Detail

The road to success is paved with education, mentorship, and the right attitude. Emil Tan’s story proves that with passion, dedication, and continuous learning, anything is possible.

Unlocking a Passion for Cybersecurity

Growing up, Emil had a natural affinity for mathematics but struggled with other subjects. His interest in IT and cybersecurity was sparked by movies and TV shows about hackers and digital forensics. This passion led him to pursue a Diploma in Infocomm Security Management (DISM) at SP, a decision that profoundly shaped his future. ‘

“My journey to DISM was driven by my organic foundational interests and strengths in maths and technology. IT stood out because it seemed more forward-looking, especially as our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology.”

A Valuable Experience at SP

Emil recalls his time at SP as being filled with enriching experiences and invaluable mentorship. His lecturers provided crucial support and early industry exposure, including attending conferences, participating in competitions, and planning his educational path after SP.

“They were deeply invested in our growth, not just academically but also in terms of our careers and education beyond SP. This encouraged me to think about my future and career prospects.”

One of Emil’s most cherished memories was participating in Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competitions in Singapore and Malaysia. These experiences fostered a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.

“We were exposed to various competitions that involved hacking and defending systems. We often competed against professionals, which was both challenging and exciting. The competitions taught me to seize opportunities and think beyond fixed curriculums.”

FYP: The Game Changer

Emil’s Final Year Project (FYP) was another significant milestone. He worked on a project related to Honeypots, which are systems designed to attract and study attackers’ behaviour to develop defensive countermeasures. This project, inspired by his internship at DSO National Labs, allowed him to transition from being a student to applying his knowledge in a practical setting.

“It was a humbling experience, but it taught me valuable project management and teamwork skills. Working on the FYP with my peers and supervisor was instrumental in shaping my approach to the industry.”

Higher Learning, Higher Achievements

After graduating from SP, Emil pursued further studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he obtained a BSc in Computer Science and an MSc in Information Security. SP’s practical curriculum had sparked his curiosity about the underlying maths and science powering technology, which prompted him to deepen his knowledge.

Emil’s time at Royal Holloway also nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit. He founded the university’s Computing Society, leading it to win several awards. His efforts were recognised when he was invited to meet Queen Elizabeth II.

“My university experience at Royal Holloway was probably some of the best years of my life. The academic environment expanded my mind to other disciplines beyond Computer Science.”

Wearing Many Hats

Emil’s career in cybersecurity has been dynamic and evolving. At DSO, he developed proof-of-concept solutions to emerging threats. Then, as a Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst at MINDEF, he gained hands-on experience defending against real-world cyber threats.

As his career progressed, Emil moved towards shaping the broader cybersecurity landscape. Recognising the need for capacity and talent development, he co-founded Division Zero (Div0) and Red Alpha Cybersecurity to bridge the skills gap in the industry.

“My career has been driven by a deep interest in all facets of cybersecurity. I have pursued various roles because I see it as an interconnected ecosystem where each facet influences the others.”

Giving Back, Looking Forward

Emil’s commitment to giving back is evident in his role as an adjunct lecturer at SP’s School of Computing. Sharing his experiences and knowledge, he aims to inspire and equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

“The lecturers at SP had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. This is my way of giving back to the institution that played a pivotal role in my career.”

He also co-founded Cyber Youth Singapore (CYS) and other initiatives to foster a collaborative environment and drive industry innovation. His proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, cultivated at SP, continues to guide his efforts.

Tips for Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders

Emil advises future SP alumni to embrace continuous learning and adaptability, engage actively with the industry, and explore different facets of their field.

“Stay curious, be proactive, and remain adaptable. These qualities will prepare you for a dynamic and fulfilling career.”

For Emil, success is defined by the positive impact he has on others and his contributions to the broader community. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue contributing to the evolving cybersecurity landscape, seizing new opportunities, and driving positive change.

Mr Emil Tan
Head Crew & Co-Founder, Division Zero (Div0)
Diploma in Infocomm Security Management (2009)