M’sia and S’pore to cooperate on three fronts

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in personal data protection, cybersecurity and the digital economy.

The MOU was signed by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and his Singapore counterpart Josephine Teo, and witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore.

The Communications and Digital Ministry said this was following the agreement by both countries in October 2018 to explore cooperation in all three fields.

It said personal data protection cooperation includes the exchange of knowledge and expertise on best practices relating to policies and regulations, education and capacity building, and enforcement efforts, as well as mechanisms to promote cross-border data flows, reported Bernama.

The cooperation on cybersecurity includes the exchange of knowledge and expertise on best practices, coordination and organisation of capacity-building activities and exchange in information on analyses, experiences and guidance regarding cyberattacks and cybersecurity incidents, concerns or threats.

“It also includes designation of an authorised national cybersecurity lead agency by each participant for the purpose of establishing an annual Malaysia-Singapore Cybersecurity Roundtable.”

On the digital economy, the ministry said the agreement involves the exchange of information on best practices, policies and regulations, including on digitalisation, interoperable standards and new emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

On another matter, Anwar – who was in Singapore on a one-day official visit – said he sees food security as one area of cooperation that can be explored with Singapore for the benefit of both countries.

“This area (food security) that I think we would solicit support for Singapore to use Malaysia as the heartland to produce for the benefit of both countries,” he said in his toast speech at an official lunch hosted by Lee yesterday.

“My position in this administration is very new, but I think our position and my Cabinet team is very clear ... not only do we want to continue the relations, but we want both Singaporeans and Malaysians to understand we are two great countries and two great neighbours,” he said.

Lee, in his speech, said he and Anwar had a fruitful discussion, including on how both countries could make progress on outstanding bilateral issues.

“As close friends and neighbours, the destinies of Singapore and Malaysia are intertwined. When we work constructively together, we produce win-win outcomes with tangible benefits for our peoples and businesses,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar held a meeting with Lee before calling on President Halimah Yacob.