SID Board Academy Launches First Cyber Simulation Module with Ensign Infosecurity

SID Board Academy has launched Cyber Incident Management Simulation for Boards in partnership with Ensign InfoSecurity (Ensign) to equip company boards to lead their organisations through cyber incidents. Coined as a “Simulation-in-a-box,” this inaugural programme is designed as an experiential training programme for whole boards.

This complements ongoing efforts by the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and Ensign to train 3,500 company directors in cyber incident management. These efforts include existing programmes aimed at raising awareness of the latest cyber threats and demonstrating how cyber incidents are actively managed. To date, more than 500 SID members have participated in this training.

Delivered through a realistic cyber wargaming exercise, the 90-minute “Simulation-in-a-box” places boards under time pressure and requires them to make linked, high-stakes decisions through the full lifecycle of a ransomware incident—from initial disruption and containment to disclosure, recovery, and consequence management. The programme is led by experienced incident responders from Ensign InfoSecurity, who have guided board directors through real-world cyber incidents, ensuring participants gain insights grounded in practical experience.

The programme aligns with rising regulatory expectations across the region. In Singapore, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information has announced plans to mandate cybersecurity training for board members of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) organisations from Q1 2026. This underscores the growing expectation for boards to play an active role in cyber resilience and crisis leadership.

“Cyber incidents are increasingly placing boards at the centre of decision-making, requiring them to weigh security, operational continuity, financial impact, and legal exposure in real time,” highlighted Lim Minhan, Executive Vice President of Consulting, Ensign InfoSecurity. “This programme is designed to help boards build practical experience and decision-making skills needed to lead through cyber crises with clarity and confidence. With training delivered by experts who have navigated actual incidents, participants benefit from a depth of knowledge that bridges theory and practice.”

Simulation Offered Via SID Board Academy

The Cyber Incident Management Simulation for Boards will be offered to company boards through SID Board Academy, with outreach to the region including Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Australia. Priority sectors span energy, banking and finance, and healthcare. While the programme follows a structured format, each experience can be further tailored to suit the needs of the board and be relevant to specific regulatory and business environments.

During the pre-launch phase, 100 board members in Singapore and Thailand have signed up for the “Simulation-in-a-box” training, reflecting early interest from boards seeking to strengthen cyber crisis decision-making capability.

“Ensign has been partnering SID to equip our members to raise the cyber resilience of their organisations, such as through the Cyber Incident Management Simulation for board directors conducted since 2025,” said Emily Poon, CEO-Designate of SID. “With this “Simulation-in-a-box” offered by the SID Board Academy, and the ongoing complimentary Cyber Incident Management Training for SID members, we count on Ensign’s support to prepare up to 3,500 directors by 2030 to confidently lead their organisations through cyber incidents.”