Singapore is giving S$10 million to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition to help the international community use digital technologies to their full potential in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Singapore took the initiative because it recognises how crucial it is for all nations to be able to take part in and profit from the expansion of the global digital economy.
ITU, which is the UN body in charge of information and communication technologies, started the P2C Digital Coalition in September 2021 to help the world become more connected and digital.
This multi-stakeholder union encourages a partnership-based way to get the money needed to connect everyone by 2030. ITU P2C has already received over 700 pledges from government and business organisations totalling more than S$30 billion, but more can be done to speed up the digitalisation of the world.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) are all dedicated to helping close the global digital divide and improve the digital capabilities of other ITU member states.
“Building a shared digital future is the responsibility of all nations, large and small, Singapore is committed to playing our part to help the international community close the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of our global digital commons can be enjoyed by all,” said Lew Chuen Hong, IMDA Chief Executive.
Over a four-year period, S$10 million will be spent on programmes to help build the skills of 2400 regional and global officials. Through its Digital Forum of Small States (FOSS) initiatives, IMDA will help small states improve their technical skills and support their efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive digital future.
As part of the Asia Tech x Singapore 2023 (ATxSG) Summit, IMDA recently ran the first Digital FOSS Fellowship project in Singapore. Digital FOSS Fellows from 10 countries have discussed their experiences, problems, and hopes for the future of small states in the digital world.
The Fellows met with Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Ambassador-at-Large Prof Tommy Koh. Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Dr Janil Puthucheary also invited the Fellows to lunch.
The Fellows also talked with well-known speakers and guests at the ATxSG 2023 Summit and took part in a closed-door Roundtable to talk about how small states can work together to make it easier for trusted data to flow across borders in the digital economy.
Through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, the MFA will offer classes on digitalisation, such as digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), data, and cybersecurity. These will be given to policymakers and regulators in developing and ASEAN countries to help them learn more about digital problems and improve their digital skills so they can make better national policies.
Through the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, the CSA will run technical and Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT)-related cyber capacity-building programmes for top cyber officials in ASEAN and the rest of the world.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stated that Digital will be key to putting the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. She praised Singapore for its timely P2C pledge, highlighting the importance of digital institutional capacity and cross-country collaboration in achieving universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation in line with the SDGs.
In a bid to empower food manufacturers to embrace sustainability, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) has unveiled the Sustainability Playbook for Food Manufacturers. Announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, this playbook is a key component of the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), aiming to equip companies with the tools and insights needed for their sustainability journey.
Jeannie Lim, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Lifestyle & Consumer) at EnterpriseSG, emphasised the imperative for food manufacturers to navigate global supply chain challenges, evolving sustainability regulations, and the rising demand for climate-conscious food products. Jeannie introduced the playbook as a comprehensive guide, offering strategies and resources to help companies incorporate sustainability practices into their operations.
The playbook, part of the ESP series, presents a step-by-step approach for food manufacturers, featuring checklists with recommended starting points for core sustainability strategies and relevant resources. It outlines three fundamental strategies to enhance sustainability:
- Optimising Resources: The playbook advocates for a review of current manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for resource optimisation. Investments in energy-efficient equipment, on-site energy generation like solar panels, and digitalisation for increased efficiency and waste reduction are highlighted.
- Valorising Food Side Streams: Encouraging the repurposing of food manufacturing by-products into higher value-added products, such as plant-based cheese and probiotic beverages. The playbook identifies key side streams in Singapore, including okara, brewers’ spent grain, surplus bread, and fruits, offering innovative solutions to meet consumer demands for healthy and sustainable products.
- Adopting Sustainable Packaging: Recognising the importance of sustainable packaging for global market access, the playbook encourages the reduction of packaging and the use of recyclable or sustainable materials with enhanced shelf-life stability.
