Singapore takes lead on new ASEAN cyber security mechanism

Singapore is developing proposals for a formal ASEAN cyber security mechanism to bolster regional defences and create a dialogue for cyber diplomacy, policy and operations, Straits Times reports.

Representatives from all 10 ASEAN states agreed the need for formalised regional cooperation at the third ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity, which took place in Singapore yesterday (Wednesday).

“Singapore and all the ASEAN member states subscribed to the fact that we need a rules-based cyber security environment, in order to foster confidence and build relationships that can engender mutual trust and effectively deal with challenges,” Singapore’s Communications and Information Minister, S Iswaran, said.

He added that Singapore is committed to leading the efforts to deepen ASEAN’s cyber capabilities and enhance the region’s ability to respond to emerging global cyber threats. The city state is tasked with drawing up proposals for the new ASEAN framework for ministers’ consideration.

The development closely follows Tuesday’s announcement of the creation of the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (ASCCE) – a new facility aimed at developing the bloc’s cyber security credentials.

According to Channel News Asia, the centre will conduct research and provide cyber security training for all ASEAN members. It will also house a regional Computer Emergency Response Team centre.

All of this highlights how Singapore is carving out a leadership role in cyber security for Southeast Asia. According to analysis in The Diplomat, the latest move “embodies the comprehensive outlook that the city-state is trying to advance in the region with respect to cyber issues, which blends areas of focus such as capacity-building, norm development, and joint research and intelligence sharing.”

Cyber security and the wider impact of new technologies in global trade and investment will be a key talking point at Asia House’s major trade dialogue in Singapore this November. 

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