Check Out See Fong Ho's LinkedIn Stats (Last 30 Days)

The recent power blackout in Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025 has many wondering about the potential for orchestrated cyberattacks, especially with the large installed base of smart inverters. While the cause of that specific outage is still being investigated, a new paper, "Destabilizing Power Grid and Energy Market by Cyberattacks on Smart Inverters," sheds crucial light on this very threat. https://lnkd.in/giWPTAyG This research provides a realistic assessment of wide-scale power instability caused by cyberattacks on smart inverters, using Australian electricity market data and contingency mechanisms as a case study. The key findings are eye-opening: * Despite the possibility of grid disruption by cyberattacks on smart inverters, the impact is only significant under careful planning and orchestration. * While the grid can assure certain power system security to survive inadvertent contingency events, it is insufficient to defend against savvy attackers who can orchestrate attacks in an adversarial manner. * A relatively low percentage of distributed PV would be sufficient to launch an impactful concerted attack on the grid. The study highlights a critical misalignment: existing contingency mechanisms are designed for inadvertent events (like power plant failures), not for coordinated cyberattacks on distributed photovoltaic (DPV) systems. This creates vulnerabilities, especially during high DPV generation periods when contingency capacity and system inertia (which helps resist frequency changes) are low. This research offers vital insights for defending power grids, particularly in regions with high DPV penetration. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced Frequency Co-optimized Essential System Services (ESS) that explicitly account for cyberattack scenarios. #Cybersecurity #PowerGrid #SmartInverters #EnergySecurity #CriticalInfrastructure

Rogue Devices Found in Solar Inverters Threaten Global Grids! The backbone of our renewable energy future, solar PV inverters, are facing an escalating and insidious cyber threat. Recent alarming discoveries of undocumented "rogue communication devices" embedded within solar inverters are raising alarms through the energy sector, prompting urgent reassessments of grid security. Experts warn that the ability to remotely switch off inverters or alter their settings could severely destabilize power grids, inflict extensive damage, and trigger widespread blackouts, with one expert stating it "effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid". Understanding the Threat Landscape: Cyberattacks on solar inverters are multifaceted, ranging from direct device compromises to large-scale grid disruptions. These include: Device Attacks: Exploiting hardware Trojans, supply chain vulnerabilities, sensor spoofing, and port tampering.    Service Attacks: Leveraging weak credentials, insecure authentication, and vulnerabilities in cloud/aggregator platforms, enabling False Data Injection (FDI).    Network Attacks: Utilizing unsecure communications, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks to disrupt operations or intercept data. Grid-Level Attacks: Compromised inverters can be weaponized for frequency control attacks (e.g., DPV loss/hike attacks causing sudden generation changes), voltage and reactive power control attacks (inducing over/undervoltage or disrupting reactive power), malicious firmware reconfiguration, manipulating protection settings (causing unnecessary disconnections), and spoofing data to mislead grid operators.   The Role of G99 Mains Protection Relays: External mains protection relays, such as those compliant with G99 standards, are crucial for monitoring grid parameters like voltage and frequency, and detecting "loss of mains" conditions to protect the network and generators. The Zero Trust Secure Element Imperative: With inverters increasingly cloud-connected and managed wirelessly, they are highly susceptible to wireless attacks due to unencrypted communications, weak authentication, and insecure firmware updates. A Zero Trust security model, bolstered by secure elements is essential to counter these threats. This approach operates on "never trust, always verify" principles, ensuring:   1. Strong Authentication 2. Secure Key Storage 3. Data Integrity & Encryption 4. Secure Firmware Updates 5. Continuous Monitoring & Micro-segmentation Governments, utilities, and manufacturers must collaborate to implement rigorous hardware-level verification, enforce secure-by-design principles, and adopt comprehensive Zero Trust architectures with secure elements. This proactive, layered defense is critical to fortify our grids against evolving cyber-physical threats and ensure a secure renewable energy future. #Cybersecurity #SolarEnergy #PVInverters #GridSecurity #ZeroTrust

Crucial Knowledge to navigate the future energy landscape. For a small nation like Singapore, the idea of a nuclear power plant might seem distant. Yet, the conversation around nuclear energy in our island nation is far from new. My father, who used to work at the PUB, often spoke of Singapore's early studies into harnessing nuclear energy in the 1970s. Fast forward to the 2000s, and there was intense discussion about future floating nuclear power plants – a vision that, unfortunately, quieted down after the Fukushima incident. Many of us primarily form our understanding of nuclear energy from overseas media reports, often leading to a blurry connotation that it's "clean but dangerous." This frequently causes us to prematurely conclude that nuclear energy isn't feasible for Singapore, inadvertently shutting off our interest in understanding it further. This approach is no longer sustainable. Today, the landscape has dramatically shifted. With the global drive towards net-zero emissions, many countries are now viewing nuclear energy as an inevitable and crucial source to achieve their ambitious climate goals. We're on the cusp of an AI-driven world where hyperscale data centers require immense power, and some companies are already turning to nuclear energy to power them. The US military is even developing microgrids powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactors (MMRs) for their bases. Nuclear technology has evolved significantly, offering diverse forms that are inherently safer than the technologies of the Chernobyl or Three Mile Island eras. This is precisely why understanding the evolution of nuclear energy systems – and the extensive engineering that goes into designing and operating a safe nuclear plant – is crucial. As an engineering company preparing to face an uncharted net-zero future, it is not too early to delve into the intricate engineering behind these nuclear energy innovations. Even with no immediate plans for a large-scale plant, the global energy conversation is rapidly advancing, with several ASEAN countries already announcing plans to build their own research reactors. It's imperative that we start learning about this vital topic to make informed determinations about how to respond to its growing presence. We must understand it to better prepare ourselves for a future where we will undoubtedly see more of such applications around us. It's not too early to learn about it. Join us on June 4, 2025, for "Introduction to Nuclear Energy Systems: A Global Perspective on Status, Essentials, and Opportunities", featuring world-renowned MIT expert Prof. Michael Short and Mr. Matthew Chew. This dynamic one-day event will explore nuclear power's untapped potential and its transformative impact on the region. Register here: HTTPS://QR1.BE/PUQ7 #NuclearEnergy #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #SMR #NuclearPower #FutureOfEnergy #NetZero #ProfessionalDevelopment