To complement the Sustainability Playbook, EnterpriseSG, in collaboration with the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association (SFMA), announced the “Embracing Sustainability for Enterprise Growth in Food Manufacturing” course. This provides an introduction to sustainability concepts and equips food manufacturing companies with the necessary tools and support to take tangible steps towards sustainability.
The course, scheduled for Q1 2024, offers participants access to a sustainability assessment toolkit and personalised advisory sessions to kickstart their sustainability journey. EnterpriseSG will defray 70% of course fees for eligible businesses, making it an accessible and valuable resource for companies looking to enhance their sustainability capabilities.
According to Enterprise Singapore, their initiatives are poised to guide food manufacturers towards a future where environmental consciousness aligns seamlessly with business success. The playbook and course serve as inspirations, illuminating the path for companies to thrive in an era where sustainability is both a responsibility and a competitive advantage.
Digital tools are pivotal in advancing sustainable food manufacturing, revolutionising processes and fostering environmental stewardship. These tools optimise resource utilisation, emphasising energy-efficient equipment and digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency.
By identifying areas for improvement and implementing smart technologies, companies can minimise waste, reduce carbon footprints, and embrace eco-friendly practices. The integration of digital solutions allows for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and precision control, enabling precise resource management and minimising environmental impact.
Sustainable packaging initiatives, facilitated by these tools, further contribute to eco-conscious practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. The adoption of digital tools in food manufacturing not only improves operational effectiveness but also positions the industry as a leader in environmentally responsible practices, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.
In a session at the Dewan Negara, Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran proposed a significant expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses across public universities, aligning with the anticipated transformative impact of AI technology on the future job landscape.
Senator Chandran emphasised that greater participation of higher education institutions in offering AI courses would create a more extensive platform for cultivating experts capable of addressing the challenges arising from the evolution and development of AI technology.
Citing a study conducted by the Ministry of Human Resources, which projected that approximately 4.5 million workers in the country could face job displacement by 2030 due to advancements in AI and Machine Learning (ML), Senator Chandran underscored the importance of mitigating this risk through the provision of additional AI-related educational opportunities. While acknowledging that the majority of jobs at risk are categorised as semi-skilled and unskilled, he stressed the profound impact such a shift could have on people’s livelihoods, warranting proactive measures.
These proposals were articulated during the deliberation of the Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Negara. Senator Chandran expressed support for the government’s initiative to establish the nation’s first Artificial Intelligence Studies Centre, housed at the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This centre, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the Budget 2024, received an initial allocation of RM20 million.
While commending the establishment of the AI Studies Centre at UTM, Senator Chandran argued for a more intensified effort, calling for the active involvement of additional public higher education institutions in providing AI courses. He believed that expanding educational offerings in the AI field could play a crucial role in reducing the projected job displacement and equipping the workforce with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.
In the context of potential job losses outlined in the Ministry of Human Resources study, Senator Chandran stressed the significance of not underestimating the impact of AI and ML advancements. He emphasised that the livelihoods of individuals were at stake, necessitating a proactive approach to skill development and education in emerging technologies.
Furthermore, Senator Chandran argued that the participation of more educational institutions in offering AI studies could have broader economic implications. He suggested that a robust educational ecosystem in AI would be an attractive factor for investors in the industry, as it would demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a skilled and credible talent pool capable of meeting the demands of the evolving job market.
In mid-October, Malaysia presented its 2024 budget, said to be the largest in the nation’s history, with an allocation of RM303 billion (US$64.7 billion). To fulfil fiscal obligations and decrease the deficit to 4.3%, the budget introduces significant structural changes to Malaysia’s tax system, affecting both businesses and individuals.
Notably, a capital gains tax is introduced, and there is an upswing in service tax rates. Furthermore, the government has confirmed the implementation of e-invoicing starting from 1 August 2024 and the adoption of the global minimum tax in 2025. These measures signify a comprehensive approach to fiscal management, aiming to enhance revenue streams, streamline tax processes, and align with global taxation standards.
Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran’s proposals centre around the crucial role of education in mitigating the potential negative impacts of AI and ML advancements on the job market. By advocating for an expanded offering of AI courses in public universities, he aims to not only address the challenges posed by technological developments but also position the country as an attractive destination for investments in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
The Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ashwini Vaishnaw, has discussed creating a robust response to the challenges posed by deepfake technology with representatives from academia, industry bodies, and social media companies. The consensus reached in the discussion entails collaborative efforts among the government, academia, social media companies, and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to collectively address the harmful uses of deepfake.
Deepfakes are artificial intelligence-manipulated video, audio, and images. Their hyper-realistic nature makes them challenging to identify as fake, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the technology. Therefore, these manipulations can and have harmed reputations and serve as tools to falsify evidence. Deepfakes are also a threat to democracy and social institutions globally and the increasing presence of deepfakes in political messaging could be particularly damaging, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections, posing risks to the integrity of information and public discourse.
The meeting, held at the end of November, concluded with an agreement to identify actionable items within the next 10 days, focusing on four key pillars:
- Detection: Develop methods to identify deepfake content both before and after its posting.
- Prevention: Establish an effective mechanism to prevent the spread of deepfake content.
- Reporting: Implement an efficient and prompt reporting system along with a grievance redressal mechanism.
- Awareness: Launch a widespread awareness campaign to educate the public on the issues related to deepfake technology.Top of Form
Furthermore, effective immediately, MeitY will initiate an exercise to assess and formulate necessary regulations to combat the threat of deepfake. To facilitate this process, MeitY will invite public comments through the MyGov portal.
A follow-up meeting with relevant stakeholders will be held again this week to finalise the four-pillared structure. According to the government’s AI news portal, it remains committed to combating the growing threat of deepfake through technology and by fostering public awareness. It said that MeitY has frequently guided social media intermediaries, urging them to exercise due diligence and promptly take necessary actions against instances of deepfake.
Recently, the Delhi High Court expressed reservations about the prospect of judicial intervention to regulate the use of deepfake content created through AI. It said that addressing the issue and finding a balanced solution would be more appropriately handled by the government, given its extensive data resources and wide-ranging machinery. The court scheduled the matter for an additional hearing in January.
Governments globally are addressing the threats of damaging deepfake technologies by implementing enhanced rules and regulations. In September, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and federal agency partners issued new guidance on cybersecurity risks associated with deepfakes.
As OpenGov Asia reported, they published a Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) titled “Contextualising Deepfake Threats to Organisations” to help organisations recognise, safeguard against, and respond to deepfake threats.
It suggests that organisations should incorporate real-time verification capabilities. It underscores the use of passive detection techniques for continuous monitoring and early identification and emphasises the significance of safeguarding high-profile officers and their communications, as they are frequent targets of deepfake attempts.
Apart from detection, the guidance offered ways to mitigate the impact of deepfake attacks. Organisations must foster information sharing within and across organisations. The guidance advocates for thorough planning and rehearsal of responses to potential exploitation attempts, ensuring organisations are well-prepared for any incidents. Personnel training is another crucial aspect, providing individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively recognise and respond to synthetic media threats.
One of the main challenges in addressing digital copyright infringements is the ability to detect and effectively combat such violations. Advanced technologies enable digital piracy and unauthorised content distribution through increasingly complex and difficult-to-monitor methods. Therefore, collaboration between the government, private sector, and relevant institutions is essential to develop efficient solutions and enforcement strategies to tackle these challenges.
Josefhin Mareta, a researcher at the Centre for Legal Research of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), revealed that there are still many digital copyright infringements in Indonesia. Examples of such cases include copyright violations of books in digital formats, such as scanning for e-books, file sharing, and unauthorised sales in online marketplaces. Additionally, there are copyright violations in digital music or songs, such as uploading cover songs to social media platforms without the copyright holder’s permission and bootlegging, such as recording concerts or performances on TV/film for personal or commercial purposes.
