As IT becomes increasingly integral in an organisation’s business, a resilient IT system is critical to ensure smooth running of businesses, especially when crisis strikes. Moreover, BCM practices will grow in importance as we progress into an era of greater uncertainty. Not just conventional risks but also asymmetric risks. Therefore, the IT professional is also expected to be competent in BCM.

However, there are currently no BCM certifications offered in the niche area of IT to deal with this demand. Recognising the need to address this gap, the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) set forth to develop a benchmark for IT professionals and to raise the level of BCM competency with the nation’s first IT BCM certification called the Certification in IT Business Continuity Management (CITBCM).

This certification is in line with the government’s drive to establish Singapore as a country with high business resiliency. With this, ministries and statutory boards’ IT disaster recovery teams are likely to be the first to lend support for this certification. The certification is another ‘shot in the arm’ by the Society in support of the National Infocomm Competency Framework for IT professionals in charge of IT services resiliency.

With proper training and certification provided by the CITBCM, organisations can now identify people with the critical professional skills in the area of IT Business Continuity. This will bring about greater assurance and enhance the capability development in this crucial domain.

Alphonsus Pang
President
Singapore Computer Society