HomeConsultingSQEP

Suitably Qualified &
Experienced Person (SQEP)

SQEP consultants for Singapore Government, CII operators, and regulated enterprise systems — endorsing security architecture, supporting ACISO sign-off, and securing systems through go-live and beyond.

Our SQEP consultants act as the trusted technical bridge between System Integrators and the Agency Chief Information Security Officer (ACISO) — endorsing security architecture, justifying risk waivers, and providing assurance through every stage of the project lifecycle.

🇸🇬 🇦🇺
Now serving
Singapore & Australia
Feb 2026 SG–AU MOU
AT A GLANCE

SQEP (Suitably Qualified & Experienced Person) is the independent security professional who endorses a system's architecture on the Authority's behalf — covering design endorsement, ACISO sign-off support, waiver justification, go-live, and annual recertification. Mandated for Singapore Government, CII operators, and MAS-regulated systems. Engaging the wrong SQEP delays Authority sign-off and risks adverse IM8 audit findings — Infracom's CISSP-ISSAP-led consultants have stood in front of the ACISO and answered the hard questions.

ISO
27001
⭐ A unique credential

Singapore's first and only ISO 27001–certified provider with SQEP services explicitly in scope.

Many companies in Singapore hold ISO 27001 — but their certified scope of provision covers other services. Infracom's certificate is uniquely scoped to cover SQEP services. Proof that we operate to the same security standards we endorse for our clients.

The role

What role does an SQEP play between the SI and the ACISO?

For Singapore Government and CII projects, a Suitably Qualified & Experienced Person is mandated to safeguard the integrity, neutrality, and quality of every security decision made.

A SQEP is the security professional accountable for endorsing a system's security architecture and ensuring it meets the Authority's security requirements throughout its lifecycle — from initial design, through implementation and acceptance testing, into production, and across every annual audit cycle.

Infracom's SQEP consultants sit between the System Integrator (delivering the solution) and the Agency Chief Information Security Officer (ACISO, signing off on residual risk on behalf of the Authority). We interpret security requirements, endorse design documents, support security acceptance testing, justify waivers when needed, and stand behind every assurance we provide.

HOW WE COMPARE

How does an independent SQEP differ from the SI's security architect?

← Swipe to compare →

DimensionIndependent SQEP
Infracom
SI's security architect
Position in the projectSits between the build team and the Authority's security sign-off functionWithin the build team
Primary deliverableArchitecture endorsement, waiver justification, security testing endorsement, go-live endorsement, annual recertificationSolution design, implementation, acceptance testing, handover documentation
Independence from delivery outcomeFunctionally independent across the full project lifecycle — design, implementation, testing, go-live, and annual recertificationEmbedded in build team for the duration of solution delivery
Provides ongoing assurance across project lifecycleYes — design through annual recertificationEngagement typically ends at handover
Aligns with segregation-of-duties governance principles common in regulated public sector and enterprise procurementYesN/A — different role

Role distinctions describe complementary functions in a regulated project lifecycle. Specific governance, contractual structure, and procurement model applicable to your project should be confirmed with your Authority and procurement team.

Project positioning

Independent. Embedded. Accountable.

Our SQEP sits between the System Integrator and the ACISO — preserving the neutrality the Authority requires.

🏗️
Delivers
System Integrator

Designs and implements the solution to meet business and technical requirements.

Approves
ACISO

Agency Chief Information Security Officer — signs off on residual risk on behalf of the Authority.

Infracom is independent of the System Integrator — preserving the neutrality required by IM8 and ensuring every endorsement is on technical merit alone.

How we engage

Where does an SQEP add accountability across the project lifecycle?

From initial design through annual recertification, our SQEP is the consistent assurance point your Authority can rely on.

SQEP sits within our three-tier engagement methodology — paired with technical validation (VAPT) and governance signoff (GRC) for full independent assurance.