Copyright infringement refers to the unauthorised utilisation of copyrighted materials without the consent of the creators, holders, or authors. It constitutes an act of dishonesty and a breach of the economic and exclusive rights of the creators.
According to Josephine, the Indonesian government has taken several measures to address these issues, including actions by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo). These agencies have attempted to create joint regulations requiring monitoring or blocking content or access rights for individuals who violate copyright.
However, in investigating such violations, the bureaucracy is still intricate. The complainant must submit several requirements, such as documentary shreds of evidence, to prove that the item in question is being sold illegally, for example, on an e-commerce platform. Despite these efforts, various issues persist, such as the presence of digital literary works related to copyright.
Josefhin expressed that the relevant laws still need a clear definition of literary and digital works. This ambiguity extends to books, music, performances, and other forms, raising questions about how the public can distribute the creator’s royalties using digital works.
Further, Josefhin added that literary works have evolved from physical to digital forms over time. She explained that this evolution reflects significant changes in how humans convey, consume, and interact with information.
In light of this, Josephine explained that there are two approaches regarding copyright violations. First, substantial duplication refers to replicating the core elements of a copyrighted work. It should be noted that there are legal limitations, indicating that this prohibition does not encompass the entire work or a substantial part of it. Moreover, duplication is acceptable if accompanied by actions that do not harm the reasonable interests of the creator or if there is an agreement among all parties involved.
The second approach involves a “causal connection,” where events or previous works inspire a newly created copyrighted work. In other words, there is a traceable connection between the work being made and a work produced at some point in the past.
To elaborate further, Josefhin mentioned three restriction methods to prevent misuse when someone uses another person’s work without permission:
- Based on specific conditions or cases, an individual can sometimes use someone else’s copyrighted work without permission.
- Duplication should not conflict with the normal exploitation of the owner or copyright holder. It relates to the substance of the work.
- It should not diminish the legitimate interests of the creator.
Josefhin reiterated these points, emphasising that copyright violations are not a new phenomenon in Indonesia. With the rapid and massive digital developments, the government has to conduct regulations to prevent and oversee copyright infringement and avoid harm to any party.
“Creating works is a challenging process, but for many individuals, it serves as a means to earn a living. We must recognise and value this effort,” she concluded.
The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2023 convened experts, tech visionaries, and policymakers to deliberate on the nation’s digital future. Hosted by the Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this third edition navigated the theme “Moving forward: Calibrating Bharat’s Digital Agenda”.
IIGF, affiliated with the UN-IGF, serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to deliberate on public policy issues related to the Internet, fostering collaboration and strategic initiatives for India’s digital evolution. It convenes a range of prominent experts who underscored the global importance of IIGF in shaping internet policies.
The IIGF harnesses extensive collaboration to fine-tune India’s digital strategy, placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity, security, and innovation. Its vision is centred on empowering a digitally enabled Bharat through these key pillars.
India’s approach to internet governance is characterised by inclusivity and collaboration, reflecting a commitment to ensuring a diverse representation of voices and perspectives. With specific attention to multistakeholderism, India actively engages diverse participants, including government bodies, industry leaders, civil society organisations, and academia, in discussions and policy formulations related to Internet governance.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the maturation of inclusivity in India, acknowledging the representation of diverse voices shaping the Internet’s future. He believes collaboration is pivotal in crafting policies, regulations, and technological advancements. Chandrasekhar highlighted India’s stride as the world’s largest connected democracy, recognising its burgeoning digital landscape.
“Multistakeholderism in India will be the cornerstone of how the future of the Internet will be shaped in policy, regulation and technology landscape,” Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar was quoted as saying.
Underscoring the role of technology in inclusion and empowerment, the Minister highlighted the impact of emerging technologies and AI in fostering innovation and enabling young Indians to participate in the innovation economy. However, he stressed the need for a safe and accountable Internet, ensuring consumer safety and holding platforms liable under Indian law.
