US technology firm IBM and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) are planning to establish the Quantum-Safe Center, targeted for launch by the end of 2026, as a dedicated hub to accelerate Singapore’s transition to quantum-safe cybersecurity.
The center will help organizations assess risks, adopt new security approaches and develop the talent needed for the post-quantum era, the duo said in a statement on Tuesday.
To help organizations address these emerging challenges, the Quantum-Safe Center, located in the SIT Punggol Campus within the Punggol Digital District (PDD), is designed to help organizations prepare for and transition to quantum-safe cryptography.
It is noted that globally, the digital economy relies on cryptography to protect trillions of transactions across billions of devices, from banking and payment systems to healthcare records and government and critical infrastructure.
This cryptographic foundation, the backbone of digital trust and security, now faces a fundamental challenge with the advent and rapid progress of quantum computing.
As quantum computing advances, the encryption methods that organizations rely on today to safeguard their data could become increasingly vulnerable to new and more sophisticated cyber threats from bad actors.
The risk is particularly pressing as cybercriminals may already be collecting sensitive data with the intention to decrypt it once they gain the opportunity to access “cryptographically relevant” quantum computers in the future.
As a central resource for enterprise leaders, technology practitioners, academic researchers, and government stakeholders, the Quantum-Safe Center aims to build awareness of emerging cybersecurity risks posed by advanced quantum computing and help organizations understand the steps needed to protect their systems and data; assess organizations’ quantum-safe readiness by identifying potential vulnerabilities in their existing cybersecurity systems and mapping pathways to adopt quantum-safe solutions.
It also aims to enable hands-on test bedding of quantum-safe technologies such as IBM Guardium Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer through experimentation and applied use cases in PDD’s live testbed environment; develop a future-ready workforce through executive education, professional training, applied learning and applied research opportunities in quantum-safe cybersecurity; foster collaboration across industry, academia and government to strengthen Singapore’s post-quantum resilience and support structured migration to quantum-safe solutions and practices.
Translating these aims into action, the Quantum-Safe Center will offer two Continuing Education and Training (CET) programs co-developed by SIT and IBM, a quantum-safe testbed powered by IBM- Quantum Safe technology which includes IBM Guardium Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer, and targeted briefings and workshops.
Designed for senior business leaders and technical practitioners, the programs will equip organizations with the knowledge and practical skills needed to build a strategic quantum-safe roadmap. More information on the CET programs is available in the Annex.
The center will also benefit from the expertise of Michael Osborne, Chief Technology Officer of IBM Quantum Safe, and a leading expert in post-quantum cryptography and quantum-safe cybersecurity, who works closely with enterprises, governments and critical infrastructure organizations worldwide to address the security challenges posed by advances in quantum computing.
Appointed as SIT’s first Distinguished Visiting Scientist, he will help shape the Centre’s education, applied research and industry collaboration initiatives, while fostering knowledge exchange between academia and industry to strengthen Singapore’s quantum-safe capabilities.
“As SIT’s first Distinguished Visiting Scientist, I look forward to working directly with Singapore’s enterprises, researchers and future cybersecurity professionals to translate global best practices into practical, on-the-ground capability,
“Preparing for the post-quantum era requires more than new cryptographic standards — it requires organizations to understand their security posture today, identify their vulnerabilities, and have a clear path forward. I will work to help bridge that gap: bringing IBM’s deep expertise in quantum-safe technologies to bear within SIT’s applied learning environment, so that Singapore’s organisations and talent are not just informed, but genuinely ready,” Obsborne said.
Meanwhile, Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President, SIT, said as the University for Industry, SIT’s strength lies in bridging the gap between emerging technology and real-world application — through applied learning, industry-integrated research and a deep commitment to developing work-ready talent.
“Quantum-safe cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge — it is a workforce readiness challenge. Together with IBM, the Quantum-Safe Centre will enable Singapore’s enterprises and professionals to not just be aware of the post-quantum risk but equipped to respond to it decisively and with practical expertise,” he added.
Underscoring the urgency of the post-quantum cryptography transition, Siew San Tan, General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM Singapore, said Singapore’s critical infrastructure, enterprises, and government agencies are at a pivotal moment in their cybersecurity journey, and the time to prepare for the post-quantum risk is now.
“Through our collaboration with SIT and the establishment of the Quantum-Safe Center, IBM is committed to supporting Singapore’s organizations with the technology, expertise and capabilities they need to understand their cryptographic vulnerabilities and take decisive steps toward quantum-safe resilience,
“This initiative would help to ensure that Singapore’s digital economy remains secure and trusted in the years ahead,” he added.