At the ATxSummit Social, part of Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG), the region’s most influential technology event, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Heng Swee Keat, announced the launch of the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) which aims to deliver quantum-safe communications across Singapore.

The NQSN+ is part of Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint launched by Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo on Monday, 5 June 2023, ahead of ATxSG. The Blueprint outlines the next bound of Singapore’s digital connectivity which will take us up to 2030. Beyond Singapore’s strategic priorities, one of the early moves Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is making is in the NQSN+ to enhance the resilience and security of businesses in Singapore’s digital economy.

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that uses principles of quantum physics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. Quantum computers are also expected to unlock unprecedented advancements in raw computing power, simulation and optimisation with the potential to revolutionise industries and spur innovation.

At the same time, quantum computers will introduce new security risks as they can break many encryption algorithms that we rely on today. Singapore needs to be ready to adopt quantum-safe technologies to strengthen our digital infrastructure and build resistance against quantum attacks.

Securing our digital connectivity – towards a quantum-safe Singapore in 10 years.

Building on more than 10 years of quantum research efforts from the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), hosted by the National University of Singapore, the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) was launched in 2022 to conduct nationwide trials of quantum-safe communications technologies to enhance network security. Collaborating with universities, companies and government agencies, NQSN has demonstrated the technical feasibility of deploying quantum-safe technologies, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), to protect against quantum computing risks.

As a first step towards the broader vision of a quantum-safe Singapore, IMDA’s NQSN+ will support network operators to deploy quantum-safe networks nationwide, so that businesses have easy access to solutions to safeguard their critical data.

The NQSN+ will start with at least two network operators. Each will build a nationwide, interoperable quantum safe network that can serve all businesses. Businesses can work with the NQSN+ operators to integrate quantum-safe solutions to safeguard their critical data and information in the quantum age.

IMDA has received proposals from Singtel, and from a joint partnership between SPTel and SpeQtral, and is evaluating these proposals.

(Source:https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/press-releases/2023/singapore-launches-southeast-asias-first-quantum-safe-network-infrastructure-to-help-businesses-tap-on-quantum-safe-technologies)