The 2nd Digital Defence Symposium gathers over 200 officials and experts to discuss cybersecurity and information challenges in a digitalised world.
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) are co-hosting the 2nd Digital Defence Symposium (DDS) at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore from July 24 to 25, 2024. The event brings together more than 200 senior defence officials, academics, industry experts, and international partners from 22 countries to address the evolving opportunities and threats in the cybersecurity and information domains amid rising geopolitical tensions and emerging technologies.
Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, welcomed participants and emphasized the necessity for ASEAN countries to adopt a coordinated approach in addressing modern warfare and digitalisation challenges. “Cyber and information threats transcend national borders,” Ong noted. “It is crucial for ASEAN nations to work together towards a safer and more secure region.”
In his keynote address, titled “Digital Defence – A Marathon in Changing Geo-Political Landscapes,” Vice Admiral Dr. Thomas Daum, Chief of Cyber and Information Domain Service of the German Armed Forces, stressed the importance of multilateral cyber threat information sharing and collaboration to combat hybrid threats.
Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr. Chan Heng Kee hosted the ACICE official welcome dinner, urging delegates to explore both challenges and opportunities for partnership and collaboration during the symposium and sideline meetings.
Several events are organized alongside the symposium, including the 3rd ACICE Experts Panel meeting chaired by Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr. Melvyn Ong. The panel, composed of renowned academics and industry experts, advises ACICE on global cybersecurity and information trends. Additionally, the 2nd ASEAN Roundtable on Navigating the Digital Space and the 3rd ACICE Advisory Board meeting will take place over the next two days.
Established by the 15th ADMM in June 2021, ACICE aims to enhance multilateral cooperation against cyberattacks, disinformation, and misinformation through information sharing and capacity building. To date, ACICE has published over 100 reports on cybersecurity threats and trends. Recently, ACICE organized a Cyber Incident Response and Threat Analysis course for ASEAN military cyber practitioners to deepen their understanding and share perspectives on regional cyber challenges.
Source – MINDEF
