| Hakim Hayat |
THE Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Connected Innovative Community was adopted during the 16th Asean Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting (16th Asean TELMIN) in Bandar Seri Begawan to advance Asean’s vision of establishing an innovative and inclusive community.
A joint statement released following the conclusion of the 16th Asean TELMIN and its related meetings said this declaration will help stakeholders, be it businesses or end users to be able to fully capitalise on the advent of technology to further enrich their wellbeing.
The declaration agrees to provide leadership to drive the progress of the Asean ICT Masterplan 2020 (AIM2020) initiatives to enhance connectivity and innovation in Asean through the development of knowledge and digital skill sets as well as greater access to ICT infrastructures, services, applications and technologies so as to improve the Asean peoples’ quality of life towards socio-economic growth and development.
The ministers also agreed to support the development of future broadband infrastructure networks to facilitate new technologies and ideas, accelerate the implementation of the next-generation ICT to realise the vision of inter-connected smart-cities and raise awareness on the importance and impact of Internet of Things (IoT) and IPv6 implementation for electronic government services, while also further enhancing connectivity between Asean member states to support regional integration and trade, and intensify efforts to ensure the resilience of international connectivity including submarine cable systems.
In the area of cyber security, the ministers vowed to strengthen its capabilities with the Asean Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy that will guide regional cooperation, as well with Asean Dialogue Partners and other organisations in cyber security.
They are also looking forward to continue working together to enhance access to ICT and bridge the digital divide in Asean to support innovation in underserved and underprivileged communities and continue to provide leadership in innovation and creativity to support a resilient ICT ecosystem and sustainable economic development through the promotion of smart cities and green ICT policies with the deployment of next-generation ICT.
The declaration aims to further strengthening harmonisation of ICT standards and regulatory approaches, especially for new emerging services and technologies toward deepening regional integration while enhancing the protection of personal data in Asean and promote cooperation between Asean member states through the endorsement of the Asean Framework on Personal Data Protection.
The ministers are also agreed to ensure the efficient and effective processes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within the existing institutional mechanism to execute and track programmes, projects and initiatives to meet with the AIM 2020’s goals and targets.
The ministers also looked forward to work closely with Asean Dialogue Partners, International Communications Union (ITU), international organisations and stakeholders in the implementation of innovative ICT programmes in support of the AIM 2020.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications as the Chairman of the 16th Asean Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting speaking during the joint press conference. – HAKIM HAYAT
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