In today’s interconnected world, the fast-evolving digital landscape shapes nearly every aspect of our lives. Ensuring cyber resilience is therefore paramount to safeguarding our economy, our society and our way of life, said Legislative Council (LegCo) Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib at the opening ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) caucus meeting yesterday.
The LegCo Speaker also highlighted ASEAN’s status as the world’s fastest growing Internet market, adding that ASEAN’s digital economy is expected to grow exponentially, from approximately USD300 billion to USD1 trillion.
“The continued growth of ASEAN’s digital economy will in turn create significant opportunities for its people, spur innovation, enhance connectivity and foster economic growth,” he said.
In regards to embracing the digital age opportunities, he said, “We must recognise the inherent risks that come with it. The digital economy, with its reliance on technology and interconnected systems, is particularly vulnerable to threats such as cyber-attacks.”
The Speaker warned that a single disruption can have far-reaching consequences, causing financial losses, damaging reputations and eroding trust.
He believes through parliamentary cooperation, AIPA members can work together across sectors and borders, to share best practices, experiences and resources to enhance the collective cyber resilience.
Initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap are important steps to strengthen cybersecurity and cyber resilience to mitigate the risks and ensure a safe and secure digital economy for all, he added.
Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohammad Yusof said the digital age offers ASEAN unprecedented opportunities, from job creation to digital innovation. However, it also exposes ASEAN to a range of cyber threats that undermine our economic stability and societal well-being.
“The immediate and sustained attention to address these challenges, as well as the need for robust cybersecurity measures, have never been more pressing,” he said.
“Recognising the opportunities and challenges of technological transformation, Brunei Darussalam has been focusing its efforts on strengthening inclusive digital strategies to maximise societal and economic benefits while managing digital security and cybersecurity.”
He added that during Brunei Darussalam’s AIPA Presidency in 2021, efforts were made to strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in ASEAN.
The Sultanate sponsored a resolution titled ‘Enhancing Cybersecurity and Data Protection towards a Resilient Cyberspace in ASEAN’, which encourages ASEAN member states and AIPA members to collaborate on cybersecurity, enhance national capabilities and explore harmonising laws to bolster the region’s readiness for a digital economy.
Meanwhile AIPA Secretary General Ar Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman said, “The 15th AIPA caucus meeting is a crucial platform, where AIPA member Parliaments can unite their legislative efforts, share best practices, align strategies and create robust policies to safeguard our digital landscape.
She also said, “This collaborative approach is not just beneficial but essential in navigating the complexities of cyber resilience. Our combined legislative efforts will not only protect our digital economies but also ensure they remain vibrant and innovative.” – Azlan Othman
