Opening Ceremony of the 12th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI – 12) and Digital Future Conference and Exhibition

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB)

The opening of 12^th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI–12) and Digital Future Conference and Exhibition was officiated today by the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, as the Chair of IAMMSTI–12 and Chairman of Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI).

IAMMSTI is a regional gathering of ministers responsible for science, technology, and innovation from the ASEAN member states to discuss, exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore potential areas of cooperation to promote the development and application of science, technology, and innovation within the ASEAN region.

This year, Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, is hosting the IAMMSTI-12, the 83^rd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-83) and related meetings.

The opening ceremony began with a recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and doa led by Awang Haji Mohd Azrol Alim bin Haji Zaini. The event proceeded with welcoming remarks by Ir. Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive of AITI, as the co-host for the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition. Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as the Chairman of IAMMSTI–12 also delivered opening remarks and then proceeded to officiate the opening event.

Present at the event were the Heads of the IAMMSTI-12, National Chairs of COSTI-83, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community, foreign diplomats, senior officials and industry representatives.

The event also saw a keynote presentation on “Breaking Barriers: The Role of Innovation in Overcoming Challenges and Securing Opportunities in ASEAN” by His Excellency Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community, followed by “AI Governance” by Larissa Lim, Senior Manager, AI Governance, Data Innovation and Protection Group of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications and Heads of the IAMMSTI-12 delegation then proceeded to tour the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Exhibition and the Digital Future Exhibition.

The Digital Future Conference and Exhibition is jointly organised by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB). The event commenced today at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, the Empire Hotel until 23 June 2023.  This highly-anticipated event, themed “Digital Future: Advancing Technology & Innovation”, is held in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2023, an initiative by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).

Digital Future Conference and Exhibition aims to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and breakthroughs in various aspects of technology, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet of things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality, and much more. With a focus on digital transformation and its impact on businesses, industries, and society as a whole, this event promises to be an unrivaled platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.

Attendees of the Conference can look forward to a comprehensive program featuring keynote speeches and panel discussions by local and international renowned experts and thought leaders. With a diverse range of sessions covering topics such as emerging technologies, digital strategy, data analytics, AI, and finance technology, participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to stay ahead in this ever-evolving digital era.

The Digital Future Exhibition, held in conjunction with the conference, provides an exclusive opportunity for leading technology companies, startups, and telecommunications service providers to showcase their cutting-edge products, solutions, and services. Attendees will have direct access to explore innovative technologies, engage with industry experts, and discover the latest technological advancements that can drive their organizations forward.  Moreover, to commemorate the IAMMSTI-12, the exhibition also featured a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) exhibition.  The exhibition is open to the public from 9am until 5pm.

Exhibitors include AITI, Anian Sdn Bhd, Aquaculture Innovation Centre, ASDS Sdn Bhd, Brunei Innovation Lab, Brusin Trading Company Sdn Bhd, Council for Research and Advancement in Technology and Science (CREATES), DST, EVYD Technology, Fortinet, GlobeOSS, IFB, imagine, Nex.Us, Progresif, Progresif Media, Rhymin and Partners, UNN, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei and Vitronic.

For more information and updates on Digital Future Conference & Exhibition, please visit the official event website at digitalfutureconfex.com or follow Instagram at bruneimyce.digitalfuture.

Brunei M.Y.C.E 2023 is organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with local and international government agencies, statutory bodies, higher educational institutions, stakeholders and private agencies. Brunei M.Y.C.E 2023 is also fully supported by several official media partners, namely Radio Television Brunei (RTB), the Information Department (Pelita Brunei) and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.