KUALA LUMPUR – To ensure secure cross-border data flows and enhanced cybersecurity to create a trusted ecosystem for e-commerce within Asean, Malaysia has affirmed its support for the implementation of initiatives under the bloc’s Digital Data Governance Framework.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, in his welcome speech at the first Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN1), held via teleconference, today, said apart from the framework, Malaysia will also continue to support the Asean Data Protection and Privacy Forum, and development of Asean Model Contractual Clauses.
“Malaysia is committed to promoting the development of professional cybersecurity certification programmes for Asean in helping create world-class cybersecurity personnel.
“Cybersecurity Malaysia, an agency under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, has established a local cybersecurity professional certification scheme known as Global ACE (Global Accreditation Cybersecurity Education Scheme), which Malaysia would like to offer to Asean member states.
“However, much remains to be done in the journey to become a competitive and integrated digital economy bloc, especially under the current circumstances,” he said, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic and the “new normal”.
He acknowledged the region’s achievements in the digital sphere over the last 10 years, saying they are a testament to how far Asean has come, having been guided by the Asean ICT Master Plans 2015 and 2020.
While member states find their footing when it comes to promoting economic recovery and transitioning to the new normal, he said, the Asean Digital Master Plan 2025 will steer the region through the next five years of digital development.
Saifuddin also shared Malaysia’s effort to open up access to the internet by upgrading its digital infrastructure, including the Jalinan Digital Negara initiative and establishment of the National Digital Economy & 4IR Council to oversee digital skills, jobs, businesses, investments, infrastructure, emerging technologies, government and community digital adoption, as well as data and cybersecurity.
Saifuddin is chairing the two-day ADGMIN1 hosted by Malaysia, with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin delivering his keynote address this morning.
The meeting follows the two-day Asean Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting chaired by Communications and Multimedia Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek.
Themed “Asean: A Digitally Connected Community”, the summit seeks to strengthen cooperation among the bloc’s members towards building digital ecosystems as a pillar in the post-pandemic development plan. – Bernama, January 21, 2021
