Microsoft launches first APAC Public Sector Cyber Security Executive Council
Microsoft has launched the first Asia Pacific Public Sector Cyber Security Executive Council. It brings together a coalition of policy makers from government and state agencies, as well as technology and industry leaders, with the aim of building a strong communications channel for addressing cyber threats and sharing best practices across the participating countries. Joining the council are 15 policy makers from Brunei, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, supported by cybersecurity professionals from Microsoft.
During the keynote fireside chat at the Microsoft APAC Public Sector Summit on 06 May 2021, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft shared how we are empowering nations for a digital society. He explained that over the past year, Microsoft has witnessed a second wave of digital transformation, and governments have accelerated their adoption of technology initiatives to build resilience and transform. He emphasized the need to have a strong digital foundation for the public sector to succeed, and they can do that by adopting a data driven strategy. And finally, Satya reinforced Microsoft’s commitments to the national empowerment plans in place in the form of the new data center regions in New Zealand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
A more effective regional strategy against cyberattacks
With most technology infrastructure owned and operated by private companies; it is also mission critical that governments form coalitions with leading tech companies to lead effective cyber-defense strategies and safeguard our region against attackers.
Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab FASc, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia shared, “Cybersecurity is an important national agenda that cannot rely solely on the back of IT team. It should be a priority and responsibility of all individuals, as we continue to see cyber-criminal activities rise exponentially with the proliferation of data and digital connectivity. This coalition certainly establish stronger partnerships with industry leaders and practitioners that allow us to fortify our security postures and combat cybercrime.”
As part of the Asia Pacific Public Sector Cyber Security Executive Council, government agencies and state leaders will join a forum that includes Microsoft and our ecosystem of cybersecurity industry advisors. The aim of the forum is to share best practices, learn from Microsoft security certification trainings, dedicated workshops, and hands-on lab sessions, with a goal of driving improvements to the digital skills of the workforce to reduce the talent gap in cybersecurity across the participating nations.
The members of the Asia Pacific Public Sector Cyber Security Executive Council will share experiences and knowledge relating to cyber threats and will work to drive greater collaboration and cooperation between countries. This effort will build on existing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity partnerships in the Asia-Pacific, including through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Global Forum on Cyber Expertise.
“Cyberthreats and attacks are inevitable in this interconnected world, which is why our collective strength and collaboration as a community is imperative. Today’s announcement is the first step towards defending our communities in cyberspace and I’m excited to announce the launch of the first APAC Public Sector Cybersecurity Executive Council with the founding members that include government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders across the region. Our joint mission is to build a strong coalition, to strengthen our cyber security defense,” said Sherie Ng, General Manager, Public Sector, Microsoft Asia Pacific.
(This content is surmised from a press release)