Malaysia, Singapore Increase Bilateral Cooperation in Digital Economy
On February 3, Malaysia hosted the 6th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Information and Communications Cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, reaffirming bilateral cooperation on personal data protection, cybersecurity, and the digital economy. The two countries will also be working together to share knowledge and best practices to more effectively handle online scams according to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. The JCM was co-chaired by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Secretary-General Mohammad Mentek and Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information Permanent Secretary Joseph Leong. Secretary-General Mohammed and Permanent Secretary Leong exchanged views on the future of digital information and communications cooperation, data protection, and the importance of digitalization as both countries transition to the endemic phase of COVID-19. During the JCM, Secretary-General Mohammad emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to driving a digital economy that was inclusive, progressive, equitable, and sustainable and framed the digital economy as a crucial foundation for economic recovery. Malaysia and Singapore renewed ongoing cooperation efforts on personal data protection, cybersecurity, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Singapore, following a 2018 agreement to explore cooperation in the three fields. The MoU will be in effect for a period of 5 + 5 years until February 2026.