Vietnam, Singapore step up cyber security cooperation

The event severed as a venue for both nations to discuss Vietnam’s cyber space strategy and how the country develops cyber security standards; and prepare for the 5th edition of Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW-5) and the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cyber security (ACMM-5) to be held virtually in Singapore from October 5- 9.

Upon addressing at the conference, Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam underscored the robust development of information and technology (IT), telecommunications and the Internet globally, setting the scene for improvements in productivity and competitiveness and socio-economic development.

The application and development of information technology, telecommunications and Internet in Vietnam have opened up a wealth of opportunities for improving technology level, production capacity and competitiveness, helping promote socio-economic development. By the end of January 2020, there were 68.17 million Internet users in the country, accounting for 70% of the national population.

The nation has been facing numerous challenges in cyber space, threatening national security and social order, he said, citing that cyber crimes are on the rise in both number and severity, affecting many aspects of social life.

Vietnam has enhanced its cyber security capacity by adopting the 2018 Law on Cyber Security and carrying out the National Digital Transformation Programme by 2025, with a vision to 2030 to make it to the world’s Top 50 countries in e-Government Development Index (EGDI), Lam said.

He also used occasion to propose a scored of measures to augment cooperation with Singapore in ensuring cyber security, information security, and anti-cyber and hi-tech crimes.

Singaporean Minister of Communications and Information S. Iswaran, in turn, expressed his wish to bolster cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore in cyber crime prevention, while reiterating Singapore’s commitments in combating cyber crimes and reinforcing partnership with countries regionally and globally in creating a safe cyber space.

Regarding this year's Singapore International Cyber Week 2020 (SICW) running the theme "Co-operation in a Post-COVID Future", the Singaporean Minister said his nation wants all countries to be fully aware of the importance of enhancing capacity to ensure cyber security and offer mutual support amidst the threats of cybercrime.