Secretary MeitY, S Krishnan, echoed the forum’s significance in steering India’s digital trajectory. Stressing multistakeholderism’s importance, he advocated collective efforts to tackle internet complexities. Krishnan spotlighted initiatives like Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) to promote a multilingual internet and bridge digital divides, envisioning IIGF 2023 as a catalyst for India’s digitally empowered future.
Joint Secretary MeitY, Shri Sushil Pal, underscored the necessity of a secure, accessible internet while cautioning against emerging technologies’ potential to deepen vulnerabilities. Pal underscored the timeliness of the IIGF theme in conceptualising Digital India’s intricacies, calling for profound engagement among stakeholders.
Ms Sally Costerton, Interim President & CEO, ICANN, acknowledges India’s pivotal role in internet governance, advocating collaboration to reduce the digital divide and foster inclusion.
With a focus on accessibility, safety, and innovation, India’s efforts aim to bridge digital divides, foster inclusion through initiatives like multilingual internet access, and address emerging challenges collaboratively. This inclusive and collaborative approach underscores India’s commitment to shaping a digital landscape that benefits all its citizens while contributing positively to the global internet governance discourse.
Keeping with this policy of engaging with citizens, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently unveiled the Consultation Paper on ‘Regulation on Rating Framework for Digital Connectivity in Buildings or Area’, calling upon stakeholders for input.
Originally set for submission by 08 December 2023, TRAI has responded to stakeholder requests for an extension. The submission deadline has been extended by four weeks, now closing on 05th January 2024, with counter comments due by 19 January 2024. This extension aligns with India’s ongoing efforts, as discussed in the India Internet Governance Forum, to foster inclusive and collaborative dialogue in shaping the nation’s digital trajectory.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is spearheading an initiative to propel the nation’s capabilities in healthcare, Industry 4.0-driven manufacturing, and supply chain and logistics through the transformative power of 5G. This groundbreaking endeavour, known as the S$30 million 5G Innovation Programme, is not just a step forward but a giant leap into a future where innovation reshapes industries.
Launched in 2021, the 5G Innovation Programme is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies. IMDA has forged strategic partnerships with key enterprises, including the National University Health System (NUHS).
In the healthcare industry, Singapore’s forward-thinking tech innovators, in collaboration with NUHS, have harnessed 5G to revolutionise patient care. The introduction of Mixed Reality-based Holomedicine in operating theatres stands out as a groundbreaking achievement.
This innovative approach not only enhances patient care but also redefines the entire healthcare experience. Announced in 2022, the initiative marks the Asia Pacific’s inaugural deployment of indoor private Enterprise 5G mobile edge computing (MEC) for Mixed Reality and Holomedicine capabilities in health tech.
A significant stride in healthcare also involves a collaboration with Republic Power to deploy 5G-enabled unmanned medical booths. These “Medbots” represent Asia’s first 5G-enabled unmanned pre-screening and teleconsultation medical booths. Equipped with state-of-the-art hygiene and safety systems, these booths support remote health screening and video consultations, offering an enhanced user experience that aligns with the demands of a digital era.
The impact of 5G extends beyond healthcare, permeating the realms of Industry 4.0-driven manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics. Collaborations with ST Engineering and DB Schenker have given rise to groundbreaking applications.
For instance, Singapore’s first 5G-enabled Digital Twin has been implemented for a logistics and supply chain company transforming warehouse and manufacturing operations, quality control, and customer experience. Simultaneously, ST Engineering’s 5G-Enabled Industry 4.0 Smart Factory boasts one of Singapore’s first 5G-enabled collaborative robots, revolutionising manufacturing processes.
Dr Ong Chen Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of the Biztech Group at IMDA, emphasised the agency’s commitment to architecting Singapore’s digital future. The goal is to build capabilities in various sectors powered by emerging technologies like 5G. IMDA’s collaboration with forward-looking companies signifies a concerted effort to unlock the full spectrum of benefits that 5G offers across a wide range of sectors.
