SINGAPORE, October 16, 2024 – The digital world we live in represents a complex, interdependent network of relationships. It operates on many levels – not just in the devices we hold, but in the ecosystem of platforms, online applications, and services that now facilitate and empower our daily lives. Ensuring digital trust is therefore no longer an option. It is an imperative.
Speaking on the subject of ‘Trust and Security in the Digital Era’ at the 9th Singapore International Cyber Week 2024 at the Opening and Gala Dinner on Oct 14, 2024 (Monday), Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo said it was important to note that people place an implicit trust in their digital devices, mobile applications, networks and governments to live and work seamlessly in the new digital era. The agreement between individuals and their governing authorities is built on mutual trust and responsibility.
“This is why digital trust is not just a technical issue; it needs to be looked at as a social one, which needs to be urgently addressed.”
Citing recent events such as the widespread IT outage due to the CrowdStrike update and the Change Healthcare cyberattack in the U.S., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gobind said it was important to strengthen standards to make devices and mobile applications safer, as well as build ecosystems around them that inspire confidence.
“We must ensure our critical information infrastructure systems are prepared with measures which mitigate these risks and protect us as new technology develops. We as governments, must prepare our countries, and ASEAN as a region, for these challenges.”
Gobind highlighted Malaysia’s initiatives in creating digital trust, such as the enactment of the landmark Cyber Security Act 2024; the amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010; and the Data Sharing Bill which he expects to be tabled in Parliament next month.
“These legislation and regulations form the bedrock of digital trust in Malaysia. But data protection and security are not ends in themselves. We protect and secure data because we want to encourage its use. Data, ultimately, is from the people and for the people.”
Gobind also called for further regional cooperation among ASEAN Member States to enhance regional digital trust.
Gobind is in Singapore for a three-day working visit, from 14th to 16th October, 2024 for the 9th Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) and the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC), which include bilateral meetings with regional and global counterparts.
