Global cybersecurity company ESET is launching its Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Singapore for the first time, marking an effort to close the gender gap in one of the most male-dominated sectors of tech.

The scholarship, first introduced in 2016, has already supported over 28 women worldwide in pursuing careers in cybersecurity and STEM. In 2025, ESET is expanding the initiative to Singapore and India, joining existing programmes in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The move comes at a time when women make up just 26.2% of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore, highlighting the persistent gender disparity in the industry.

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The scholarship recipient in Singapore will receive a SGD 5,000 grant, but more importantly, they will also gain first-hand industry experience through a one-day attachment at ESET’s Singapore office. This exposure could be crucial in helping female students break into a field where men still dominate leadership and technical roles.

“As cyber threats continue to evolve, diversity is essential for driving innovation. At ESET, we believe empowering women in cybersecurity is key to shaping the future of the industry. By investing in these future leaders, we are strengthening global cybersecurity and contributing to a safer digital world,” said Parvinder Walia, President of Asia Pacific and Japan at ESET.

The scholarship is open to Singaporean citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in cybersecurity or STEM-related programmes. Selection will be based on academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to the field.

Applications open on 8 March and close on 25 April 2025, with the winner announced in June 2025.