OPSWAT, a global critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to grow Singapore’s operational technology (OT) cybersecurity workforce. The MOU was signed at GovWare 2026 by Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO of OPSWAT, and Seng Chin Chye, Principal of ITE College Central.

Under the five-year agreement, OPSWAT will work with ITE to establish a dedicated Operational Technology Cybersecurity Training Facility at ITE College Central, supporting more than 150 students annually from the Higher Nitec in Cyber & Network Security course. Students will train in a simulated environment using physical models of infrastructure such as power, water and transport systems.

Addressing a growing OT talent gap

The partnership comes a day after Singapore launched its Cybersecurity Strategy 2026, which names building the cyber workforce as a key priority, and follows the recent UNC3886 attacks on Singapore’s telecommunications operators that underscored the need for defenders with hands-on, real-world experience.

As of August 2026, OPSWAT Academy reports more than 467,800 registered learners and over 292,400 certifications worldwide. The Singapore facility extends that global education effort directly into ITE’s teaching environment, with plans for educator training, curriculum co-development and industry attachments for ITE staff with OPSWAT and its partners.

Formalising an existing partnership

The MOU formalises an existing collaboration between the two organisations that already includes student learning visits and OPSWAT Academy training hosted at ITE.

“Technology alone will not protect our critical infrastructure. People will,” said Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO, OPSWAT. “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.”

“As more of Singapore’s industries digitalise their operations and processes, OT cybersecurity skills have become increasingly important in keeping critical systems running safely,” said Seng Chin Chye, Principal, ITE College Central.