Background

The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) was established in June 2021 by the 15th ADMM. ACICE was mooted against a backdrop of rapid digitalisation and increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, disinformation and misinformation. Together with the Information Fusion Centre (IFC), the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Coordination Centre (RHCC) and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF), the four centres located within Changi Command and Control Centre (CC2C), RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base, demonstrate MINDEF/SAF's commitment to strengthen multilateral cooperation in tackling emerging and non-traditional threats in the domains of cybersecurity and information, maritime security, HADR and counter-terrorism. ACICE was officially opened by the Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, on 18 July 2023.

Objectives of ACICE

Threats in the cybersecurity and information domains could impact critical infrastructures, fracture social cohesion within and across states, and undermine trust in governments. To combat these threats, ACICE seeks to (i) share information, research and analyse cyber, information and other threats relevant to the defence sector; and (ii) promote cooperation against cyber and information threats. ACICE also serves as a platform where ASEAN defence officials, experts and industry players can come together to exchange views and share best practices on tackling cyber and information threats. Through such interactions, ACICE hopes to engender trust and confidence amongst ASEAN defence officials.

Structure of ACICE

ACICE comprises three centres: the Cybersecurity Centre, the Information Centre, and the Research Centre. The Cybersecurity and Information Centres will host and facilitate information sharing among regional and international experts from the cybersecurity and information domains. The Research Centre will collaborate with think tanks and academic institutes to conduct longer-term research on the impact of developments in digital technologies on defence. ACICE will also partner local and international experts to organise conferences, dialogues, and consultations to raise collective knowledge and expertise in the cyber and information domains.

Existing Initiatives by ACICE

Since September 2021, ACICE has sent out monthly reports to raise awareness and knowledge on potential threats to regional security, as well as trends and developments related to the cybersecurity and information domains. These reports are published on the ACICE's website.

In February 2023, ACICE launched a Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP) where ASEAN Member States (AMS) can access, read and share information on cyber malware and other relevant cyber threats. The timely sharing of amalgamated cybersecurity threat information provided by individual AMS enables early warning, timely response and mitigation of cyberattacks.

ACICE's Official Opening and Related Events

In conjunction with ACICE's Official Opening, ACICE hosted a series of events:

1. Inaugural Digital Defence Symposium. ACICE partnered the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) to co-organise the inaugural Digital Defence Symposium on 17 July 2023. The Symposium brings together renowned academics, industry experts, and AMS officials to discuss cyber and information issues in the defence sectoral.
2. Inaugural Experts Panel Meeting. In June 2023, ACICE established an Experts Panel, comprising academics and industry professionals of diverse geographical representation. The Experts Panel advises ACICE on emerging trends and developments in the cyber and information domains, their impact on the defence sectoral, and how AMS can cooperate to promote a safe and secure digital space. The inaugural meeting was held on 17 July 2023.
3. Inaugural ASEAN Roundtable on Digital Defence. ACICE hosted the ASEAN Roundtable on Digital Defence exclusively for AMS officials on 17 July 2023. The Roundtable aims to promote confidence and capacity building on cyber and information issues in the defence sectoral. The Roundtable was co-chaired by Indonesia's Brigadier General Tri Rana Subekti, Head of Cyber Defence Centre, Ministry of National Defence, as Indonesia is the incumbent ADMM Chair, and Colonel Sam Lee, Head Cyber Strategy and Policy, Defence Cyber Organisation.
4. 2nd Advisory Board Meeting. In line with the Terms of Reference of ACICE that was approved by the 16th ADMM in June 2022, the Advisory Board is made up of nominated representatives from all AMS, and is chaired by the sitting ADMM Chair. The Advisory Board consolidates AMS' views and advises ACICE on research areas, activities and products, and recommends collaborations with other ADMM initiatives. The meeting held on 18 July 2023 was chaired by Brigadier General Tri Rana Subekti.

Next Steps for ACICE

ACICE will continue to expand its network and partnerships with regional and international experts from the defence sector, academic institutions as well as industry players. By 2024, ACICE will conduct cyber-related courses to strengthen cyber capabilities among the AMS. ACICE will also work with research institutes and think-tanks on relevant areas to strengthen ACICE's expertise so that ACICE can continue to deliver value to AMS.

Logo of ACICE

Logo of ACICE. ACICE's logo incorporates the ASEAN emblem colours and illustrates the close collaboration and networking which ACICE facilitates.