Australia's Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program recently supported a project in support of Southeast Asia's engagement with critical technology standards with the completion of a virtual summit in partnership with Standards Australia.
The project, Incubating Capacity for Critical and Emerging Technology Standards, brought together 158 participants from industry, academia and government across Southeast Asia to explore topics including artificial intelligence, smart cities and advanced manufacturing as well as standards and statecraft in a summit and masterclass.
The four-day program from 25-28 October 2021 gave participants the chance to share the knowledge and skills required to accelerate the development, adoption and use of recognised critical technology standards.
The summit was also a great opportunity for stakeholders, national standards bodies, digital policymakers and representatives from industry to build new networks while deepening existing relationships.
Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Dr Tobias Feakin provided opening remarks reminding participants why ensuring best practise and consistency in the development of critical technology standards remains key to fostering safe, interoperable and secure technologies.
Ambassador Feakin was followed by a range of speakers including Professor Aleks Subic from RMIT University and Vu Thi Tu Quyen from Vietnam’s Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality who shared their experience and expertise with attendees.
Standards Australia CEO Adrian O’Connell said support from the Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program helped bring together some of the region’s top experts in critical tech standards.
“Partnering with DFAT allowed us to host this important event, and we look forward to continuing to work with ASEAN governments to support standards development,” Mr O’Connell said.
“Critical and Emerging Technologies continue to be of importance in the ASEAN region. As such, we strive to recognise and share intel and strategic value from our international partners in this field to understand and implement best practise processes.”
Learn more about the Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program here.
