In a bid to strengthen regional cooperation and counter the growing threat of cyberattacks, Singapore has taken the lead in organizing a high-level meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states on cybersecurity.
The two-day meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan from November 12-13, brought together representatives from APEC member economies to discuss strategies for enhancing regional cooperation and information sharing to combat cyber threats. Singapore was one of the key organizers of this meeting, which aimed to promote a more effective and coordinated response to this growing threat.
The meeting was attended by over 20 countries, including Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, among others. The discussion focused on various aspects of cybersecurity, including prevention, detection, and response measures, as well as the need for greater regional collaboration in addressing emerging threats.
Singapore’s participation in this APEC meeting reflects its commitment to strengthening regional ties and promoting cooperation on key global issues. The country has long been recognized as a leader in cybersecurity, having established the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) in 2014 to coordinate national efforts in this area.
“Singapore is deeply concerned about the growing threat of cyberattacks, which can have severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and governments,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “By organizing this APEC meeting, we aim to promote regional cooperation and information sharing to address this threat more effectively.”
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from international organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlighting the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a global issue.
In addition to the APEC meeting, Singapore has been actively engaged in various regional and international initiatives to address cybersecurity threats. These include its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cybersecurity Forum and its hosting of the inaugural ASEAN Cybersecurity Summit in 2020.
Overall, Singapore’s leadership on this issue reflects its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting a more secure digital economy for all. As a major hub for international trade and finance, Singapore recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting businesses, governments, and individuals from these growing threats.
The meeting was seen as an important step forward in addressing the complex challenge of cyber threats, which are increasingly becoming a major concern for countries around the world.
By strengthening regional cooperation and information sharing, Singapore aims to create a more secure digital economy that benefits all members of the community.
The event was part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness and capabilities in the region, with a focus on enhancing public-private partnerships and fostering international collaboration to address this growing threat.