01
Design Endorsement

We review and endorse the System Integrator's security architecture design before it goes to the ACISO. Our endorsement signals the design meets the Authority's requirements.

02
ACISO Sign-Off Support

We interface with the ACISO during the design review, answer technical questions, and support the formal sign-off so implementation can begin.

03
Implementation Oversight

During build, we provide ongoing security guidance to the SI, flag deviations, and assess the risk impact of design changes as they arise.

04
Security Testing & Waiver Justification

We endorse penetration test scope and findings, justify waivers to the ACISO where vulnerabilities cannot be patched, and document remediation plans for those that can.

05
Go-Live Endorsement

Before production cutover, we endorse the final security posture — re-testing residual risks and confirming readiness for ACISO go-live approval.

06
Annual Audit & Re-certification

Each year, we re-assess the security architecture, re-endorse compliance, and support the ACISO through audit and recertification cycles.

Why our consultants qualify

What qualifications does an Infracom SQEP bring?

Every Infracom SQEP consultant is selected for direct, hands-on experience designing, implementing, and testing security architecture for Singapore Government, CII operators, and MAS-regulated enterprises — and holds senior security certifications recognised by Singapore Government and international standards bodies, including specialist architecture credentials such as CISSP-ISSAP.

🏛️
Government-grade experience

Hands-on delivery on SG Government, CII, and regulated enterprise programs — not just advisory. Our SQEPs have stood in front of the ACISO and answered the hard questions.

🎯
Architecture-grade certifications

CISSP-ISSAP and equivalent senior credentials demonstrating proficiency in security architecture design, engineering, and management — across cloud and on-prem.

⚖️
Independent of the SI

Our SQEPs are never the System Integrator delivering the solution — preserving the neutrality the Authority can rely on for every endorsement we sign.

Our expertise

Which senior certifications does an Infracom SQEP hold?

Our SQEP consultants hold the highest-level certifications across security architecture, management, cloud, audit, and risk — recognised by Singapore Government, regulated industries, and international standards bodies.

CISSP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
ISSAP
Information Systems Security Architecture Professional
ISSEP
Information Systems Security Engineering Professional
ISSMP
Information Systems Security Management Professional
CCSP
Certified Cloud Security Professional
CISM
Certified Information Security Manager
CISA
Certified Information Systems Auditor
CRISC
Certified in Risk & Information Systems Control
Where we operate

Which sectors trust Infracom for SQEP engagements?

From statutory boards to MAS-regulated banks and CII operators — our SQEP discipline is calibrated to the highest assurance bars in Singapore.

🏛️
Singapore Government Agencies

SQEP services aligned to IM8 and Authority-specific security requirements across statutory boards and ministries.

🛡️
Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)

Security architecture endorsement for designated CII operators across telecommunications, energy, water, and transport.

💳
Financial Services (MAS TRM)

SQEP services for MAS-regulated banks, insurers, and capital-markets firms requiring TRM-aligned security architecture.

🏥
Healthcare

Security endorsement for healthcare clusters and providers handling PDPA-protected patient information at scale.

🛰️
Defence & Public Sector Tech

High-assurance security architecture for defence-related and sensitive public-sector technology programs.

Frameworks

How does Infracom's SQEP service align to SG, AU and global standards?

We endorse architectures against the frameworks Singapore Authorities require — and the international standards modern enterprises operate within.

IM8
🇸🇬 SG Government

Singapore Government's instruction manual on ICT&SS — the primary baseline for SG public-sector security.

MAS TRM
🇸🇬 SG Financial

Monetary Authority of Singapore's Technology Risk Management guidelines for regulated financial institutions.

PDPA
🇸🇬 SG Privacy

Personal Data Protection Act compliance for systems handling personal data in Singapore.

ISO 27001
🌐 International

Internationally recognised ISMS certification — globally accepted across SG and AU markets.

Essential Eight
🇦🇺 AU

Australian Cyber Security Centre's strategic mitigation framework — required for AU government and many enterprises.

