In an increasingly connected world, the dangers confronting our nation often lurk unseen, yet their impact can be just as devastating. Threats against Singapore’s peace and security have become increasingly intangible and complex, with warfare extending into the digital realm. The protection against malicious cyber-attacks demands constant vigilance and swift responses – this is where the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) comes in. Tasked with securing critical systems and safeguarding our way of life, the DIS is always on guard, defending and dominating the digital domain.

As an integral member of the DIS, Military Expert 4 Apprentice (ME4A) Charlton Teo is keen to contribute to bolstering Singapore’s cyber defences. Armed with an SAF Merit Scholarship, Charlton is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science at National University of Singapore (NUS).

Finding Purpose: The Journey to Cybersecurity

Charlton developed a fascination for computers at a young age. However, his recognition of the impact of cyber breaches ignited a fervent determination within him to contribute meaningfully to national defence and to join the DIS.

“There wasn’t a specific event or person but rather a slew of cyber-attacks such as the Ukraine power grid attack and the NHS WannaCry attack that made me see the importance of cybersecurity in the stability of a country,” he elaborated. “When I heard about the new vocation C4X during my National Service (NS), it resonated with me as it was a combination of something I was interested in and something that I found purpose in.”

This newfound determination fuelled his path toward securing the SAF Merit Scholarship. Charlton also found unwavering support from his commanders, spurring him even further to pursue the scholarship.

“I had heard about the scholarship’s development programme which trains us to be effective leaders and that resonated with me,” he shared.

Charting His Course

Having received the scholarship in 2021, he is now pursuing his degree in Computer Science at NUS, a programme he chose for its renown and academic excellence. “It is known for being rigorous and since I have to be in a role that requires technical skills, I felt that it was important to join a programme that would adequately equip me with the necessary skills to carry out my duties after university,” added Charlton.

However, Charlton’s academic experiences extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom. The SAF Merit Scholarship is key to empowering him to diversify his educational pursuits, fostering a well-rounded and holistic learning experience.

He is especially thankful for the multitude of opportunities it offers, including his recent exchange trip to the United Kingdom. “I feel that the experience has made me more culturally aware and would definitely be beneficial in the future, such as enabling me to see things from new perspectives,” he reflected.

Fortifying Cyber Frontiers and Beyond

He has also had the opportunity to serve in different units during his school vacations, one even as an Analyst in the Security Operations Centre.

“Throughout the day, we may receive varying amounts of cyber threat intel, which will require different actions on our part to safeguard ourselves from these threats,” he explained. “We will also be constantly monitoring all systems through different software. If we detect any anomalies during our system monitoring, we will conduct an initial triage to determine if the anomaly is a false positive and what the causes of this anomaly are.”

For Charlton, the significance of his work extends beyond personal fulfilment. His role contributes to the growth of SAF's cyber defences, protecting its networks in an increasingly interconnected world where cyber-attacks can incur significant costs.

“The digital frontier has become a new medium for grey zone warfare. As cyber-attacks continue to grow in numbers, the need to establish a strong cyber defence also grows increasingly important,” he emphasised.

Despite the gravity of his role, Charlton points out a warm and congenial atmosphere at DIS.

“In the different units I’ve worked with, my colleagues have always been very welcoming to us, guiding me patiently through the workflow when I first joined. They have always been open to conversation, and they feel more like friends than colleagues,” he enthused.

With strong support, Charlton has become an asset within the DIS, exemplified by his Best Trainee Award for Military Domain Experts Course Phase 1. This recognition is noteworthy given Charlton's introverted nature and initial lack of cybersecurity experience.

“Being given this award is an honour and a reminder of how far I have come from the very start of the course, and it makes me proud looking at how much I have developed in both my soft and hard skills,” he shared.

However, Charlton is not one to rest on his laurels. His aspirations for both his career and the advancement of the DIS are ambitious and far-reaching.

“As DIS is a fairly new service, I hope to have an impact in its development – to be able to help set up and grow new units and allow the DIS to become more established on an international scale,” he stated. “I also hope to be able to influence people for the better. People always see cybersecurity as a technical job, but our day-to-day job still involves a lot of interactions with other people, and I hope to leave a positive impact on these people through these interactions.”

He advises those interested in joining the DIS to find passion and purpose in their work.

“Keeping up with cybersecurity trends and constantly upskilling ourselves can be draining if we do not find interest or purpose,” he shared. “Conversely, having a passion and interest makes work much more enjoyable and something to look forward to.”