The two-day Digital Future Conference (DFC) 2024 came to a close with discussions on cybersecurity and the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Bridex Banquet Hall yesterday.
The conference, organised by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in partnership with Cyber Security Brunei (CSB), Information Technology Protective Security Services Sdn Bhd (ITPSS) and Pocket, explored strategies for safeguarding critical infrastructure and the ethical use of AI technologies.
The event, held in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (Brunei MYCE) 2024, saw participation from over 350 attendees, including local and international representatives from government, statutory bodies, the private sector, ICT industry, and institutes of higher learning (IHL).
The morning session saw a panel discussion on ‘Securing Critical Infrastructure: Safeguarding Assets’, featuring CSB Deputy Chief Information Security Officer Mohamad Azad Zaki bin Haji Mohd Tahir, Flexxon Pte Ltd (Singapore) Chief Executive Officer Camellia Chan, Director of Cyber and Digital Resilience from the Mastercard Data and Services Fred Yap and Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) Cyber Security Product Manager Erdiny Mugit as panel members.
The panel discussed strategies and technologies to protect key institutions from cyber threats. Head of Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force Senior Superintendent Handrie bin Haji Amin delivered a presentation on ‘Cyber Crime in Brunei Darussalam’, providing real life examples of scams and the modus operandi of actual cyber criminals.
AITI Manager of Data Protection Office Farah Zainal as the Secretariat to the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group, shared the principles of the draft ‘Guide for AI Governance and Ethics in Brunei Darussalam’, which outlined the responsible, ethical and trusted use of AI technologies for organisations to consider when developing, designing, deploying and using AI technologies in the country.
The event also saw a panel discussion on ‘Protecting Our Society’, examining the role of society in cybersecurity, with a focus on how digital literacy could empower individuals and organisations to navigate cyberspace safely. Government and business leaders discussed whether AI was beneficial or harmful, highlighting the importance of raising digital awareness.
Panellists included Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Chief Marketing Officer Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohammad Jaafar, Head of Digital Investment Office from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Raymond Siva and founder of @ranoadidas Rano Iskandar.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session saw ITPSS Operations Officer Muhammad Hanif Jumat deliver a special presentation on ‘iDentiti’, a blockchain-based digital identity and verified credential solution, followed by Brunei Cybersecurity Association (BCSA) Vice President Muhammad Hakim bin Haji Bakri presenting on how BCSA brings together professionals, experts and enthusiasts in cybersecurity to collaborate, share knowledge and address the evolving challenges of cyber threats. Siti Nadzirah Zaini and Norwaze Mustaqqem bin Abdullah from Tech One Global Ltd wrapped off the conference with a walkthrough on how to use Microsoft’s Copilot as an everyday AI companion, exploring how Copilot leverages AI to enhance productivity, unlock creativity and improve information understanding through simple chat interactions. – James Kon
