WHAT’S BUZZING

Cash-based incentives more popular in Singapore start-ups than in US
Singapore start-ups are more inclined to offering cash-based incentives than their US counterparts, to attract and retain talents.

In terms of target performance, the target bonus for start-ups in Singapore is at 20%, compared to 13% in the US at the managerial level. At the professional individual contributor level, target bonuses were also reported to be higher in Singapore (15%) than in the US (10%).

These findings are part of the recent Private Market Compensation Study by professional services firm Aon in collaboration with government-owned venture capital firm SGInnovate.

Additionally, the study reveals 90% of Singapore start-ups tend to have equity plans for roles that are managerial levels and above. Tech talents are also usually provided with higher ownership percentages at 0.055% at the professional individual contributor level, as compared to 0.017% for those holding non-tech roles at the same level.

There is, however, an increasing trend of Singapore start-ups expanding the eligibility criteria for equity ownership to more levels within their organisations. This aims to promote an ownership culture and attract the right kind of entrepreneurial talent, regardless of role level.

Ravi Nippani, Aon’s associate partner for human capital in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa explains that Singapore start-ups were not too keen on using equity for wealth creation for employees in the past as there was a “lack of successful cases” and “it was risky as it may take a long time to be realised”.

“[But in today’s] uncertain times, using equity as a preferred vehicle of compensation can help conserve much-needed cash reserves, which can be deployed to product development in the initial stages of the start-up,” he adds.

Commenting on the study, Juliana Lim, executive director for talent networking at SGInnovate, says: “[The findings will] help both start-ups and talents become aware of the compensation landscape here and make informed judgements, instead of offers or demands that may not match market realities. [This] not only enables our start-ups to attract and retain the right talent in a highly competitive hiring market, but also maintains Singapore’s position as a key hub for talent and innovation”.

Mitsubishi Motors targets external threats with CYFIRMA
Mitsubishi Motors has deployed CYFIRMA’s cloud-based, AI-powered platform to gain a comprehensive view of its external threat landscape. This allows the Japanese automobile manufacturer to better predict cyber threats, avert impending attacks, and prevent the theft of intellectual property.

Called DeCYFIR, the platform allows Mitsubishi Motors to monitor the dark web and track any activity or conversation that poses a threat to its business.

Attacks can be predicted using probability prediction models and analytics engines based on analysis of threat indicators collected from the deep web, dark web, hacker forums and other closed communities, as well as CYFIRMA’s own research.

By providing threat intelligence from the outside, CYFIRMA can share early warning information when signs of cyberattacks are detected, enabling Mitsubishi Motors to take rapid action to thwart attempts at intellectual property theft, and other malicious activities.

Yamane, the Information Security Management Office general manager at Mitsubishi Motors, says: “With the rising level of cyberattacks, cybersecurity threat intelligence information becomes paramount as a countermeasure and deterrence to these risks.”

See also: Economy and financial system not the only concerns of MAS — cybersecurity too

Adds the general manager, who goes only by one name: “DeCYFIR [will help] enhance our cybersecurity posture as it goes one step further in providing critical early warning intelligence to identify attack surfaces and vulnerabilities at the earliest stages, allowing our security team to take rapid action in mitigating risk.”

IN PICTURE

Photo: Facebook

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore will soon be creating and demonstrating advanced cooling technologies for data centres at a new testbed facility.

The first-of-its-kind Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT) will be operational by this October and located at NUS. It will house state-of-the-art equipment including a novel desiccant-coated heat exchanger design, and a StatePoint Liquid Cooling System that helps data centres operate more efficiently in tropical locations.

STDCT is part of the new $23 million research programme — jointly funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore and Facebook — that aims to develop innovative and sustainable cooling solutions for data centres located in tropical locations.

DIGITAL LIFE

Microsoft has designed the new Windows 11 to support hybrid work. While we wait for its release “this holiday season”, here are some of the features you can expect:

Photo: Microsoft

Located at the centre of the screen, the Start menu will show the recently viewed files across different platforms or devices so that you can pick up where you left off.

Photo: Microsoft

Teams is integrated directly into the Taskbar, allowing you to instantly connect with anyone through text, chat, voice or video across Windows, Android and iOS.

Photo: Microsoft

With Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops, you can enjoy the flexibility of multiple windows and work on multiple apps simultaneously by snapping the apps side by side on their screens.

Additionally, Windows 11 is Zero Trust-ready and secure by design. Key security features like hardware-based isolation, encryption and malware prevention are turned on by default to keep users safe without sacrificing performance or experience.

Top-most Photo: Unsplash