As Singapore propels itself into the future, the 5G Innovation Programme stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to progress. The partnerships with key enterprises underscore a collective effort to reshape, redefine, and transform industries across the country.
Singapore is not merely embracing change; it is pioneering a future where technology catalyses innovation and progress. The journey has just begun, and Singapore is at the forefront, shaping the narrative of a technologically advanced and future-ready nation.
The comprehensive initiative serves as a catalyst, propelling Singapore into a new era of digital prowess. It is not merely an adoption of advanced technologies; rather, it is a strategic alignment with the needs of the future, recognising the pivotal role technology plays in shaping economic landscapes on a global scale.
The 5G Innovation Programme signifies Singapore’s commitment to sustainable economic growth. By embracing technology as a driver of progress, Singapore is not just securing its current standing; it is laying the foundation for a resilient and forward-thinking economy. The emphasis on sustainability in this digital transformation ensures that growth is not just rapid but also enduring, with an eye towards environmental and social responsibility.
The implementation of a National Digital Identity (Digital ID) system in Malaysia is poised to revolutionise the verification and distribution of aid during crises or natural disasters, ensuring swift and precise assistance to those in need.
According to the Chairman of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA), Digital ID has the potential to streamline processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and optimising the impact of government subsidies by facilitating the efficient distribution of assistance to targeted groups with greater accuracy and effectiveness.
Digital ID, in this context, serves as a digital means of self-identification and authentication for individuals, designed for use in both public and private sectors to verify user identities during online transactions. The nation’s Prime Minister has conveyed that while the government will not mandate registration for Digital ID presently, civil servants are encouraged to do so, especially as the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and other targeted subsidies will be channelled through this system. MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s national Applied Research and Development Centre, has been appointed as the implementing agency for Digital ID, with an initial allocation of RM80 million.
The Former Principal Assistant Director at Bukit Aman emphasised the significance of Digital ID in enhancing cybersecurity. The technology relies on digital certificates to bolster security in online transactions, verifying identities by linking cryptographic keys with their owners through cryptography.
Despite its potential benefits, the Former Principal Ass
istant Director pointed out a critical concern: the possibility of Digital ID being exploited as a ‘mule ID’ by third parties for fraudulent or illegal activities. He stressed the need for the government to establish robust security measures to prevent misuse, safeguard the system’s integrity, and maintain public trust in the initiative.
Addressing potential concerns about the misuse of Digital ID, the Former Principal Assistant Director called for a thorough examination of security measures. The government’s commitment to preventing fraudulent activities and illegal exploitation is crucial for the success of Digital ID. The Former Principal Assistant Director’s experience in cybercrime and multimedia investigations underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the system.
Furthermore, the Former Principal Assistant Director highlighted the need for comprehensive digital education to ensure that all segments of society benefit fully from Digital ID. A focus on digital education can prevent digital divides and contribute to the long-term success of Malaysia’s digitalisation initiatives. By promoting digital literacy, the government can empower citizens to use Digital ID responsibly and stay informed about potential risks.
In conclusion, the implementation of Digital ID in Malaysia represents a significant step toward modernising and securing online transactions. While the technology holds great potential for enhancing the distribution of aid during crises, it is imperative for the government to address security concerns and invest in digital education to ensure the successful adoption of Digital ID across all segments of society.
The advent of Digital ID in Malaysia represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward a more efficient and secure identity verification system. The Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association’s unwavering support underscores the potential benefits of this technological advancement for the wellbeing of Malaysians. However, as the implementation progresses, the emphasis on system integrity, cybersecurity, and public trust becomes paramount.
The call for robust security measures and consistency resonates as a crucial safeguard against potential misuse, ensuring that Digital ID serves as a reliable tool for streamlined aid distribution and government subsidies. As the nation navigates this transformative phase, it is imperative to strike a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of public confidence to fully realise the positive impact of Digital ID on the Malaysian society.
