(Alhamdullilahi Rabbil `Alameen Wasaalatu Wassalaamu `Ala Asyrafil Ambiae Walmursaleen, Saidina Muhammadin Wa’alaa Aalihiee Wasahbihee Ajama’een)

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and good morning.

Distinguished delegates of the 2024 ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting and ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ADGSOM – ATRC) Joint Working Group;

1. It is a privilege to be here this morning to welcome all distinguished delegates to Brunei Darussalam. The presence reflects the significance of this meeting to propel our ASEAN's digital agenda.

Tracking the progress of 2024 endorsed projects 

2. As you're aware, the recent Singapore Declaration, endorsed by our ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) during their 4th Meeting in February 2024, laid a foundation for our regional digital cooperation. It emphasized the importance of trust and inclusivity aligned with the theme of “building an inclusive and trusted digital ecosystem” for ASEAN.

3. The 2024 ADGSOM-ATRC projects that our ADGMIN Leaders have endorsed, touch broadly on our regional effort in building a trusted digital ecosystem, which includes projects like establishing frameworks for data anonymization, combating online scams, and promoting trusted services across ASEAN. The ADGMIN also endorsed projects to boost regulatory coherence, such as fostering collaboration between regulators, standardizing “5G and beyond” technologies, and tackling e-waste through common charger port devices.

4. The working group meeting primary focus today is to keep track of the progress of the ADGSOM-ATRC work plan 2024, ensuring we stay on the path for the successful and timely completion of these key projects. I encourage all delegates to actively share updates, identify potential roadblocks that might hinder progress and discuss strategies to overcome these challenges collaboratively.

Discussing the 2025 project proposals

Distinguished delegates,

5. During our first ADGSOM-ATRC Leaders Retreat of 2024 held last March in Cambodia, there are further projects put forward by fellow ASEAN member states to support the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. ADGSOM-ATRC Leaders have identified several project proposals for the 2025 work activities that will be further deliberated at this JWG meeting. Among others, these are:

a. First, on fostering digital public infrastructure and building resilience, there are projects proposed aim at exploring the regional “Guidelines on Cloud Adoption for Public Sector”, “Feasibility Study on Electronic Authentication Interoperability”, development of “Digital Trade Infrastructure Framework” and development of “Critical Information Infrastructure Frameworks”. These initiatives will create a robust foundation for digital services across our nations.

b. Second, to enhance a skilled workforce, new projects such as the development of “Framework for Integrated ICT Talent & Skill Qualifications”, programme on “Enhancing Digital Transformation with AI Skill” and “the ASEAN Digital Capacity Building for Smart Cities” have been proposed to unlock the full potential of the digital revolution.

c. Third, on building a trusted digital ecosystem, regional initiatives such as the “Establishment of an ASEAN AI Safety Institute”, a common approach to “Privacy Enhancing Technologies”, and the development of “Critical Information Infrastructure Frameworks”. These steps position us closer towards a secure and interoperable regional digital economy.

Summary & Conclusion

Distinguished delegates,

6. As we convene this Joint Working Group meeting, I would like to commend Singapore’s chairmanship of ADGSOM this year for leading the crucial task of advancing discussions regarding the implementation status of 2024 ADGSOM-ATRC's ongoing projects and delving into the detailed project proposals outlining the ambitious agenda for the 2025 work cycle.

7. I’m confident that your collective expertise and dedication will be instrumental in achieving the objectives of this meeting. I wish everyone a fruitful meeting and a pleasant stay in Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you. 

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.