Cisco launches cybersecurity talent center in Taiwan
2021/03/18
U.S.-based Cisco Systems Inc. launched a cybersecurity talent cultivation center March 16 in New Taipei City, underscoring the global networking heavyweight’s commitment to working with Taiwan in boosting local capability in the sector.
Jointly set up by the U.S. firm’s local branch and Taipei City-based Ausenior Information Co. Ltd., the center is located in the Startup Terrace Linkou, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Small and Medium Enterprise Administration.
During his opening remarks, MOEA Deputy Minister Lin Chuan-neng said cybersecurity is a top priority in the government’s industrial development policy, citing as an example a NT$809 million (US$28.62 million) national cybersecurity excellence center in planning by the Executive Yuan.
The ministry welcomes Cisco’s decision to set up the center, Lin said, adding that the government looks forward to working closely with the firm in fast-tracking development of top-tier professionals, and will channel all available resources in this regard.
In response, George Chen, head of Cisco Systems Taiwan Ltd., said the center is among the most important initiatives in the firm’s 20-year history in Taiwan. It is also the first such center in the Asia Pacific region dedicated to fostering network professionals and software developers using its DevNet platform, he added.
Chen said while there are 21,000 cybersecurity professionals in Taiwan, there are an estimated 3,800 vacancies, with the number increasing by 15 percent each year. This center is expected to help address this pressing challenge, he added.
Cybersecurity is a key plank in President Tsai Ing-wen’s six core strategic industries initiative unveiled during her 2020 inauguration speech. The others are information and digital technology, biotech and medical technology, national defense, green and renewable energy and strategic stockpile industries.
Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)
