1. Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, represented Brunei Darussalam at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings, held from 16th – 17th January 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
2. The 5th ADGMIN and Related Meetings was officially inaugurated by Her Excellency Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, and chaired by His Excellency Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, in his capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN).
3. Under the theme "Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future", discussions focused on fostering a secure digital environment, advancing emerging technologies, and ensuring equitable access to technology across the region. The three fundamental pillars - security, innovation, and inclusivity - provide a framework for ASEAN Member States to attain collective advancement and sustainable prosperity in the digital age.
4. At the meeting, Yang Berhormat shared that Brunei Darussalam is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and nurturing a robust digital ecosystem. We recognize that the digital economy encompasses more than just technological advancements - it is about cultivating growth and sustainability across all sectors of society. Technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI) and the advancement of this technology, along with other emerging technologies, should be utilized for positive purposes. With the right safeguards and enabling conditions, AI for instance, can deliver more efficiency and development outcomes across various sectors, including health, education, agriculture and food security, energy, governance, and public service delivery. The establishment of the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group and the enactment of Personal Data Protection Order underscore Brunei’s focus on building ethical and trusted digital environments.
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5. Yang Berhormat also reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment towards creating a safe and trusted digital environment through among others, the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act, Personal Data Protection Order and active participation in regional collaborations such as the ASEAN Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the ASEAN AntiOnline Scam initiatives. These efforts reflect Brunei’s dedication to safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing regional cooperation, and ensuring a secure and thriving digital economy.
6. Under the Brunei-led ASEAN projects, Brunei has successfully implemented the “ASEAN GovStack Initiative” in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the ASEAN Digital Ministers endorsed the "ASEAN Digital Government Interoperability Framework" which will serve as a strategic roadmap for ASEAN Member States to establish and enhance regional interoperability of digital government services. Furthermore, Brunei’s project under the 2025 work plan namely on “ASEAN Digital Public Infrastructure for Cross-Border Trade” and “ASEAN Guidelines on Cloud Adoption for Public Sector” are among the key initiatives that will empower businesses and stakeholders to accelerate digital trade growth across ASEAN.
7. The “Bangkok Digital Declaration” encapsulates the outcome of the meeting, recognizing the critical importance of cybersecurity, innovation, and inclusivity in building a resilient and prosperous digital future for ASEAN. The ASEAN Digital Ministers acknowledged the significant progress made in achieving the desirable outcomes under the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and emphasized the importance of delivering successful outcomes, in particular trusted digital services, undergirded by robust efforts to enhance cybersecurity and the prevention of consumer harm, strengthening e-government service, empowering ASEAN communities with digital skills and talent.
8. The 5th ADGMIN also included meetings with ASEAN’s Dialogue and Development Partners, namely China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States of America, and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), aimed at deepening their cooperation to strengthen partnerships that leverage expertise and resources in advancing ASEAN's digital agenda and promoting ASEAN's digital standards and best practices on the global stage.
9. In addition, Yang Berhormat Minister held bilateral discussions with His Excellency Ambassador Steve Lang, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and also Her Excellency Sulyna Abdullah, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The discussions focused on exchanging views and exploring potential areas for cooperation, particularly in advancing mutual interests in digital transformation and strengthening bilateral relations.
10.Prior to the 5th ADGMIN Meeting and Related Meetings, Senior Official Members of ASEAN Member States participated in the 5th ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meetings (ADGSOM) and Related Meetings from 13th – 15th January 2025. Brunei Darussalam was represented by Yang Mulia Awang Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), in his capacity as Brunei’s ADGSOM leader. Also present were Yang Mulia Awang Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), along with senior officers from MTIC and AITI.
Prepared by:
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications
18th January 2025