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! 💐 The calling of motherhood is truly one of the greatest gifts to humanity and society. The unwavering love, tireless sacrifice, and constant care that mothers pour into each generation of children shape not just individuals, but the very fabric of our nation and future. I've often thought of mothers as blacksmiths, patiently and diligently crafting a magnificent sword. It takes countless hours and years of striking the red-hot metal to forge a sharp and resilient blade. Similarly, a mother's consistent discipline, guidance, and nurturing over the years form the strong values and character of her children. Today, we also want to extend a special tribute to mothers in the workforce. Balancing the demands of professional life with the responsibilities of family is an extraordinary feat. Yet, year after year, these remarkable women persevere, dedicating their utmost to ensure excellence both in their careers and in raising their children. Your strength and dedication inspire us all. On this special day, we'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our own remarkable mothers at HY – Tan Mei Choo. Mei Choo, you are an excellent team member, consistently conscientious in your work, and an inspiring mother juggling the joys and demands of raising two young children. Thank you, Mei Choo, and to all the incredible mothers within the HY family. Our company is truly blessed to have you on the team – your sacrifices and perseverance are integral to our continued success. ❤️ #MothersDay #ThankYouMom #Motherhood #WorkingMoms #Inspiration #Family #HYFamily #EmployeeAppreciation

The journey of entrepreneurship is often romanticized. It begins with a profound act of courage – the willingness to step away from the well-trodden paths and venture into uncharted waters. This isn't recklessness; it's a calculated leap fueled by faith in the potential of their venture, a vision that others may not yet see or understand. This initial leap, however, is just the beginning. The path is inevitably fraught with challenges that test the very core of one's resolve. Gruelling hours, often spent in isolation, far from the spotlight, wrestling with problems. Loneliness, where the initial excitement fades and the sheer weight of responsibility settles in - often punctuated by internal questioning and the external chorus of doubts from those around them – friends, family, investors who fail to grasp the vision or fear the risks involved. It is in these moments that the entrepreneur's true mettle is revealed. Greatness is found in the will to hold on when everything screams "give up." It requires a deep wellspring of perseverance. This perseverance is anchored in something deeper than just business metrics; it might be a profound sense of purpose, or as some put it, faith in the One who calls. This belief provides a compass in the fog, a source of strength when personal reserves run low. It transforms the struggle from a mere business challenge into a calling to be fulfilled. Setbacks are not just possibilities; they are inevitabilities. Markets shift, funding dries up, teams falter, products fail. The great entrepreneur is not defined by an absence of failure, but by their response to it. They possess the remarkable resilience to stand up and climb back after every setback. Each fall is analysed, learned from, and becomes a stepping stone rather than a stopping point. They internalize the lessons, adjust their course, and crucially, they go on again, carrying the wisdom gained from the experience. It is not easy to be a true entrepreneur. The constant pressure, the uncertainty, the immense personal and financial risks – it takes a toll. Many give up along the way. The path is littered with abandoned dreams and half-finished ventures. The glamour fades quickly when confronted with the stark realities of building something from nothing. But for the one who remains steadfast, who holds true to the end – true to their vision, true to their values, true to their calling – the rewards eventually manifest. These are the fruits of their labour, not just financial success, but the satisfaction of creation, the impact made, the jobs created, and the personal growth forged in the crucible of the entrepreneurial journey. In essence, the greatness of an entrepreneur is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for courage, faith, perseverance, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. It's about the journey, the character built, and the unwavering commitment to a vision, often guided by a deep-seated belief, right through to its fruition.

School Adjustments, Climate Realities: A Parent's Reflection The reality of our warming climate hit home twice today, here in Singapore. First, my primary school daughter came home thrilled: 'We got to turn on the aircon in class!' Then, my wife shared a notice from our son's teacher – school sports attire is now the daily uniform for the rest of the term, an adjustment made in anticipation of the coming heat waves. While these changes bring immediate relief and comfort to our children, they sparked a deeper reflection for me as a parent. It's sobering to realise that such measures are shifting from temporary conveniences to essential strategies. Classroom air conditioning, for instance, is becoming less a 'nice-to-have' and more a fundamental tool to create a necessary refuge from thermal stress and prevent heat injuries. It's heartening to see proactive collaborations and government agencies focus on ensuring our children's safety and well-being. Yet, these everyday school adjustments serve as stark reminders: our children are adapting to a world shaped by our past environmental choices. We owe them urgent action and sustainable solutions, not just adaptations. #ClimateChange #Sustainability #Education #ThermalStress #HeatSafety #SchoolLife #Parenting #ClimateAction #Adaptation"