OPSWAT, ITE Sign MOU to Grow Singapore’s Operational Technology cybersecurity Workforce

OPSWAT, a global leader in Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) cybersecurity solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to strengthen operational technology (OT) cybersecurity education and workforce readiness in Singapore. The MOU was signed at GovWare 2026 by Benny Czarny, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OPSWAT, and Seng Chin Chye, Principal of ITE College Central.

Under the five-year agreement, OPSWAT will work alongside ITE to establish a dedicated operational technology (OT) cybersecurity lab—the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Training Facility at ITE College Central and strengthen practical training. The lab aims to support more than 150 students from the Higher Nitec in Cyber & Network Security course annually. Students will train in a safe, simulated environment using industry technologies and physical models of infrastructure such as power, water, and transport systems. 

The agreement builds on OPSWAT Academy’s global experience in critical infrastructure cybersecurity education. As of August 2026, OPSWAT Academy reported more than 467,800 registered learners and over 292,400 certifications worldwide. Through its courses, labs, and training partnerships, the Academy helps learners develop skills relevant to careers in safeguarding critical systems. The Singapore initiative brings this global education effort directly into ITE’s teaching environment.

“Technology alone will not protect our critical infrastructure. People will,” said Mr Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO, OPSWAT. “That is why this partnership matters to me. Singapore has invested in developing its own talent, and we want to support ITE and its educators in giving students the practical skills to protect the power, water, transport, and other essential services we all depend on. OPSWAT Academy has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn cybersecurity skills worldwide. Now we want to help the next generation here in Singapore turn that knowledge into meaningful careers.”

Supporting Educators and Creating Career Pathways

The new lab will give students experience in real security workflows, including understanding how threats move between IT and industrial environments, inspecting files and transfers, and protecting operational systems without interrupting their availability. The training will provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with the practical demands of critical infrastructure protection.

OPSWAT and ITE also plan to collaborate on educator training, co-development of curriculum, the sharing of technical knowledge, and partnering in industry projects. Selected ITE staff may participate in industry attachments with OPSWAT or its partners. OPSWAT Academy training can complement this work through specialised courses and learning resources.

The partnership formalises an important and existing collaboration between the two organisations, including student learning visits, OPSWAT Academy training hosted at ITE, and activities to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

OPSWAT and ITE: Partnership Aligned with Singapore’s Priorities

Singapore’s OT Cybersecurity Masterplan 2024 identifies the development of an OT cybersecurity talent pipeline as a national priority. OPSWAT and ITE aim to contribute to that goal by helping students build practical expertise early and giving educators access to evolving field experience. The lab is intended to offer a bridge between education and the critical infrastructure roles Singapore will require in the years ahead.

Seng Chin Chye, Principal, ITE College Central said, “As more of Singapore’s industries digitalise their operations and processes, OT cybersecurity skills have become increasingly important in keeping critical systems running safely. This partnership strengthens ITE’s efforts to expose our students to real-world industry technology, enabling them to acquire industry-relevant expertise and exposure, and contribute to a strong pipeline of talent for this growing field.”