USA and Singapore collaboration for cybersecurity and supply chain

A press conference among the United States vice president Kamala Harris and Singapore Prime Minister Lee took place on August 23, heavily discussing cybersecurity and supply chain matters. The vice president also brought Indo-Pacific issues to the discussion along with the crisis happing in Afghanistan. Pledges and rational movements to bind countries together are nothing new, but as the world moves forward with the help of tech, these countries are trying to form a stronger knot for future endeavours.

The press conference was held at The White House, from where the U.S. vice president Kamala Harris brought a recommitment message with Prime Minister Lee. Both talked about current matters and the future of tech, especially cybersecurity and supply chain management. The pandemic pushed significant upgrades in their beta or alpha period in a pre-packaged suite, which helped make rushed decisions easier. Nevertheless, global leaders in tech topics don't keep their conversation on a single matter; instead, it evolves to politics and socio-economic development. Harris said, "This pandemic has had a profound impact on economics." A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed at the event to make the collaboration process easier.

CISA Director Jen Easterly said, "Cyber threats don't adhere to borders, which is why international collaboration is a key part of the Biden-Harris administration approach to cybersecurity." The White House published a fact sheet containing Biden Administration and private sector leaders announcement of ambitious initiatives for the nation's cybersecurity. A host of commitments were made between U.S tech giants and The White House with pledges for the industry's future.

Microsoft pledged $150 million of "technical service" for all government agencies, which will benefit digital defences and training programs for community colleges and non-profits. The company will invest another $5 billion over a five-year course to apply more secure measures around product lines.

Google said they would invest $10 billion over the next five years along with $100 million in donations to "support third party foundations." The company would also train 100,000 Americans with digital skills such as data analytics.

As a symbol of a great product line and digital security, Apple will work with over 9,000 suppliers and teach cyber hygiene.

IBM will establish "cybersecurity leadership centres" at educational institutions and train more than 150,000 people in relevant fields.

Amazon, Code.org will also train students and employees cybersecurity, promising for the future generation to adopt newer challenges to cope with the modern world. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) collaborates with industry partners to bring a change, and hence, a severe push towards cybersecurity measures is ongoing.

PM Lee said, "We value the U.S. renewing its ties with friends and partners here, and especially with Singapore." Harris pointed out the commitments made for the Indo-Pacific area. Previously the Administration announced a formal expansion of the industrial control systems, which led to 150 more utilities with improved cybersecurity regularly used by 90 million Americans. A "micro-credentialing program" for girls to code along with scholarships and early career opportunities will be provided.

Promises have been made on that note regarding the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with industry partners to improve cybersecurity measures. The recent press brief happens to give an enhanced outline of the matters tackled individually.

On a media conference with the former U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence, President Lee said, "Although our bilateral relationship is already comprehensive, we are still discovering new ways to cooperate, for example, in energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology partners."

Kamala mentioned that Singapore is the second-largest Asian investor with $65 billion in stock shares and the 5,500 US companies in Singapore.