Brunei Darussalam is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity and a thriving digital ecosystem, focusing on the digital economy’s role in growth and sustainability, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand recently.
He said, ”With proper safeguards, artificial intelligence (AI) can drive efficiency and development in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, energy and governance. The AI Governance and Ethics Working Group and Personal Data Protection Order highlights Brunei’s commitment to an ethical, trusted digital environment.”
The minister also reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to a secure digital environment through the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act, Personal Data Protection Order and regional collaborations such as ASEAN Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the ASEAN Anti-Online Scam initiative, ensuring infrastructure protection and a thriving digital economy.
The Sultanate spearheaded ASEAN projects such as the GovStack Initiative with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the ASEAN Digital Government Interoperability Framework, a roadmap for regional digital government services.
The key initiatives this year include ASEAN Digital Public Infrastructure for Cross-Border Trade and Cloud Adoption Guidelines for Public Sector, which aims to boost digital trade across ASEAN. The 5th ADGMIN and related meetings was inaugurated by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand Prasert Jantararuangtong, in his capacity as Chair of the ADGMIN. Themed ‘Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future’, the discussions centred on securing digital spaces, advancing technologies and ensuring equitable access across the ASEAN member region, with security, innovation and inclusivity guiding regional progress.
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Digital Declaration encapsulates the outcome of the meeting, recognising the critical importance of cybersecurity, innovation and inclusivity in building a resilient and prosperous digital future for ASEAN.
The ASEAN Digital Ministers acknowledging the significant progress under the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, stressed the need for trusted digital services, enhanced cybersecurity, e-government and digital skills development. The 5th ADGMIN also included meetings with ASEAN’s Dialogue and Development Partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, the United States (US) and ITU, aimed at strengthening partnerships to advance ASEAN’s digital agenda and promote its digital standards globally.
The minister also held bilateral discussions with US Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Ambassador Steve Lang and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the ITU Sulyna Abdullah. The discussions focused on exchanging views and exploring potential areas for cooperation, specifically in advancing mutual interests in digital transformation and strengthening bilateral relations.
Prior to the meeting, Senior Official Members of ASEAN member states participated in the 5th ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) and Related Meetings, where Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim in his capacity as Brunei’s ADGSOM leader attended the meeting. – James Kon
