AI and Cybersecurity Take Centre Stage at The Digital Future Conference (DFC) 2024

The Digital Future Conference (DFC) 2024, organised by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in partnership with Cyber Security Brunei (CSB), ITPSS Sdn Bhd and Pocket, continued to discuss pertinent topics such as cybersecurity and the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence (AI) on its second day at the Banquet Hall, Bridex.

Following the official opening by the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications yesterday afternoon, the conference explored strategies for safeguarding critical infrastructure and the ethical use of AI technologies. The event, held in conjunction with Brunei M.Y.C.E. 2024, saw participation from over 350 attendees, including local and international representatives from government, statutory bodies, private sectors, ICT industry, and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL).

Key exhibitors included AITI, ITPSS Sdn Bhd, Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL), Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN), Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), Progresif Sdn Bhd, BIPO Services (BN) Sdn Bhd, Flexxon Pte Ltd, and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB).

Morning Session

The morning session began with a panel discussion on “Securing Critical Infrastructure: Safeguarding Assets”, featuring dynamic panel members: Mohamad Azad Zaki Haji Mohd Tahir, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer of Cyber Security Brunei (CSB); Camellia Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Flexxon Pte Ltd (Singapore); Fred Yap, Director of Cyber & Digital Resilience from the Mastercard Data & Services; and Erdiny Mugit, Cyber Security Product Manager of Unified National Networks (UNN). The session, which was moderated by Allen Lai, Managing Director of Confer Sdn Bhd, discussed strategies and technologies to protect key institutions from cyber threats.

Proceeding after the panel discussion, the conference continued with a presentation on “Cyber Crime in Brunei Darussalam” delivered by Senior Superintendent Handrie Haji Amin, the Head of Cyber Crime Investigation Division of Criminal Investigation Department from Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF). The presentation provided real life examples of scams that are taking place and shared the modus operandi of actual cyber criminals. The importance of vigilance and keeping a look out for family members, especially those that are not digitally literate, was stressed.

Farah Zainal, Manager of Data Protection Office, AITI, the Secretariat to the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group shared the principles of the draft “Guide for AI Governance and Ethics in Brunei Darussalam”, which outlined the responsible, ethical, and trusted use of AI technologies for organisations to consider when developing, designing, deploying and using AI technologies in the country.

Before concluding the morning session, a panel discussion on "Protecting Our Society" examined the role of society in cybersecurity, with a focus on how digital literacy could empower individuals and organisations navigate cyberspace safely. Government and business leaders discussed whether AI was beneficial or harmful, highlighting the importance of raising digital awareness. Panelists included Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohammad Jaafar, Chief Marketing Officer of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD); Raymond Siva, Head of Digital Investment Office from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); and Rano Iskandar, Founder of @ranoadidas. The session was moderated by Jenny Malai Ali, General Manager of Kristal Media Sdn Bhd.

Afternoon Session

The afternoon session kicked off with a special presentation on iDentiti, a blockchain-based digital identity and verified credential solution, delivered by Muhammad Hanif Jumat, Operations Officer of Information Technology Protective Security Services (ITPSS).

This was followed by a presentation from Muhammad Hakim Haji Bakri, Vice President of the Brunei Cybersecurity Association (BCSA) on how BCSA brings together professionals, experts, and enthusiasts in cybersecurity to collaborate, share knowledge, and address the evolving challenges of cyber threats.

Siti Nadzirah Zaini and Norwaze Mustaqqem bin Abdullah from Tech One Global Ltd wrapped off the two-day conference with a walkthrough on how to use Microsoft’s Copilot as an everyday AI companion.  The session explored how Copilot leverages AI to enhance productivity, unlock creativity, and improve information understanding through simple chat interactions.

Brunei M.Y.C.E 2024 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 2024 is also fully supported by several official media partners, namely Radio Television Brunei (RTB), the Information Department (Pelita Brunei) and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.