Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISC2, the world’s leading nonprofit member organisation for cybersecurity professionals and certifying body of renowned certifications including the CISSP, to create globally recognised pathways for students and graduates of its Master of IT in Business (MITB) programme.
The CISSP certification, widely regarded as the gold standard for cybersecurity leadership, validates expertise across eight critical domains, from risk management and security architecture to assessment, operations, and compliance.
The MOU signing event took place on SMU campus on 8 September 2025. The strategic partnership formalises a commitment by SMU and ISC2, over the next few years, to build a talent pipeline of cybersecurity leaders who are adept at addressing critical risks in the field.
Prof Pang Hwee Hwa, Dean of SMU School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS), said: “This collaboration with ISC2 not only strengthens the industry relevance of our MITB Cybersecurity track, but also ensures our graduates are equipped with globally recognised credentials that position them for success in a fast-evolving digital economy. By pairing rigorous knowledge with real-world application, we reinforce SMU’s strength as a leader in practice-oriented, industry-driven postgraduate education.”
Debra Taylor, Acting CEO, ISC2 said: “ISC2 is committed to strengthening the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by ensuring they have the knowledge and preparation needed to succeed in a competitive global cybersecurity workforce. Through this collaboration, SMU’s MITB curriculum will be closely aligned with our globally recognised CISSP certification, creating a strong pipeline of future leaders who can address the evolving risks of our threat landscape with confidence and expertise.”
As Singapore’s digital economy accelerates, the cyber threat landscape has grown in scale and complexity, driving continuous demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. No longer a niche technical concern, cybersecurity now sits at the frontline of business and government operations - spanning finance, healthcare, retail, telecommunications and beyond. A strong talent pipeline is hence essential to protect both national security and economic competitiveness.
For students and professionals keen on cybersecurity, this growing demand translates into strong career opportunities. SMU’s collaboration with ISC2 ensures MITB graduates are equipped with the capabilities and attributes that employers hold in high regard.
For MITB graduates who go on to pursue and attain the CISSP credential, it signals to employers not only deep technical knowledge but also the ability to design manage and integrate cybersecurity strategies into core business operations. In a fast-growing, competitive job market, MITB graduates who go on to achieve the CISSP will stand out with a proven edge in employability and readiness to lead.
Mr Wong Yew Hoong, a MITB graduate, commented: “The CISSP is more than a certification - it is a milestone that transforms a cybersecurity professional into a trusted leader. It equips us with the knowledge and perspective to see beyond technical fixes and to build resilient, forward-looking strategies that safeguard what matters most. It inspires confidence, credibility and purpose in a rapidly evolving cyber world.”
For Yew Hoong, Senior Assistant Director (National Cyber Threat Analysis Centre) with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, the University’s move to align the curriculum with CISSP domains is a welcome initiative.
“The inclusion of ISC2 CISSP training in SMU’s MITB Cybersecurity track adds immense value. It gives graduates both globally recognised credibility and the strategic depth needed to address evolving cyber risks. This integration ensures future leaders are not only technically skilled but also equipped to safeguard organisations with confidence and foresight,” said Yew Hoong.
SMU’s MITB programme is consistently ranked among the world’s top programmes in the QS Business Masters Rankings. The University recently announced the launch of its new Cybersecurity track, which complements the programme’s existing specialisations in Artificial Intelligence; Data Science & Analytics; FinTech & Analytics and Digital Transformation. Applications for the MITB Cybersecurity track will open from 1 January 2026 for the August 2026 intake.
Photo credit: SMU
