According to the ISC2 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce  Study, the Asia Pacific region alone has accumulated a gap of 2.67 million cybersecurity professionals – with Singapore contributing an estimated gap of close to 4,000 workers that is needed on top of the present 76,942 professionals in the city-state. Globally, given the current macroeconomic climate, there have been quite a few cutbacks on cybersecurity professionals and teams that have further exacerbated this gap, with 61% of professionals sharing how this has led to a skills gap in their cybersecurity teams. Furthermore, 35% of the cybersecurity professionals surveyed also shared that there has been a cut in cybersecurity training programs within their organizations.

The collaboration between Zscaler and TP is key in ensuring a sustained talent pipeline to meet the demand for skilled technology leaders. Through this program, TP inculcates a future-oriented mindset by equipping students with a hands-on foundation in cybersecurity to navigate the future economy.

Zscaler will provide materials on Zero Trust which will be incorporated into the course curriculum through cybersecurity and networking-related subjects. In addition, Zscaler will work with TP’s School of Informatics & IT to support job placements with a growing network of partners and customers, as well as internships for students who have successfully completed their courses.

“We are excited about the opportunities that this collaboration with Zscaler will provide our students to deepen their cybersecurity skills, attain valued professional certifications and develop the confidence to support the industry against cyber threats,” said Mr Tang Ming Fai, Director, School of Informatics & IT, Temasek Polytechnic.

As part of ZAAP, students are given three courses to attain certifications over the course of a semester – Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Zero Trust Certified Associate, and Zscaler for Users – Essentials Certificate. After the completion of all three courses, students and faculty members will be able to take the high-stake legally proctored true Zero Trust Certification, Zscaler Digital Transformation Administrator. Students and faculty will also be able to take advantage of discount vouchers sponsored by Zscaler to participate in the program.

In addition, Zscaler will work with the Temasek Polytechnic School of Informatics & IT to help with job placements and internships for students who have successfully completed the courses with its growing network of partners and customers.

“I look forward to gaining deeper exposure to the Zero Trust concept and accessing Zscaler materials about Zero Trust. This collaboration definitely provides exciting opportunities for students like me to learn about cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies,” shared Muhammad Nur Haiqal Bin Abdul Kader, a student from the Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics at TP.

“The cybersecurity skills gap has been a persisting problem across the world and it is critical for the entire ecosystem to come together to address this. Partnership between private-public sectors is critical in helping the cybersecurity industry be prepared against the unprecedented growth in cyberattacks today,” shared Andreas Hartl, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan at Zscaler. “While training the current cohort of cybersecurity professionals with the latest tools and knowledge is one way to deal with the growing gap, there is a significant opportunity for the cybersecurity industry to collaborate with tertiary institutions to fill this burgeoning cybersecurity skills gap. We are thrilled to extend our Zscaler Academic Alliance Program to the students of Temasek Polytechnic and to contribute to the cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore. Zscaler is committed to helping our customers and the wider industry navigate this challenging cybersecurity landscape and this program is a key pillar in doing so.”

To learn more about ZAAP, please visit https://www.zscaler.com/zscaler-academy.