Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Brunei Darussalam attended Asia Tech X Summit 2024 in Singapore

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, attended the Government to Government (G2G) Roundtable on Online Safety and participated in the Digital Forum of Small States (FOSS) Ministerial Dialogue on International Cooperation for Digital Governance and Digital Inclusion. These events, chaired by Her Excellency Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Republic of Singapore, coincided with the Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) from 29th May to 31st May 2024 in the Republic of Singapore. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of the Republic of Singapore graced the Opening Gala to welcome delegates on 29th May 2024. The ATxSG was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, on 30th May 2024.

During the G2G Roundtable on Online Safety, Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications shared that the discussions on online safety, with a focus on children safety and on AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes were pertinent issues that needed to be addressed in a concerted, pragmatic and collaborative manner. The World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2024 have also cited that misinformation and disinformation, and cyberattacks, as the top five currents risks and expected to remain so for years to come.

Brunei Darussalam have also not been spared from cybercrime, data breaches, misinformation, cyberbullying, and exploitation incidences. These issues not only threaten the security and well-being of individuals but can have repercussions on society at large. Yang Berhormat, stressed that these are not purely technical or technological issues but also touches on the human factor.

Therefore, a multifaceted and multi-stakeholder approach is required to instill moral and ethical values, utilize technology responsibly, and implement regulatory controls. For example, to address these challenges, a Child Online Protection Framework have been developed jointly with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at empowering society with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. Additionally, a Content Advisory Council has been established to oversee digital content-related matters.

Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications further highlighted that tech platform providers can also play a more proactive and responsive role, especially regarding the needs of small states in managing content as these platforms could be used and be intermediaries for causing individual harm as well as impacting society.

During the Digital (FOSS) Ministerial Dialogue on International Cooperation for Digital Governance and Digital Inclusion, held on 30th May 2024, Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications shared insights into Brunei Darussalam’s progress in digital infrastructure development, aligning with Wawasan Brunei 2035, connectivity plays a pivotal role in Brunei’s digital transformation journey, ensuring widespread access to reliable internet services for all.

Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications also highlighted that digital governance is fundamental and that the traditional way of governance and regulations needs to evolve, as a more digital and connected world transcends traditional boundaries and jurisdiction. International collaboration is therefore also required, such as in formulating the norms and standards to ensure that technological advances and AI advances remain trusted and accepted by societies. As an example, Brunei Darussalam was pleased to have worked with ASEAN counterparts in developing the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, and is now working on formulating its own national AI Guidance Framework.

Yang Mulia Yang Mulia Awang Haji Hairul Mohd Daud Bin Haji Abdul Karim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunciations) at Ministry of Transport and Infocomunications, Yang Mulia Hajah Siti Hairmi binti Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Chief Executive (Telecoms) at Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) and AITI, accompanied Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as part of the delegations to ATxSG.

Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) is a leading technology event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the tech landscape. The event features high-profile speakers, exhibitions, and discussions on a wide range of topics, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and more.

Prepared by:

Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications,

Brunei Darussalam

31st May 2024