Getting to Know: Royce Ho
Royce Ho is a Regional Threat Prevention Security Consultant for the Southeast Asia & Korea (SEAK) region at Check Point Software Technologies. Prior to Check Point, he worked at CSIntelligence, Deloitte, F5 Networks and StarHub. Royce received a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Systems and Information Security and Assurance from Singapore Management University.
Royce, how did you get into cybersecurity?
I graduated from Singapore Management University (SMU) with a double major in Information Systems and Information Security and Assurance. That was when my curiosity in cybersecurity was piqued, and the knowledge that I gained throughout my academic days enabled me to start my career as a Security Analyst in a Security Operations Centre. Today I am working at Check Point Software as a Regional Threat Prevention Security Consultant.
How has your experience at Check Point been so far?
The Global Sales Associates Program equipped me with the knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. Check Point’s recent 30th anniversary as a pure play cybersecurity vendor is a testament to the organization’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity technologies over the years. As an individual who is keen on keeping abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends and furthering my career in this industry, seeking opportunities within Check Point came naturally to me after the completion of the Program.
Over the years, Check Point has given me ample space and opportunities to grow from my previous role as an Associate Security Engineer to a Regional Threat Prevention Security Consultant. The cybersecurity landscape has evolved significantly in the past 5 years, and remaining agile, adaptable and forward-looking is paramount. Check Point has shaped and positioned me to better tackle future challenges in my professional capacity.
What does your typical work day look like?
Meetings…and more meetings, but all with a purpose and impact. As a Regional Threat Prevention Security Consultant, I interact with multiple stakeholders across the APAC region and support them on matters ranging from opportunities and deals, to enablement sessions. I provide advice to teams in need to help them better address questions from clients and stakeholders with respect to my domain. A typical day could be both exhausting, having to communicate with people across different time zones, and, fulfilling when objectives are met and deals are shaped. At least it is never boring!
What is your proudest work achievement?
It would definitely be receiving the ‘Best Improved Security Engineer’ award as a Global Sales Associate. However, some would say that success is less about means and more about meaning; with that in mind, I would say that my proudest work achievement is the attainment of my local and regional colleagues’ trust. The mutual feelings of trust and camaraderie has brought me great comfort during challenging periods, and also opened the doors to wider opportunities within the organization.
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in cybersecurity?
Go for it! Highly knowledgeable cybersecurity professionals are widely sought after today in every country around the world. A myriad of opportunities are waiting for you if you are willing to take the plunge and put in the hard work. Of course, your passion and interests are also important – these will keep you going when the going gets tough. There are many domains within cybersecurity, so take the time to understand the various domains and find out which area your interest lies in. There is a plethora of information on the Internet for you to learn from and build your skills from there – including Check Point’s MIND training program.
To learn more about working at Check Point and join Royce in securing the world, visit our Careers page.