Leadership in quantum-safe networking

Charles Lim (left, image: JPMorgan Chase) hands over to Alexander Ling (right) as lead PI for the National Quantum-Safe Network to move into the private sector.

Singapore’s National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) has new leadership, with CQT Principal Investigator Alexander Ling taking charge of the initiative. This comes as former lead PI for the project Charles Lim moves to become Global Head of Quantum Communications and Cryptography at the financial services firm JPMorgan Chase.

The NQSN, announced in February 2022, will deploy commercial quantum-safe technologies for trials with government agencies and private companies, conduct in-depth evaluation of security systems, and develop guidelines to support companies in adopting such technologies.

Also joining the NQSN leadership team are new co-PIs Biplap Sikdar, Associate Professor in the NUS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Nelly Ng, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Cybersecurity expert Michael Kasper from Fraunhofer Singapore and CQT PI Christian Kurtsiefer continue with their roles driving the project, supported by NQSN staff.

Charles will be building a team at JPMorgan, too. Announcing his move on LinkedIn on 28 July, Charles wrote, “At J.P. Morgan we hope to bring the best innovation in quantum communications and cryptography to the industry! My team and I will be pursuing both basic and applied research in quantum comms/crypto, focusing on innovative digital solutions that will enhance the security, efficiency, and robustness of financial and banking services.” His appointment was also reported by CNBC.

JPMorgan is currently advertising multiple research and technologist roles in Singapore for quantum communications and cryptography.

Charles is on leave of absence from his position at CQT and from his appointment as Assistant Professor in the NUS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

For Alexander, who is Director of Singapore’s Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) alongside his expanded role in the NQSN, the development is a positive indicator.

QEP supports translational research focused on industry challenges and initiatives to nurture a quantum ecosystem. It funds the NQSN to work with public and private partners for a testbed phase, initially over three years. The goal is to help partners to explore the value of quantum-safe communication technologies and gain user experience, until they are ready to make decisions about adopting the technology.

“Charles is an internationally recognised researcher in quantum communications and cryptography who is sure to build a strong team at JPMorgan. I wish him every success in his new role. I hope to see more companies following JPMorgan’s lead in hiring from Singapore’s pool of quantum experts and hosting quantum teams here. The Quantum Engineering Programme is ready to support companies in Singapore making bold moves in quantum technology, offering research collaborations and support developing talent,” says Alexander.