SMS Sim Ann with the SVRP award recipients, IHL leaders and senior Government and industry professionals
Inaugural Student Volunteer & Recognition Programme Award Ceremony
Published on 08 Nov 2019
The inaugural Student Volunteer & Recognition Programme (SVRP) Award Ceremony was held on 6 November 2019 to recognise student volunteers for their contributions to the cybersecurity community. The ceremony was graced by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Sim Ann. SMS Sim Ann presented four students with the SVRP Gold Award. There were also 33 Silver and 47 Bronze Award recipients, presented by Mr Selwyn Scharnhorst, Director of Ecosystem Development at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Mr Freddy Tan, Association of Information Security (AiSP) SRVP Exco Lead.
During her speech, Ms Sim Ann congratulated the winners and nominees of the SVRP and emphasised the importance of cybersecurity as a key enabler for our Smart Nation initiatives. She also encouraged the students to continue giving back to the community to build a strong cybersecurity ecosystem
Developed by AiSP and CSA, the SVRP aims to encourage volunteerism amongst students while honing their interest and capabilities in cybersecurity. Since its inception on 1 September 2018, the programme has received strong participation and support from local Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
Dr Steven Wong, President of AiSP delivering the Welcome Address at the Inaugural SVRP Award Ceremony
AiSP and CSA selected the recipients of the SVRP Gold Award based on their commitment to voluntary work in the cybersecurity space. They were assessed for qualities such as their passion and drive to contribute to the industry, and volunteering efforts throughout the year. The winners will receive internship opportunities with AiSP’s partners: Acronis, Booz Allen Hamilton, CSA, Ensign InfoSecurity, GOVTECH, Icyberwise, IHIS, PwC, Singtel (Trustwave) & TrendMicro.
Students from IHLs also gain insights on cybersecurity trends and career tracks at a panel discussion with key industry players such as Acronis, CSA, Ensign InfoSecurity, GOVTECH, Icyberwise, IHIS, PwC, Singtel (Trustwave) & TrendMicro.
Mr Tay Gao Jun, SVRP Gold Award Winner 2019 from ITE College West, shared that he felt blessed as one of the five student winners to receive the SVRP Gold Award. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards his Section Head, School Lecturers and AiSP for guiding him throughout the SVRP Journey, adding that “volunteering is an act that people should do from their own hearts and will”.
SMS Sim Ann presenting the SVRP Gold Award to Hoo Jun Hong from Singapore Polytechnic
SMS Sim Ann presenting the SVRP Gold Award to Koh Chan Hong from Ngee Ann Polytechnic
SMS Sim Ann presenting the SVRP Gold Award to Tay Gao Jun from ITE College West
SMS Sim Ann presenting the SVRP Gold Award to Zhu Yong Ze from Singapore Polytechnic
Cybersecurity involves the collective efforts from the government, industry, educators and the community. CSA is glad to partner AiSP in the SVRP to encourage volunteerism among the next generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts. This is a key platform through which we encourage our youth to participate in meaningful initiatives and activities that can strengthen and enliven our ecosystem.
Mr Wong Choon Bong
CSA’s Director of Workforce & Strategic Resources and Policy Office
As there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the threats from cybersecurity is a concern especially for vulnerable groups like the young and the elderly, SVRP provides an opportunity to support students with volunteering opportunities. At the same time, SVRP allows them to gain real industry experience and advance as cybersecurity professionals should they decide on a career in this industry. We hope that we will have the support of the IHLs in Singapore to champion the SVRP and allow their students to gain valuable experience and exposure though volunteerism.
Mr Freddy Tan
AiSP EXCO Lead for SVRP
