Network Engineer

Pioneering a practical path to quantum-safe networks in Singapore. * The quantum threat to asymmetric cryptography demands early action across the telecommunications sector, driven by multi-decade equipment lifecycles and emerging risks like "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later". * A world-first multiparty Memorandum of Intent signed in Singapore unites Ericsson, IMDA, Singtel, and NCS to bridge theory and practice by piloting quantum-safe migration frameworks on live infrastructure. Oct 05, 2026 | 4 min. Director, Advanced Technology, Asia-Pacific, Ericsson Group Function Technology As quantum computing capabilities advance, telecommunications networks worldwide are approaching a defining inflection point in cybersecurity. The mathematical foundations that secure digital communications are nearing obsolescence, requiring an orchestrated, ecosystem-wide transition toward quantum-resistant architectures. The central reality of this shift is clear: achieving successful quantum-safe migration demands seamless alignment and collaboration across government bodies, communication service providers, and industry partners, backed by comprehensive visibility into the entire quantum-safe ecosystem. Securing isolated network components in a vacuum simply shifts vulnerabilities elsewhere. Translating this collaborative principle into action, a world-first multiparty Memorandum of Intent (MOI) was signed at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATx) in May 2026. Under this landmark agreement, active project execution is now underway to transition the nation's critical digital networks toward quantum resistance. A milestone for Singapore: public-private collaboration in action. This strategic initiative brings Ericsson together with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singtel, and NCS to bridge the gap between theory and live, large-scale telecommunications infrastructure. The collaboration establishes actionable, real-world deployment roadmaps, focused on four essential pillars: * Cryptographic asset discovery and mapping: Systematically discovering and mapping cryptographic implementations across Singtel's network functions, identifying vulnerable algorithms, and prioritizing remediation schedules. * Piloting and validation: Testing and validating quantum-safe migration technologies across Singtel's core infrastructure and operational systems to verify real-world efficacy. * Ecosystem readiness: Cultivating operational talent and creating a repeatable migration blueprint that establishes Singapore as a regional and global benchmark for quantum-era transformation. * Knowledge sharing: Distributing frameworks, technical blueprints, and operational insights to the broader global telecommunications ecosystem to accelerate international adoption. Understanding the dual nature of the quantum threat. To understand why the Singapore deployment is significant, one must evaluate the cryptographic mechanics vulnerable to quantum computation. Modern enterprise networks rely on two primary types of cryptography: symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. Symmetric algorithms remain secure against quantum threats and continue to protect data across applications. In contrast, asymmetric algorithms are under the threat of emerging quantum computers which are expected, in the future. In its conversations with operators and technology leaders across Asia-Pacific, the quantum threat is often discussed as a distant milestone on a whiteboard. In reality, the migration timeline is already here. Because telecommunications infrastructure operates on decade-long lifecycles, the networks Electric Speech design and deploy today are the very ones that will face the arrival of cryptographically relevant quantum computers. Because asymmetric algorithms underpin public key exchange, identity verification, and digital signatures, their vulnerability compromises entire communication chains where they are relied upon. This creates acute vectors across global telecommunications: * Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL): Adversaries intercept and archive encrypted high-value communications today, intending to decrypt the data once quantum processing reaches sufficient scale. * Signaling and roaming vulnerabilities: Core network interconnection links and roaming interfaces rely on asymmetric handshakes, leaving critical transport links exposed to potential manipulation. * Unreliable verification of connected systems: Trust architectures fail if the underlying identity exchange protocols can no longer guarantee the authenticity of connected nodes and remote servers. * SIM and IoT onboarding insecurities: The provisioning and credential validation chains that verify billions of connected enterprise devices and SIM cards risk subversion if root authentication authorities are breached. * AI security and data integrity: As enterprises scale mission-critical AI workloads across hybrid clouds and edge nodes, validating model weights, data pipelines, and telemetry against manipulation becomes essential. Post-Quantum Cryptography: the path forward. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) are new standardized asymmetric algorithms designed to be secure against both ordinary and quantum computers. By relying on complex mathematical and geometric problems such as lattice-based cryptography, PQC provides a complete foundation for securing tomorrow's digital infrastructure. However, deploying PQC across telecommunications networks presents distinct operational hurdles: * Resource and latency constraints: NIST-approved PQC algorithms require substantially larger keys and ciphertexts, which can strain bandwidth and increase handshake latency in time-critical mobile environments. * Crypto-agility in legacy stacks: Telecom functions often rely on hardcoded cryptographic libraries. Transitioning to quantum resilience requires engineering crypto-agility across the network so algorithms can be updated modularly without disrupting services. * Multi-vendor and roaming interoperability: Ensuring backward compatibility through the transition (for example, supporting both quantum-vulnerable public-key algorithms and PQC in parallel) is critical to keep multi-vendor networks and global roaming interfaces functional. Because telecommunications network functions operate on multi-decade lifecycles, embedding quantum resistance early is critical to avoid legacy exposure. A network generation deployed today will remain active well into the future, falling directly within the anticipated arrival window of cryptographically relevant quantum computers. Ericsson is supporting this transition by building PQC directly into global telecom standardization and product lifecycles, facilitating a smooth, standardized migration across mobile networks worldwide. To realize this vision, Ericsson actively contributes to PQC standardization within key global bodies, including the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and the GSM Association (GSMA). By integrating NIST-approved PQC algorithms into mobile network architectures, Ericsson is specifically targeting upcoming 5G releases as well as the evolution towards 6G, enabling operators to maintain backward compatibility during the transition. Building a quantum-safe Singapore and global ecosystem. As a leading global digital hub, Singapore must ensure its telecommunication sector remains resilient against emerging quantum threats. This partnership demonstrates how that essential end-to-end alignment works in practice, combining government leadership with operator and technology scale. Singapore's proactive stance demonstrates how strategic national initiatives can build local expertise and capabilities while accelerating the global transition. However, Singapore cannot be an isolated island of quantum safety; global networks require global alignment. For CSPs, technology vendors, and policymakers preparing for this shift, preparation must begin long before commercial quantum computers arrive: * Conduct comprehensive cryptographic audits: Operators and enterprises must discover and map where asymmetric cryptography exists across their networks, prioritizing systems carrying high-value, long-lifespan data susceptible to "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" risks. * Require crypto-agility in network procurement: Near-term network investments and software upgrades should mandate modular crypto-agile architectures. * Foster cross-sector pilots: Governments and regulatory bodies should establish testing sandboxes and public-private alliances like Singapore's model, allowing vendors and telcos to test PQC performance under live traffic conditions before standardizing deployments. * Engage with international standards: Service providers should actively track and implement guidelines emerging from 3GPP, IETF, and GSMA to guarantee cross-border interoperability and secure roaming. Alongside other ongoing partnerships, this Quantum-Safe PQC migration MOI marks a pivotal milestone in Singapore's digital journey, empowering enterprises to adopt AI with confidence, reinforcing national cyber resilience, and laying the foundation for a secure, innovative digital future. Ericsson remains committed to supporting the global telecommunications community and fostering global ecosystem readiness to enable a smooth, standardized transition to post-quantum security across mobile networks worldwide.

