ASEAN and International Defence Officials and Experts Discuss Evolving Cyber and Information Opportunities and Threats at the Second Digital Defence Symposium

Executive Deputy Chairman of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) Ambassador Ong Keng Yong delivering his welcome remarks at the second Digital Defence Symposium, co-organised by ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) and RSIS on 24 Jul 2024.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) are co-hosting the 2nd Digital Defence Symposium (DDS) from 24 to 25 July 2024 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The DDS brought together more than 200 senior defence officials, academics, industry experts and international partners from across 22 countries within and outside ASEAN, to discuss the latest developments in the cybersecurity and information domains, amid challenges presented by emerging technologies and rising geopolitical tensions.

Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS Ambassador Ong Keng Yong welcomed the participants to the DDS and noted that unlike traditional defence concerns, cyber and information threats are not limited to national borders. He highlighted, “It is more important than before for ASEAN countries to adopt a coordinated approach in dealing with the challenges of modern warfare and digitalisation, as we work together towards a safer and more secure region.” 

In his keynote address “Digital Defence - A Marathon in Changing Geo-Political Landscapes”, Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum, Chief of Cyber and Information Domain Service, German Armed Forces emphasised the importance of sharing cyber threat information multilaterally and to constantly work together closely to combat the diverse hybrid threats.

Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chan Heng Kee hosted the ACICE official welcome dinner last night, and encouraged the delegates to not only look at challenges, but to also explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration at the DDS and sideline meetings.  

Several events were organised on the sidelines of the symposium, including the 3rd ACICE Experts Panel meeting which was held yesterday. Chaired by Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr Melvyn Ong, the Experts Panel comprises renowned academics and industry experts who advise ACICE on emerging global trends and developments in the cybersecurity and information domains. The 2nd ASEAN Roundtable on Navigating the Digital Space and the 3rd ACICE Advisory Board meeting will take place this afternoon and tomorrow respectively. 

ACICE was established by the 15th ADMM in June 2021. ACICE aims to connect ASEAN countries and other international partners to enhance multilateral cooperation in the defence sectoral against cyberattacks, disinformation and misinformation through information sharing and capacity building. To date, ACICE has published more than 100 reports to raise awareness of and knowledge on potential threats, trends and developments in the cybersecurity and information domains. Most recently, ACICE organised a Cyber Incident Response and Threat Analysis course for ASEAN military cyber practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of cybersecurity and exchange perspectives on cyber challenges and threats across Southeast Asia. 

Vice Admiral Dr Thomas Daum, Chief of Cyber and Information Domain Service, German Armed Forces delivering the keynote address at the second Digital Defence Symposium on 24 Jul 2024.

(From left to right) Dato’ Pahlawan Mohd Fadzli Kamal bin Mohaldin, Director-General of Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division, Malaysian Armed Forces, CAPT Roger Koopman, Deputy J6 (Command, Control, Communications and Cyber Directorate), United States Indo-Pacific Command, BG Edward Chen, Defence Cyber Chief, Digital and Intelligence Service, SAF speaking at the panel titled “Evolving Cyber and Information Landscapes - Defence Implications”, moderated by Mr Benjamin Ang, Head, Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), NTU RSIS.

Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr Melvyn Ong chairing the 3rd ACICE Experts Panel meeting on 23 Jul 2024.

COL Feuangxay Milakong from Laos (third from right) and COL Lee Hsiang Wei from Singapore (second from right) co-chairing the 2nd ASEAN Roundtable on Navigating the Digital Space on 24 Jul 2024.

Welcome Remarks by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore at 2nd Digital Defence Symposium on 24 Jul 2024, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore