GovWare 2024 successfully concluded on October 17, wrapping up three days as a cornerstone event of Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) 2024, held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
At the opening ceremony of the summit, Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, announced the development of quantum-safe network infrastructure and the launch of Southeast Asia's first nationwide quantum theory network. These initiatives aim to bolster cybersecurity and enhance Singapore’s national cyber defence.
“The rapidly evolving digital landscape underscores the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation to ensure a stable and secure cyberspace for all. The recent joint statement, endorsed by countries such as Australia, Canada, and the U.S., is a significant step toward enhancing the security and resilience of undersea cables, which are vital for global communication,” said Teo.
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Cyber Diplomacy in Challenging Times
This year’s SICW theme, “Building Trust and Security in the Digital Era,” was echoed by Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs. Josephine Teo, who stressed the critical nature of establishing a trusted cyberspace in her address, noting that, “cyber diplomacy is essential, especially during challenging times; it must extend beyond our allies to include diverse perspectives.”
Teo highlighted Singapore’s active collaboration with other nations on various digital trust and security issues, from cybercrime to broader cybersecurity threats. She emphasized that Singapore is fully committed to contributing to a multilateral, rules-based cyberspace that fosters trust and benefits citizens.
YB Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia's Minister of Digital, also addressed an audience of international delegates, senior officials, industry leaders, and prominent cybersecurity experts, stressing the importance of regional cooperation within ASEAN to collectively address cybersecurity challenges and build a secure digital future.
He noted that a fundamental shift in thinking is essential for building a trustworthy digital world, and encouraged further efforts in enhancing standards for safer devices and applications. He aims to foster ecosystems that inspire confidence. He also highlighted that, in response to the challenges posed by AI and generative technologies, "new standards have been developed to address the provenance and authenticity of digital assets."
A key highlight of the event was the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC), held on the second day. The session convened ICT and cybersecurity ministers from ASEAN Member States and their dialogue partners to facilitate ministerial-level discussions on crucial cyber issues and strategies for enhancing regional cybersecurity cooperation.
Security in a Smart World
On the third day, CLOUDSEC @GovWare 2024 gathered industry leaders to explore the synergies between cybersecurity and innovation under the theme “Securing AI Transformation.”
In his keynote address for the session entitled “Securing Smart Cities,” Dr. Madan M. Oberoi, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation at INTERPOL, noted the inherent vulnerabilities of smart cities as extensive interconnectivity and the proliferation of IoT devices significantly heighten the risk of cyberattacks, including cyber-physical threats. Dr. Oberoi also examined the complexities introduced by artificial intelligence (AI), stressing the need for global collaboration and simulated preparedness to address these evolving threats.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Partnerships
The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key organizations, including Cisco and Recorded Future, the world's largest threat intelligence company. These collaborations aim to enhance cyber defense capabilities and establish a comprehensive framework to address emerging cyber threats effectively.
The SANS Institute and Cyber Youth Singapore (CYS) also signed an MoU to enhance access to cybersecurity training and resources for the youth in Singapore. A key initiative is the launch of the CYS YouthxSkills (Cybersecurity) Scholarship, which aims to support financially disadvantaged youth in acquiring essential entry-level cybersecurity skills and certifications.
The signing was witnessed by Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, who concluded, “This collaboration between the Government and the cybersecurity community exemplifies how we can work together to build up different segments of the cybersecurity workforce for Singapore.”
Organized by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), SCIW ended its ninth edition, underscoring Singapore’s continued commitment to fostering a secure and trusted digital ecosystem.
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