Singapore, Guangdong deepen collaboration in digital economy. Singapore and Guangdong are deepening collaboration in the digital economy, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key area of shared interest, Enterprise Singapore said on Tuesday. The government agency said in a statement that Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 and Guangdong's 15th Five-Year Plan share a common ambition to transform priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, financial services, logistics, and healthcare. Both sides are already translating this shared vision into concrete partnerships. For example, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) is partnering Shenzhen-based tech startup ZoeRobot to deploy AI-powered wall-panel mounting robots for the Cross Island Line project since 2025. This has reduced manpower requirements for compaction work during concrete casting by around 30 percent. Meanwhile, AI-led technology services company NCS is partnering Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center (SUTPC) to develop AI-driven solutions for smart transportation, smart airports, and operations command systems across the Asia-Pacific region. According to the statement, Singapore and Guangdong's collaboration in the healthcare and biomedical sector has seen good progress. Companies and research institutions from both sides are partnering to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments. For example, Singapore biotech company LionTCR will work with Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (GPHL), one of China's largest pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, to jointly develop and accelerate the clinical translation of next-generation TCR-T cell therapies. Singapore cell-therapy company BioSyngen is also partnering Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University to establish an international medical platform. With cross-border treatment channels as a key enabler, the partnership aims to advance immune cell therapy for solid tumors through joint clinical research, a shared research and development (R&D) and translation platform, and talent development in the Greater Bay Area. In innovation, collaboration under the Singapore-Shenzhen Joint Innovation Call1 is gaining momentum, with partnerships from the first edition seeing results. An example is Amerig Offshore Engineering, a Singapore company specializing in offshore wind foundation protection. It partnered Shenzhen Geokey Construction Group and CIMC Offshore Engineering under the 2023 Joint Innovation Call to jointly develop and deploy high-performance solidified soil materials for scour protection. The collaboration shortened research and development timelines by about 10% to 20% and supported deployments in regional offshore wind projects. Meanwhile, the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (CSGKC) remains an important launchpad for Singapore companies venturing into Guangdong, said the statement. Singapore-based semiconductor equipment company Component Technology is one of the companies that has recently established a presence in the CSGKC. The company will cooperate with AQ Technology's Shenzhen branch to jointly develop AI software for advanced semiconductor packaging. The CSGKC has also evolved as a hub for talent exchange between Singapore and Guangdong, having signed memoranda of understanding with Business China, the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and the Singapore Institute of Technology respectively to advance collaboration in areas such as talent and workforce development, youth and student exchanges, healthcare innovation, and cross-cultural engagement. Overall, Singapore and Guangdong's economic ties remain strong, with bilateral trade reaching $15.09 billion in the first half of 2026. Guangdong also remained Singapore's top provincial trading partner in China for the 37th consecutive year in 2025. During the 16th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) meeting which was held in Singapore, both sides reaffirmed the good progress achieved under the SGCC and discussed how the partnership could be further developed amid a challenging global environment. A total of 22 project signings were concluded at the meeting, reflecting the strong mutual interest in advancing cooperation across areas such as innovation, healthcare, finance and talent exchange. "Singapore and Guangdong have built a strong and enduring partnership over time, one that has demonstrated resilience and depth over the decades," said Ong Ye Kung, the Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies of Singapore. According to him, the challenges of today's global environment make it more important than ever to have like-minded partners. "We share common priorities across healthcare, innovation and the digital economy, and our strengths complement each other well. As gateways to our respective regions, we are well-placed to help each other access new markets and opportunities, "Through the SGCC, we will continue to build on this foundation and open new pathways for growth," he added. In a separate statement, Singapore-based transport operator ComfortDelGro said it sees Guangdong as launchpad for autonomous mobility growth. "Guangdong is central to our strategy of building a robust autonomous mobility ecosystem. Our newly established wholly owned subsidiary in Shenzhen marks a key step in developing a regional autonomous mobility headquarters and center of excellence," ComfortDelGro Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Cheng Siak Kian said. According to him, the memoranda of understanding signed at the Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council meeting will strengthen the firm's AV capabilities and supporting infrastructure, including smart parking, charging and energy systems, paving the way for the large-scale deployment of autonomous taxi services in China and other key markets.