1. In line with theme of the Seminar today, 5G: Enabling Digital Transformation, I would like to share my thoughts and perspectives about Digital Transformation. For this purpose, let me elaborate in 5 areas:

i.  First, a quick glimpse of the ASEAN perspective, in view of the recently launched ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025;

ii. Second, the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 - a Whole of Nation national perspective;

iii. Third, current issues in Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Data Sovereignty;

iv. Fourth, on the essential aspect of Inclusivity; and

v. Fifth, our national preparedness and readiness for 5G.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

2. On my first point - let me start by setting the stage by sharing the bigger regional picture. From the ASEAN perspective, Digital Transformation will elevate ASEAN as a leading digital community and economic bloc, powered by secure and transformative digital services, technologies and ecosystem. This is, in fact, the vision of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM2025), which was just recently launched by ASEAN Digital Ministers virtually, on 22^nd January 2021.

3. I had the privilege to virtually attend the 1^st ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (1^st ADGMIN) last week. Amongst the main highlights of the Ministerial virtual meeting was the focus and emphasis on Digital

Transformation and Cybersecurity in particular. To achieve the vision of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, 8 Desired Outcomes were identified, all of which, I believe, can be enabled by harnessing the potentials of 5G. These Desired Outcomes include key areas such as recovery from COVID-19, increase in quality of infrastructure and services, trusted and competitive digital ecosystem and digitally inclusive society, amongst others.

4. This takes us to my 2^nd point on Digital Transformation. From our own national perspective, Brunei Darussalam welcomes last weeks' launch of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, as it is very much aligned with our Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 launched back in June 2020 last year. Digital Transformation has always been a priority for Brunei Darussalam, especially in our efforts to transform Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Nation. Inevitably, this poses an interesting question, is Brunei Darussalam ready and geared up for Digital Transformation?

5. To give an indication on our readiness, I would like to share some key statistics, which have been have been recorded as a result from the ICT industry restructuring which took place on 24^th January 2020 :-

1. Fixed Broadband Subscribers in Brunei Darussalam grew by almost 30% between January to September 2020;
2. At the same time (January to September 2020), utilisation of Internet bandwidth has also grown by 63%;
3. In terms of affordability, entry level or base price of postpaid mobile services has been reduced by 50% while the $25 annual mobile licence fee has been removed; and
4. For fixed broadband, prices have been reviewed in accordance with the doubled quota and speed.

6. Meanwhile, amongst ASEAN member states:-

1. The Improvement in our telecommunications infrastructure has taken Brunei Darussalam to the 2^nd place in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, as recorded in the United Nations E-Government Survey 2020; and
   
2. Brunei Darussalam is also within the Top 2 countries of ASEAN in the Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2019 Report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The report monitors the affordability of ICT services by analysing and comparing price data for mobile-voice services, mobile data and fixed broadband.

7. However, we must not be complacent! There are still more that we can do together for Brunei Darussalam to progress further in Digital Transformation.

8. Alhamdullillah, the importance of Digital Transformation has been well noted by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as indicated in His Majesty's recent Titah to welcome the New Year 2021. Encouraged by the development of digital transformation towards making Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Nation, His Majesty emphasized on continuous strategic collaboration amongst all stakeholders in providing skilled resources to realise the progress towards Smart City.

9. Hence, the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 has identified Digital Transformation as key enabler to propel Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Nation. As the way forward to support Digital Economy in Brunei Darussalam, this Digital Transformation initiatives involves the Government, Industry and Society by leveraging on technologies to achieve impactful outcomes and increased productivity. Therefore, each Ministry will pursue their respective Digital Transformation Plans, covering not just for the Ministry alone, but also for the whole sector under their respective purview.

10. In this regard, MTIC, through the Smart Nation Office, has been in active consultation with various Ministries and agencies on their respective Digital Transformation Plans. The Smart Nation Office is also now in the process of preparing for a stock take on the plans and progress undertaken for respective Ministries' Plans.

Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,

11. Digital Transformation will not be complete without cybersecurity and digital data protection, hence my 3^rd point on Digital Transformation. With the advancements in new technologies and innovation, deployment of various connected devices and immense flow of data, cybersecurity is now becoming more important than ever. It remains to be a current affairs hot topic for debate and discussion at most international, regional and national forum.

12. In this respect, necessary efforts have been done and are being actively pursued to support Digital Transformation for Brunei Darussalam.

Alhamdullillah, Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) has just been established as the national focal cyber security agency since 1^st August 2020 last year and that I'm also pleased to share, current works are now in progress towards the enactment of new Cybersecurity laws.

13.  Equally important to cybersecurity is data protection. In this context, MTIC and AITI, in consultation with other relevant agencies, are also actively preparing the legal and regulatory framework on personal data protection, targeted to be ready within this year. This will complement MTIC's current efforts in formulating and reviewing related policies, including the need to address the importance of data sovereignty for Brunei Darussalam. In the meantime, Brunei Darussalam is subscribing to the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance as the guidance in digital data management and cross border data flows.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

14. Moving on to my Fourth point - Inclusivity. Inclusivity for all walks of life and the society is also fundamental towards Digital Transformation. In fact, the scope of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 is intended for all segments of the population, whereby one of the Strategic Outcomes is to achieve a digital and future-ready society. With this in mind, new job creation, new skills development including re-skilling are amongst the core components in Digital Transformation Plans of respective Ministries. This is also in line with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 that seeks to realise a digitally inclusive society in ASEAN in order to break the barriers to digital services.

15. My last and Fifth point for Digital Transformation is our national readiness and preparedness for 5G. At this point, I will not be talking about what is 5G and what it can do. We have experts lined up to share their insights on 5G during this seminar. However, I would like to share some international findings on 5G:-

1. No.1 - Ericsson has reported that 5G subscriptions are forecasted to reach 3.5 billion by 2026, and that 5G will account for 54% of total mobile data;
2. No.2 - A report by AT Kearney suggested that for ASEAN, 5G can add up 6 to 9% to consumer revenues and 18 to 22% of enterprise revenues by 2025; and
3. No.3 - 5G subscription in ASEAN are expected to exceed 200 million subscribers in 2025.

16. These findings show a very promising outlook with fast, intelligent internet connectivity enabled by 5G. Countries all over the world are now engaged in their respective own race to maximise the benefits and potentials of 5G. Brunei Darussalam, is no exception in preparing the nation for 5G technology. In this regard, several primary initiatives have been approved in addressing 5G adoption in Brunei Darussalam.

17. The 1^st initiative is the formation of the National 5G Taskforce in May 2020. The Taskforce is chaired by the Acting Chief Executive of AITI with members from various Government agencies, academia and private sectors. The main objectives of the Taskforce, amongst others, are to come up with policy and regulatory recommendations, as well as initiatives to generate sustainable demand, interests and awareness to 5G.

18. The 2^nd initiative is on the pilot projects and Proof of Concept for 5G technology. Alhamdulillah, several strategic locations have been identified to showcase the potentials of 5G in both indoor and outdoor settings. These pilot projects will be implemented in phases starting from April 2021, Inshaa Allah.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

19. In addition to the initiatives above, I am also happy to know that the collaboration forged under the 5G Taskforce are addressing the key components of the 5G ecosystem. According to the World Economic Forum, there are 5 key components that make up the 5G ecosystem Cycle, namely Spectrum, Infrastructure, Devices, Services and Impact. Essential to these components is of course, indeed security. With that, I certainly look forward to receiving the report and recommendations from the Taskforce soon.

20. Lastly, I would like to congratulate AITI and thank all the panelists and speakers for today's Seminar both physically and virtually for your dedication and support. This means a lot to us especially in our effort to realise the vision of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, Smart Nation through Digital Transformation. To conclude, for Digital Transformation to take place, indeed it requires a Whole of Nation approach. This is clearly illustrated in the collaboration to strengthen Brunei Darussalam's readiness and preparedness for 5G. I wish this seminar success and my best to all speakers and participants.

21. Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Assalamualaikum Warahmahtullahi Wabarakatuh.