Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has emphasized the importance of developing and deploying consistent digital and cybersecurity standards across ASEAN, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). He asserted that such measures are crucial for fostering a trusted digital environment. Gobind highlighted that standardizing digital practices would facilitate the interoperability of solutions throughout the region, benefiting all member states.
This approach aims to drive growth and strengthen ASEAN’s position in the global digital economy. By harmonizing our digital and cybersecurity standards, we can ensure that ASEAN remains at the forefront of technological innovation and security,” he said. This will not only bolster our economic growth but also position us as leaders in the digital age.
He stressed the need for collaboration among ASEAN nations to achieve these goals, noting that a unified front is essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other advanced technologies.
The minister’s remarks were made during a regional conference on AI and cybersecurity held in Bangkok, which brought together leaders and experts from various sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing digital resilience and advancing technological integration across ASEAN. As the ASEAN chair, Malaysia aims to conclude the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year to prepare the Southeast Asian region for digitalization. Sugumari S.
Shanmugam, the senior director of ASEAN Economic Integration Division at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), stated that there are several urgent issues to address, such as the development gaps between ASEAN member countries, before DEFA is finalized.
Harmonizing digital standards in ASEAN
“Negotiating DEFA is a serious challenge because of the different levels of development, understanding, technical knowledge, and capacity building that need to be done,” said Sugumari.
“We are confident that we can progress with the help of experts. Several workshops have been undertaken to assist ASEAN member countries in understanding what is needed concerning DEFA and how we can move forward.”
DEFA, which is poised to be the world’s first regional digital economy agreement, aims to accelerate ASEAN’s transformation into a leading digital economy by fostering greater digital cooperation and paving the way for regional digital integration and inclusive growth and development. In the wake of ASEAN’s rapid digital growth, which has seen substantial increases in cybercrime and online scams, the need for mutual recognition of digital IDs between China and ASEAN nations has become critical.
TS Wong, MY EG Services Bhd Group Managing Director and Zetrix Co-founder, highlighted this during his dialogue session titled “Creating an Environmentally Friendly Digital Future” at the China-ASEAN Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Forum. Wong cited the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, reporting that financial losses from scams in East and Southeast Asia reached as high as US$37 billion in 2023. “According to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia alone lost RM3.18 billion to online scams involving more than 95,800 victims between 2021 and April 2024,” Wong highlighted.
To prevent further losses to scams, Wong calls for interoperable digital IDs to strengthen ASEAN’s digital ecosystem. He explained that if countries recognize and enable localized verification of each other’s digital IDs in real-time, it becomes possible to accurately identify online users, even when faced with realistic deepfake videos. Some of the key benefits of interoperable digital IDs include real-time cross-border identity verification to deter and identify scammers, enhanced trust in digital transactions which fosters safer economic activities, and support for digital economies by promoting collaboration and consumer confidence,” Wong said.
He added that interoperable digital IDs and blockchain technology can empower ASEAN countries to embrace digital transformation while safeguarding their citizens against the escalating threat of cybercrime.
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