Opening Remarks by Minister Josephine Teo at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting

Opening Remarks by Minister Josephine Teo at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting on 16 January 2025

Your Excellency Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society of the Kingdom of Thailand

Fellow Digital Ministers

Excellencies

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

1. First of all, I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Prasert and the Royal Thai Government for the warm hospitality and hosting the 5th ADGMIN.

2. Colleagues, we are now a community of like-minded partners and friends. I think it is no exaggeration to say that ASEAN has made remarkable progress on our digital journey, underpinned by our collective commitment to build an inclusive and trusted digital ecosystem.

Working Groups Established in 2024

3. Over the past year, we have established and convened three new working groups to address key issues:

4. First, under the leadership of Thailand, we convened the ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scams (WG-AS) to collaboratively combat scams across digital and telecommunications channels. This Working Group facilitates the sharing of policies, best practices and strategic intelligence. It will play a crucial role in our collective efforts to counter this transboundary issue.

5. Second, we have convened the ASEAN Working Group on AI Governance (WG-AI) to oversee AI governance initiatives within ASEAN. The Working Group has facilitated useful discussions on this important topic and undertaken several projects, including the expansion of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance to address Generative AI. This makes us one of the few multinational groupings that have taken on such a challenge.

6. We recognise that AI is a significant topic that impacts all our countries and citizens. It also cuts across the different ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. We therefore welcome Secretary-General Dr. Kao’s suggestion for the ADGMIN and ADGSOM to lead ASEAN’s AI initiatives, and to coordinate and advise on AI matters across all other ASEAN Sectoral Bodies. I am confident that our Working Group on AI will continue its vital work, supporting the ASEAN Digital Ministers in these expanded roles.

7. Third, we have convened the ASEAN Working Group on Submarine Cables (WG-SC). Submarine cables are critical undersea infrastructure that are susceptible to damage. Annually, there are between 150 to 200 submarine cable incidents worldwide, with over 50 cable cuts in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean. The most common causes are the trawling of nets and dredges, improperly stowed anchors and anchoring outside of approved anchorages.

8. Damage to submarine cables can disrupt digital connectivity in ASEAN and globally. For instance, some South Asian countries experienced Internet service disruptions when a submarine cable in the Straits of Malacca was damaged in April last year. The increasing digitalisation of our economies and societies underscores the need for better coordination to enhance cable resilience. Governments and the cable industry are strengthening education and adopting international best practices for submarine cable protection and repairs.

9. I am encouraged that ASEAN is aligned with these positive initiatives and recognises the need for robust standards to address this issue. I am happy to note that the WG-SC has started its discussions on updating the 2019 ASEAN Guidelines to include best practices to fortify ASEAN’s submarine cable network.

10. Apart from the three new working groups, we have also continued to build on our cooperation in other key areas. One important area is the facilitation of cross-border data flows, undertaken by the Working Group on Digital Data Governance (WG-DDG).

11. The Working Group has developed an Operational Framework for Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) and Global Privacy Recognition for Processors, to provide step-by-step guidance on how ASEAN Member States can participate in the Global CBPR. Alongside the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses, the Global CBPR will facilitate a more seamless data flow, which can in turn inject greater vibrancy into our digital economies while ensuring the necessary data protection.

12. The Working Group has also completed the mapping of ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses (MCCs) and Ibero-American Data Protection Network MCCs. This practical guide helps to create a common understanding between both regions, facilitating contractual negotiations for cross border data transfers.

Cybersecurity

13. Let me turn now to cybersecurity. We have made significant strides in cybersecurity cooperation, evidenced by the successful convening of the first ASEAN Regional CERT Taskforce. This meeting was held in Singapore last August, under the able coordination of Malaysia. We also celebrated the launch of the ASEAN Regional CERT's physical facility during the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity last October.

14. Our next step is to operationalise the ASEAN Regional CERT. This pivotal step will enhance CERT-related information sharing and capacity building among ASEAN Member States, fostering a more rapid and collaborative response to cyber threats.

15. Another milestone was the completion of the ASEAN Checklist for the Implementation of the Norms of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace, with contributions from all ASEAN Member States and in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. The Checklist was endorsed at the 5th ASEAN Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee Meeting, and positions ASEAN as the first region to devise such a framework. As a voluntary reference, it will assist ASEAN Member States in taking concrete actions to build capacity and align the implementation of these norms with our national priorities and capabilities.

Conclusion

16. Collectively, all of our efforts will contribute towards a secure, innovative and inclusive digital ecosystem, which underpins our growing ASEAN digital economy.

17. As the outgoing Chair, I would like to express my appreciation to my fellow ASEAN Ministers for your support during Singapore’s ADGMIN Chairmanship in 2024. I would also like to thank all our Senior Officials for their hard work and dedication in implementing the 2024 workplan and activities.

18. Singapore is pleased to hand over the ADGMIN Chairmanship to Thailand. We look forward to Deputy Prime Minister Prasert’s leadership as we work together to harness digital technologies for the benefit of our countries and peoples, for a brighter future for all of us in ASEAN. Thank you very much.