Detail

In his current role, Cheng Yew Kuann works with businesses worldwide to ensure payment security standards keep pace with evolving cyber threats. But his journey to shaping global cybersecurity policies began much closer to home. 

A Practical Choice with Lasting Impact

In the early 1990s, when deciding on his course of study, Yew Kuann knew one thing: technology was the future. “IT, technology, computing, or whatever you call it, they’re at the heart of everything today. I knew it would be important.” 

At the time, computing was already making waves across industries. Wanting to be part of that wave, he pursued a Diploma in Computer Information Systems at Singapore Polytechnic (SP). 

Learning from Dedicated Mentors

Recalling his time at SP, Yew Kuann credits much of his early learning experience to the dedicated lecturers who guided him. “Ms Wong Shin Yueh, Mrs Shirley Ngiam, Ms Leong Fong Sow … they were very passionate about their classes, and they were always open to helping us tackle technology challenges.” 

Beyond coding and theory, these mentors helped shape his problem-solving mindset, which would prove invaluable in his career.

SP-Trained, Future-Ready 

For Yew Kuann, the practical nature of SP’s curriculum was one of its biggest strengths. “Our projects were designed with real-world applications in mind. They were challenging enough to push us but never so overwhelming that we felt discouraged. The lecturers guided us, but we had to put in the effort.” 

After graduation, Yew Kuann spent a year and a half at Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) before heading overseas for further studies. Determined to deepen his knowledge, Yew Kuann went on to get his Bachelor of Computing at Monash University in Australia. 

“The discipline and structure SP instilled in us were similar to what I encountered at university. You had to be independent, as nobody was going to chase you for assignments. That preparation helped me excel, and I even graduated in the top 5% of my cohort.”

Shaping Global Payment Security

Yew Kuann’s career has taken him through various industries, from government service to fintech startups and multinational corporations. He spent 15 years at Visa, where he worked with some of the world's largest financial institutions to manage payment risks including fraud and cybersecurity, before transitioning to the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council. 

Today, he plays a vital role in keeping digital transactions safe. “I work with stakeholders across industries, like Shopee, Lazada, airlines like Singapore Airlines, and global hotel chains. Every company that handles payments must adopt PCI standards.” He finds that the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity keeps his work exciting. 

“The payments ecosystem is constantly changing. With AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity threats emerging, PCI has to stay ahead. Ensuring these standards are robust keeps me at the forefront of technology.” Furthermore, Yew Kuann’s experience in fintech and government service allows him to approach security challenges from multiple angles. 

“When companies struggle to meet security standards, I can empathise. I’ve been on their side before. My job is to help them see how preparing in advance makes adopting the standards easier.” 

Giving Back to SP 

Despite his global role, Yew Kuann remains connected to SP and actively engages with students and alumni. He has also been working with SP alumni in cybersecurity, helping them expand their businesses beyond Singapore to compete on a global stage. 

“PCI operates on a global scale. I’ve been working with a fellow SP alumnus who runs a cybersecurity company, helping him tap into opportunities beyond Singapore and Malaysia. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be competing with the best in the world.”

Advice for Future Graduates 

Yew Kuann encourages students to be proactive and confident. “One thing a former manager of mine always said was, ‘Speak up and build your personal brand.’ Many Singaporeans tend to be reserved. If you have a good idea, don’t wait for someone else to say it first. Be the one to share it and stand by it.” 

He also stresses the importance of continuous learning, and is a firm proponent of upskilling. “I attend online courses, industry workshops, and corporate training. Sometimes, I’ll even squeeze in a LinkedIn course while waiting for my daughter to complete her classes.” 

For Yew Kuann, success isn’t about job titles or financial milestones – it’s about moving forward with conviction. “There might have been things I could have done differently, but looking back, I have no regrets. The key is to surround yourself with people you trust, make informed choices, and once you commit to a path, don’t dwell on what could have been.”

Cheng Yew Kuann
Regional Vice President, PCI Security Standards Council
Diploma in Computer Information Systems (1996)