GDPR
🇪🇺 EU / Global

General Data Protection Regulation for systems handling EU resident data.

AU MANDATORY COMPLIANCE

What is Australia's Essential Eight, and why does it matter?

Maturity Level 2 is now mandatory for Commonwealth entities under PSPF Section 14.2. For Australian SMEs, the consequences of falling short are commercial: rising cyber-insurance premiums, coverage denials, and exclusion from government tenders.

Australia Essential Eight (E8) advisory readiness

Mandatory

The Australian government mandates Essential Eight compliance for all non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Maturity Level 2 is the minimum required standard, and Australian government tenders increasingly require ML2 as a procurement prerequisite. Cyber insurers are tightening too — premiums are rising up to 30% for businesses without demonstrable E8 alignment, and coverage denials are becoming common.

1Application control
2Patch applications
3Configure MS Office macros
4User application hardening
5Restrict admin privileges
6Patch operating systems
7Multi-factor authentication
8Regular backups

Australian market credentials backing every engagement

Our existing certifications and licences directly satisfy Australian government and enterprise entry requirements — giving you a trusted partner from day one.

🏛️CSRO Licensed Company
Licensed
🔒ISO 27001 — meets CSRO minimum CTM Tier 3
Requirement Met
🎯CTM Tier 3 (minimum mandated)
Tier 3 Certified
Essential Eight advisory capability
Maturity L2+
🤝Singapore – Australia CSP 2.0 aligned
Feb 2026 MOU
🇦🇺

SG Government security discipline applied in Australia

FEB 2026 SG–AU MOU

Under the Singapore–Australia Cybersecurity MOU (Feb 2026), Infracom is extending its SG-proven SQEP discipline to Australian enterprises uplifting to Essential Eight maturity and ISO 27001 certification.

Australian customers gain assurance from working with a Singapore CSRO-licensed provider — a regulatory benchmark held by only a select group of Singapore cybersecurity firms — combined with our ISO 27001 certification uniquely scoped to SQEP services.

  • Essential Eight Maturity Assessments (Levels 1–3)
  • ISO 27001 implementation & pre-audit support — cross-recognised in SG and AU
  • Security architecture endorsement for AU enterprise systems
  • Backed by Singapore CSRO licensing & Feb 2026 SG–AU MOU
HOW IT WORKS

How does an Infracom SQEP engagement run?

A structured four-stage approach — from scoping your project to handing over compliance evidence — built around how Singapore Government, CII, and AU enterprise programmes actually run.

1

Initial consultation to scope your engagement

We understand your project scope, target market (SG / AU / Global), and the applicable regulatory frameworks driving the engagement.

2

Matching SQEP operators to your scope

We assign SQEP consultants with the exact certifications, domain experience, and market knowledge your engagement requires.

3

Engagement and delivery under SQEP discipline

Our team embeds into your project, delivering security guidance aligned to your risk appetite and compliance obligations.

4

Review, handover, and remediation guidance

Final documentation, compliance evidence packs, and knowledge transfer for sustained multi-market security posture.

Why Infracom

What sets Infracom's SQEP service apart from competitors?

Four reasons Authorities, System Integrators, and enterprises trust us with their most security-sensitive programs.

🏆
Uniquely scoped ISO 27001

Singapore's first and only ISO 27001 certificate that explicitly covers SQEP services in its scope of provision. A unique credential — proof that we operate to the standards we endorse.

🏛️
Singapore-grounded experience

Real delivery experience on SG Government, CII, and MAS-regulated programs, backed by our Singapore CSRO licence. We've stood in front of the ACISO and answered the hard questions.

🔁
Continuity guaranteed

Bench depth means your SQEP is never a single point of failure. We commit to a 3-month replacement runway aligned to security-clearance timelines.

🇸🇬🇦🇺
SG–AU dual-market reach

Same SQEP discipline, two markets — anchored in our Singapore CSRO licence and ISO 27001 SQEP-scoped certification, extended to Australia under the Feb 2026 SG–AU MOU.

