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Malaysia And Singapore Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation In Personal Data Protection, Cyber Security, And Digital Economy

ByE NEWSFebruary 4, 20232 Mins read331

MALAYSIA, 3 February 2023 – The Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad bin Mentek, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information of Singapore, Mr. Joseph Leong, co-chaired the 6th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Information and Communications Co-operation
between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on 3 February 2023.

Hosted by Malaysia this year, the JCM highlights the cordial relations and strong cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in the fields of personal data protection, cyber security, and digital economy in light of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s introductory visit to Singapore on 30 January 2023. During the JCM, Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad bin Mentek and Mr. Leong also shared perspectives on the importance of digitalisation as Malaysia and Singapore’s economies transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19, as well as each government’s public outreach and engagement activities during the pandemic.

Malaysia and Singapore continue to recognise the JCM as a useful platform for enhancing bilateral collaboration, addressing key challenges and, most crucially, accelerating economic recovery following COVID-19. Both countries share the view
that the rising uptake of digital technologies during the pandemic demonstrates an opportunity to bolster digital economies and improve corporate and individual connectivity. Consequently, the need for a safe and secure online space has grown in
importance.

Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad bin Mentek highlighted, “Malaysia is committed to driving a digital economy that is inclusive, progressive, equitable, and sustainable for the betterment of its people, as it firmly believes that the digital economy is a crucial foundation for economic recovery during this period. The meeting’s discussions on the future of digital information and communications cooperation, as well as in areas of data protection between the two countries, have been very interesting and productive, and we have made significant strides toward achieving our shared visions and objectives.”

Mr. Joseph Leong said, “Singapore welcomes the continued close cooperation with Malaysia to harness the benefits, while at the same time tackling the challenges, of the evolving digital space, including through our discussions at the JCM and the recently signed MoU on personal data protection, cybersecurity, and digital economy. We share common interests in creating a safer online space for our citizens, facilitating cross-border connectivity and data flows for our businesses, and growing our digital economy.”

The next JCM will be hosted by Singapore in 2024. In conjunction with the 6th JCM, Malaysia will also host the 14th Muzika Ekstravaganza on 4 February 2023. Muzika Ekstravaganza is an annual variety co-production by Malaysia’s Radio Television
Malaysia (RTM) and Singapore’s Mediacorp. This event will be graced by Minister for Communications and Digital, Malaysia, Mr. Fahmi Fadzil, and Minister for Communications and Information, Singapore, Mrs Josephine Teo.