Regional cybersecurity leaders emphasized the urgent need for organizations to be prepared for evolving cyber threats during a recent discussion with CRN Asia. As Singapore gears up for its Budget 2026, the growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about data management and security protocols, highlighting the need for a structured approach.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reiterated that Singapore is an attractive target for cybercriminals, citing increasing attacks from malicious actors aimed at undermining national security. He noted, “It is also no longer sufficient to defend government systems alone. Many private sector companies play a critical role in delivering essential services, and their systems are likewise vulnerable.”
Wong pointed out that attackers often exploit smaller, less-protected companies as weak links to access larger systems, leading to widespread disruptions. Despite recognizing the risk, many companies lack the resources and expertise to handle these advanced cyber threats.
Claribel Chai, Country Director for Singapore and CLMB at Palo Alto Networks, highlighted that Singapore’s critical infrastructure has become a key target for cyber-attacks, as evidenced by the recent UNC3886 campaign. She emphasized that government investments in critical infrastructure are essential for enhancing resilience but warned that a mere reactive defense is insufficient.
“By embedding cybersecurity by design and modernizing legacy IT services, we can transform cybersecurity into a strategic enabler,” Chai stated, underscoring the need for adaptability in the face of rising AI-driven threats.
Steve Hunter, Director of Engineering for APAC at Arctic Wolf Networks, echoed these sentiments, noting Singapore’s leadership in cybersecurity over the past five years thanks to a nationally coordinated approach. He mentioned that the government’s new AI missions across various sectors would foster innovation but also expand the nation’s attack surface, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Hunter stressed that true resilience requires disciplined investment in cybersecurity fundamentals, such as identity and segmentation, secure remote access, and continuous monitoring of trusted platforms. “As AI evolves as both a business enabler and an adversarial tool, early threat detection will be critical,” he added.
Rob Newell, SVP and GM for APJ at New Relic, commented on the national push for AI highlighted in the recent budget, stating that while it accelerates trusted AI adoption, organizations must be strategic about utilizing AI to ensure clear commercial value while managing costs. “Success will depend on adopting AI in a way that delivers clear commercial value,” he noted.
Newell advised companies to focus on high-impact use cases and refine their approach over time to leverage AI effectively without overspending. He stressed the importance of continuous testing and optimization to help organizations balance innovation with affordability.
Shilu Pushpan, Country Manager for Singapore at BlueVoyant, pointed out that the Budget reinforces the critical need for long-term resilience in supply chain management, particularly in handling third-party risks. Despite strong third-party risk management (TPRM) capabilities, 93 percent of Singapore organizations reported negative impacts from supply chain-related cyber incidents, a sharp increase from 70 percent in 2024.
Pushpan emphasized that as supply chains become increasingly interconnected, organizations must move beyond traditional monitoring to achieve continuous visibility into vendor risks. He noted, “The Singapore Government’s support for AI adoption will serve as a key enabler,” advocating for a proactive stance on collaboration with suppliers to mitigate risks.
James Greenwood, AVP of Solution Engineering at Tanium, asserted that while Singapore invests in mitigating AI risks, the exposure of endpoints will continue to grow as digital infrastructure modernizes. He pointed out that the term “endpoints” now encompasses cloud-based systems and connected devices, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
Greenwood recommended a more effective use of budgets by enhancing endpoint management and maintaining a secure view of assets across environments. “Less downtime, more reliable digital citizen services, and greater continuity across connected infrastructure” will lead to improved resilience, he noted.
Lee Anstiss, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Korea at Infoblox, concluded that Singapore’s initiatives to cultivate an AI-ready workforce alongside the national AI Missions are crucial. However, he cautioned that the cybersecurity sector must also address its talent gap. As organizations adopt AI, they should view it as a collaborator rather than a replacement, ensuring that the fundamentals of cybersecurity are not overlooked.
As Singapore continues to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in an AI-driven era, the collective insights of these leaders underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving threats.
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