The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a £13 million (nearly $16 million) program to strengthen the cyber capabilities of ASEAN member states, focusing on key issues such as threat detection, protecting critical national infrastructure, and building cyber skills.
The announcement of the program comes as the U.K. is deepening its relationship with the ASEAN region as part of its broader “Indo-Pacific Tilt” strategy. ASEAN is a key partner for the UK in its efforts to establish global technology standards such as Internet of Things devices, as well as to strengthen international cyber cooperation as cyber threats become increasingly borderless.
Singapore plays a crucial role in the UK’s goal of working more closely with Southeast Asia. For example, Singapore International Cyber Week, an annual event that brings together regional and international participants to discuss key issues in cyber cooperation, makes it easier for countries to work together.
To address the cyber skills shortage, the UK and Singapore have signed a joint statement to strengthen the cyber workforce in both countries and increase the participation of women in the cyber industry. The two countries aim to establish and harmonize cybersecurity professional standards, open up the professional roster of the UK’s Cyber Security Council to Singaporean cyber professionals, and promote cyber skills dialogue between representatives from both countries.
The UK will also pilot a UK-Southeast Asian Cyber Women’s Scholarship from January 2024 onwards. The fellowship will select two female candidates from each Southeast Asian country working in cyber to run cybersecurity programs with the support of the UK government and cybersecurity experts.
Cyber diplomacy is crucial for countries to reach consensus on issues such as regulation of cybersecurity products and tools, technical standards, trade and investment. Collaboration between government, industry and academia is also necessary to build a secure digital future.
Implications of the UK’s deepening cybersecurity partnership with ASEAN member states
The UK’s deepening cybersecurity partnership with ASEAN member states is a positive development for both the UK and the region. It will help to increase the region’s resilience to cyber threats, promote economic growth and improve regional cooperation.
UK investment in ASEAN’s cyber security capacity building will help reduce the risk of cyber attacks on the region. This is important as cyber attacks can have a significant impact on businesses and economies. By helping Southeast Asian countries improve their cybersecurity, the UK can help these countries improve their economic resilience.
Cooperation between the UK and ASEAN on cybersecurity will also facilitate cooperation between the UK and the region on other important issues such as trade and investment. Such cooperation could help improve the UK’s relationship with ASEAN and promote economic growth in both regions.
Overall, the UK’s deepening cybersecurity partnership with ASEAN member states is a positive development that will benefit both the UK and the region. It will help to increase the region’s resilience to cyber threats, promote economic growth and improve regional cooperation.