Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. 

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

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning. 

Yang Berhormat Legislative Council Members; 

Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abd Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy; 

Yang Mulia Shamsul Bahri bin Haji Kamis, Interim Commissioner of Cyber Security Brunei (CSB); 

Yang Mulia Mohd Azad Zaki bin Haji Mohd Tahir, President of Brunei Cyber Security Association (BCSA); 

Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries;

Your Excellencies High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Members of the Diplomatic Corp; 

Senior Officials; 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

1. Today’s event marks the third reiteration on the Brunei Cyber Security Conference. Since its inception, the event has evolved, in terms of the topics covered and have attracted the participation of more interested parties, both locally and from abroad, on the matter of cyber security. 

2. This conference has substantiated its significance as it provides participants with valuable information on emerging cybersecurity threats. Participants will benefit from gaining updated knowledge of evolving cybersecurity risks, with the intent they can better protect their systems to counter cybercriminals. 

3. It therefore gives me great pleasure and honour to stand before you this morning to officiate the 3rd Brunei Cyber Security Conference (CySec) 2025 with the theme “Beyond Protection: Empowering a Cyber-Smart Society”. 

4. I extend my sincere appreciation to Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) and the Brunei Cybersecurity Association for co-hosting the conference, as well as to all conference partners, sponsors and participants who have made this event possible. I’m encouraged with the fact that this conference has brough together speakers and participants from government, businesses, industry, academia, and civil society. 

5. Progressing from past conference discussions, that covered topics ranging from regulatory frameworks, data protection, cyber defense technologies, and building our cyber security talent pool, we now move to this year’s theme, “Beyond Protection: Empowering a Cyber-Smart Society”. This reminds us that, cybersecurity is no longer just about keeping threats out. It is about instilling the right level of knowledge, building resilience, and giving people the confidence to make the right choices online. To be cyber-smart is not a technical skill alone. It is a mindset, a habit, and a shared responsibility. It is about knowledge, resilience, and responsibility. 

6. We all know the threats are real, and they’re evolving rapidly. Ransomware can cripple organizations, data breaches expose sensitive information, and disinformation campaigns can erode trust in our institutions. 

7. Brunei is not immune to this. As technology advances, so do the sophistication and scale of these attacks. We can’t simply rely on firewalls and antivirus software anymore. Reactive protection is no longer enough. 

8. So, what is meant by “empowering a cyber-smart society”? It means equipping every citizen with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. It means moving from a passive stance of relying on experts to an active role where everyone understands the risks and how to mitigate them. This isn't just a job for IT professionals. It's a collective responsibility. 

9. For the individual, being cyber-smart means recognizing phishing attempts, protecting personal data, and thinking twice before clicking or sharing. These habits protect not only ourselves but also our families. 

10. For society, it means building a culture of vigilance in our learning establishments and schools, workplaces, communities, and institutions. In a cyber-smart society, everyone plays a part. Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of few experts. It is the duty of all of us. 

11. To build such a society requires sustained effort and participation by all. To achieve it, we need to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity education in schools, workplaces, and communities. This education should be age-appropriate and focus on practical skills: recognizing phishing scams, password management, understanding privacy settings, identifying and reporting suspicious activity. 

12. Collaboration is also essential. Government, industry, academia, and the public must work together. Sharing threat intelligence, developing and adopting cyber security best practices including new technologies, and coordinating incident responses. 

13. On this note, the National Committee on Cyber Security, and its members, including Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) as the national cyber security agency of Negara Brunei Darussalam, remains FINAL 7 steadfast in ensuring that our Critical Information Infrastructure are adequately protected and remain safe. 

14. CSB plays a multifaceted and crucial role in cybersecurity, encompassing protection, regulation, collaboration, and international relations. Towards this end, Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) continues to boost and strengthen their capabilities, such as working to introduce a NexGen Security Intel (NSI) platform to their arsenal. This next-generation system will enhance reporting, monitoring and oversight. 

15. CSB are also preparing new additional guidelines for Critical Information Infrastructure owners. These include Operational Technology Security Guidelines, Cloud Security Policy Guidelines for CII, and updated Codes of Practices. 

16. CSB has also been working closely with various parties on efforts to combat online scams and digital fraud. Among them is the operations of an Anti-Scam Centre led by the Royal Brunei Police Force with Cyber Security Brunei (CSB), the Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) as key players. 

17. Associated with this, the Royal Brunei Police Force has also launched their Anti-Scam Helpline 16993, late last month (30th August 2025). The helpline functions as a first assistance call centre for victims or anyone who suspect they have been scammed. 

18. This, as well as the introduction of Waspada.BN earlier this year, the current Instagram based, multi-agency fact-checking platform manage by AITI relating to scams and misinformation, are examples of organisations being empowered to do something. Action matters, Even the slightest thing makes a difference to help the public to protect themselves. 

19. With everyone onboard and by empowering ourselves and each other, we can create a digital world that is not only secure but also inclusive, innovative, and prosperous for all. A cyber-smart population is less likely to fall victim to cyberattacks, reducing the overall risk. A secure digital environment fosters innovation, investment, and economic growth, where businesses are more confident to operate online, and consumers are more willing to engage in e-commerce. 

20. Trust in the digital world will also make people access vital services online because they feel safe and can also foster social cohesion. In short, a cyber-smart society is one that is responsible, savvy and secure online. 

Ladies and Gentlemen 

21. Building a cyber-smart society is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort, investment, and commitment from all of us. 

22. Initiatives, such as this conference play an importantrole in better understanding the growing challenges of protecting digital assets and sensitive information. These events bring together experts to share knowledge, explore new technologies, and collaborate on effective defense strategies against evolving cyber threats. They are essential for keeping organizations secure and resilient. 

23. Therefore, I look to all participants to share your insights, forge connections, take the knowledge you've gained and translate them into action once you leave. 

24. Let's leave here not just informed, but inspired, to build a future where cybersecurity empowers progress for all. The digital frontier demands our vigilance, our innovation, and our collective action. 

Thank you. 

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.