Where to next

Which services pair with SQEP in a typical engagement?

Most SQEP engagements pair with technical validation or governance scope. If you're scoping a programme that needs more than personnel assurance, our sister practices close the loop:

Technical validation through CREST-led testing

Pair SQEP-led assurance with hands-on penetration testing for end-to-end coverage.

VAPT Singapore for technical validation →

Governance scope mapped to regulatory frameworks

Extend SQEP into formal risk, audit, and compliance programmes across MAS TRM, ISO 27001, and PDPA.

GRC consulting for governance scope →
Frequently asked

Common questions about SQEP

Everything Singapore Government, CII, and regulated enterprise teams ask about engaging an independent SQEP consultant.

What is SQEP and why does it matter for Singapore Government and CII projects?
SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person) is the independent security professional accountable for endorsing a system's security architecture and ensuring it meets the Authority's security requirements throughout its lifecycle. For Singapore Government agencies and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators, SQEP is mandated to safeguard the integrity, neutrality, and quality of every security decision — sitting between the System Integrator delivering the solution and the Agency Chief Information Security Officer (ACISO) signing off residual risk on behalf of the Authority.
Who needs SQEP consultants in Singapore?
Singapore Government agencies and statutory boards delivering ICT&SS projects under IM8, designated Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators across telecommunications, energy, water, and transport, MAS-regulated financial institutions requiring TRM-aligned security architecture, healthcare clusters handling PDPA-protected patient data, and defence and sensitive public-sector technology programs. SQEP is engaged on the demand side by these Authorities — separately from the System Integrator delivering the build — to preserve the neutrality the Authority requires.
How does Infracom assess and document SQEP for cyber roles?
Infracom uses a four-step framework: (1) role-specific competency mapping against the project scope and Authority requirements, (2) qualification and certification verification (CISSP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CCSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC), (3) experience evidencing through documented engagement history on SG Government, CII, and regulated programs, and (4) ongoing CPD tracking. Outputs are a SQEP register, individual competency files, and a governance trail suitable for the Singapore Government Authority, CII sector lead agencies, MAS, or external auditor review.
What's the difference between SQEP and a standard cybersecurity certification?
Certifications (CISSP, OSCP, CISA) prove general knowledge at a point in time. SQEP proves a specific person is right for a specific role today — combining their certifications with relevant experience, recency of practice, and demonstrated outcomes. A certified person isn't automatically SQEP for every role; SQEP is contextual to the work, while certification is portable.
How long does an SQEP engagement typically take?
SQEP engagements vary by project size, team size, role coverage, and the depth of evidence and documentation required. Each engagement begins with a scoping discussion to align on objectives, deliverables, and timeline. Ongoing SQEP maintenance — register updates, new hire onboarding, annual reviews — is delivered as a quarterly retainer or project-based as preferred.
Start Your SQEP
Enquiry

Tell us about your SQEP requirements — our specialists will respond within 1 business day with a tailored proposal across SG Government, CII, MAS-regulated, and AU enterprise programs.

Service Areas
SG Government Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) MAS TRM Financial Healthcare PDPA Defence & Public Sector AU Essential Eight ISO 27001
📍
Office
506 Chai Chee Lane, Singapore 469026
🏆
Certifications
CISSP · CISM · CISA · CRISC · CCSP · ISO 27001
🌏
Markets served
Singapore · Australia · Global
Response time
Within 1 business day (SGT)
🔒
Confidentiality
All enquiries strictly confidential
+65
Infracom Consultancy Integration Pte Ltd

Your one-stop IT & cybersecurity partner — Singapore HQ since 2008, expanding to Australia in 2026.

506 Chai Chee Lane

Singapore 469026

Consulting
Hours

Mon – Fri
9AM – 6PM SGT

LinkedIn →
© Infracom Consultancy Integration Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy