S$18m joint S’pore-UK project to tap quantum tech, could lead to more secure online activities

SINGAPORE — An S$18 million collaboration between Singapore and the United Kingdom to tap quantum technology in online encryption may lead to enhanced security for consumers in their online activities, from financial transactions to conversations.

The project will see teams from both countries build and deploy a satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) test bed — called "QKD Qubesat" — that will attempt to establish and send secret cryptographic signals from an orbiting satellite to a receiver on the ground that cannot be accessed by third parties. This means that long-range communications can be sent more securely across globe-spanning distances.

At present, 99 per cent of the world's data communications use public key algorithms to lock and unlock encryption. These systems will be easily broken into, making electronic transfers of information — used in mobile banking and payment systems as well as smart home devices for example — increasingly vulnerable.

Satellite-based QKD is thus emerging as an encryption technology that is far more secure than existing encryption techniques. The QKD Qubesat is expected to be operational in late 2021.

If successful, this joint project that uses space-based technology will open access to a global market estimated to be worth up to S$20 billion over the next decade.

In Singapore, the project is spearheaded by the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore, while the work will be led in the UK by the Science and Technology Facilities Council's RAL Space.

CQT director Artur Ekert said: "Having access to quantum-secured communication is a smart step for cybersecurity... Reaching into space with our UK partner is a strategic move towards global data security."

Mr George Loh, director of programmes at the National Research Foundation in Singapore, said the collaboration is significant as it seeks to develop capabilities and derive benefits for both countries.

"Singapore will also bring in local companies to develop and commercialise products and services in the QKD market, as well as other forms of space and quantum technologies," he added.