NTUC partners Digital Defence Alliance to prepare 10,000 workers for AI and cybersecurity

• DDAS, NTUC and NTUC’s e2i partner to equip Singaporeans with digital literacy, AI and cybersecurity skills.

• The three-year collaboration aims to benefit more than 10,000 PMEs, youths and women.

• Key initiatives include the expansion of the DDAS Digital Defender Programme and the launch of NTUC x DDAS Youth Chapters to build a pipeline of future digital talent.

NTUC and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) have formed a partnership with Digital Defence Alliance Singapore (DDAS) on 24 July 2026 to equip Singaporeans with digital literacy and cybersecurity knowledge, while creating opportunities for workers to contribute to Singapore’s digital defence efforts.

The collaboration is expected to benefit some 10,000 PMEs, youth and women over the next three years through workforce development, AI readiness, employability support and community-driven digital defence initiatives.

DDAS, NTUC and e2i signed the partnership agreement at the DDAS Talent & Solutions Showcase and PME Conference 2026 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan witnessed the signing.

Mr Tan said Singapore's economy is becoming increasingly AI-driven, creating both opportunities and disruptions for workers.

“Investing in our workforce must remain central to this transformation, which is the focus of NTUC's AI-ready SG initiative,” he said.

He added that the partnership will provide PMEs with practical skills and clearer pathways into emerging roles in cybersecurity, AI and digital infrastructure, while helping to build a strong talent pipeline to support Singapore's digital resilience.

Supporting workers in a digital economy

The collaboration with NTUC and e2i will focus on helping workers and aspiring digital leaders build capabilities needed for the future economy, said DDAS in a media release.

Initiatives include industry masterclasses on AI, cybersecurity and emerging technologies; career transition and employability support from e2i for workers navigating digital transformation; mentorship opportunities for women in technology; networking and cross-sector collaboration programmes.

Participants of the programmes will also be encouraged to take part in community outreach and public education efforts to raise awareness of scams, cyber threats, misinformation and the responsible use of AI.

Growing Singapore’s digital defence community

One key initiative under the collaboration is the expansion of the DDAS Digital Defender Programme, which promotes digital literacy, cyber wellness, scam prevention and responsible technology use.

The programme aims to equip Singaporeans with skills – through workshops, talks and community outreach activities – to recognise cyber threats, practise good cyber hygiene and contribute to a more digitally resilient society.

The partners also announced plans to establish NTUC x DDAS Youth Chapters to encourage more young people to pursue careers in technology and digital defence.

Students from the five local polytechnics and ITEs will have opportunities to participate in digital defence initiatives, leadership programmes, industry projects and technology learning journeys.

They will also receive career guidance, job matching support and skills advisory services through e2i, alongside access to AI-powered career resources such as the NTUC AI Career Coach.

Strengthening AI readiness

DDAS President Judy Saw said the partnership will strengthen Singapore's tripartite efforts to advance workforce transformation, AI readiness and digital defence.

"As cyber threats, scams and AI risks continue to evolve, every Singaporean has a role to play in safeguarding our digital space," she said.

Ms Saw added that initiatives such as the NTUC x DDAS Youth Chapters and the DDAS Digital Defender Programme will help develop future-ready talent while encouraging more Singaporeans to become active digital defenders.

According to DDAS, the collaboration includes joint outreach efforts to grow union membership through DDAS industry programmes, events and engagement activities over the next three years.

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