves and raise the overall cyber hygiene in Singapore.

In the minds of many enterprise leaders, cybersecurity is seen as a business cost with no clear return on investment, instead of a competitive advantage. CSA recognises that “enterprise leaders, such as Board Directors and owners of SMEs, are key decision-makers on how cybersecurity risks are managed”. The agency cited a research conducted by McKinsey and the World Economic Forum, showing that management attention and time devoted to the issue is the single largest driver of better cybersecurity risk management. The CLS is one step towards incentivising enterprises to invest more in cybersecurity.

What is the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme?
The Government will offer a Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) that device manufacturers can voluntarily apply for, which provides different levels of cybersecurity ratings to help consumers easily assess the level of security offered by a smart device and make informed choices. These labels indicate the security provisions of the registered products, based on a series of assessments on:

  • Meeting basic security requirements such as ensuring no universal default password;
  • Adherence to the principles of Security-By-Design;
  • Absence of common software vulnerabilities; and
  • Resistance to common cyber-attacks.

Details of the Scheme
For a start, CSA will introduce the CLS to Wi-Fi routers and smart home hubs. These products are prioritised because of their wider usage, as well as the impact that a compromise of the products could have on users. It will progressively include other IoT devices, including web cameras.

The CLS is a voluntary scheme. The CLS takes reference from the European Standard EN 303 645 ‘Cyber Security for Consumer Internet of Things: Baseline Requirements’. To encourage adoption of the scheme, CSA will waive the application fees for the CLS for a year.

At the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC), Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity, highlighted that CSA plans to work with ASEAN member states and other international partners to establish mutual recognition arrangements for the CLS to enhance security standards of the global IoT device market.

“This takes on added significance when we consider the potential of 5G and the proliferation of IoT devices,” he said.

At the International IoT Security Roundtable 2020, Dr Janil Puthucheary pointed out that the CLS will be aligned to international security standards for consumer IoT products. “Given the borderless and interconnected nature of cyberspace, a global approach is necessary…And it would be continuously improved, to nudge businesses to embrace higher security standards, based on market interests, as well as the industry’s acceptance and readiness. Through this, we hope to strike a balance between raising cyber hygiene and encouraging the advent of new and innovative products.”

Also included in the Singapore’s Safer Cyberspace Masterplan 2020 is the introduction of a voluntary SG Cyber Safe Trustmark by 2021. Enterprises with the Trustmark demonstrate to their clients that they have put in place certain pre-determined cybersecurity measures. CSA pointed out that while achieving the Trustmark does not mean that the enterprise is secure from all malicious cyber activities, clients can nevertheless be better assured of the cybersecurity measures of the enterprise, and enterprises are incentivised to invest in cybersecurity as it becomes a competitive advantage.