The UK-Singapore Cyber Dialogue held in London on June 13, 2023, marked a significant milestone in enhancing cyber cooperation between the two nations. Co-chaired by David Koh, Chief Executive of Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency, and Will Middleton, Cyber Director in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The dialogue brought together high-ranking officials from various government departments and agencies to discuss cyber priorities and deliverables.
The meeting witnessed the participation of Lindy Cameron, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre. Along with senior officials from the Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Home Office, and the Department for Business and Trade. The Singaporean delegation included officials from the Cyber Security Agency and the High Commission in London.
Enhancing Security: Internet of Things (IoT) and App Security
Building upon the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, the dialogue emphasized the significance of further strengthening the existing close ties in cyber cooperation. One of the key outcomes of the dialogue was the reaffirmation of the UK-Singapore Cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting the commitment to collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
In a comprehensive exchange of ideas, the dialogue covered several important topics, including the cyber threat landscape, deterrence strategies against cyber threats, international cyber capacity building, cyber policy matters at the United Nations, and the role of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity.
The representatives from both countries explored opportunities to deepen cooperation and align their approaches in crucial areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) security, app security, and cyber skills development. Recognizing the importance of security in the realm of apps and app stores, the participants agreed to explore the potential for an international standard to ensure their security. Additionally, they underscored the significance of recognized international standards and norms for IoT and expressed their commitment to further collaboration in this field. The mapping of skills and competencies of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore and the UK was also identified as a joint area of focus.
The dialogue emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to support international cyber governance and capacity building, particularly in South East Asia through the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE).
Advancing Cyber Resilience: A Milestone in International Cooperation
Furthermore, discussions on the latest trends in cyber threats provided an opportunity to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in countering malicious cyber activities that undermine the rules-based multilateral order.
The significance of cybersecurity for critical national infrastructure was addressed in a separate meeting between David Koh, Chief Executive of Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency, and the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins. Additionally, Chloe Squires, Director General for Homeland Security, met with Mr Koh to discuss the co-chairing of the Counter Ransomware Initiative’s Policy Pillar by the UK and Singapore.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to continued engagement and collaboration under the framework of the MoU. That remains a priority for their international cyber cooperation.
