SINGAPORE - A new centre will keep track of online threats and help maintain Singapore's cybersecurity through the sharing of intelligence and industry collaboration.

The Cybercrime Satellite Centre, which was opened by Microsoft at its technological centre at One Marina Boulevard on Monday, aims to detect, identify and eliminate cyber threats such as malware.

It will tie up with existing online security organisations in Singapore - including the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation and the Computer Emergency Response Team - to provide and share information on emerging threats.

Set up as an extension of Microsoft's Cybercrime Centre in the United States, the local centre will be one of five satellite centres set up globally in cities including Beijing and Tokyo. It will serve the Asia-Pacific region.

Minister for Prime Minister's Office S. Iswaran, who was at the opening, said the increasing connectivity that Singapore enjoys is a double-edged sword as it means that cybercriminals have more means to attack.

"As the fight against cybercrime intensifies and becomes more complex, there is a pressing need for greater public-private cooperation," he said. "The launch of the cybercrime satellite centre here is an important milestone not just for Microsoft, but also for Singapore and the region as we chart our common fight against cybercrime."