The ASEAN Secretariat has officially concluded its five-year cybersecurity enhancement project, marking a significant milestone in regional digital resilience.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, presided over the Project Closing and Handover Ceremony at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta.
The initiative, titled 5-Year Implementation Roadmap – Enhancing Cybersecurity of ASEC’s IT and Network Infrastructure, was funded through the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).
The project aimed to strengthen the Secretariat’s IT systems and network infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, ensuring that ASEAN’s digital backbone remains secure and resilient.
Dr. Kao emphasised that while the roadmap has reached its conclusion, the work of safeguarding ASEAN’s digital environment is far from over.
“This marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, one that demands urgency and resolve to strengthen our cybersecurity resilience,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by key diplomatic representatives, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, H.E. Lee Jang-keun, and Thailand’s Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Kemawadee Osathaphan.
Members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and staff of the ASEAN Secretariat also joined the event.
The Republic of Korea has been a longstanding partner in ASEAN’s digital initiatives, with the AKCF funding multiple projects aimed at enhancing regional cooperation.
Ambassador Lee Jang-keun reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s digital transformation and resilience, noting that cybersecurity remains a shared priority in an increasingly interconnected world.
The roadmap’s completion comes at a time when cyberattacks are rising globally, targeting governments, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
ASEAN’s efforts to bolster its digital defences are seen as crucial to maintaining trust, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring smooth regional operations.
Analysts highlight that the project’s conclusion sets the stage for future collaborations, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud security, and cross-border data governance.
The Secretariat is expected to continue working closely with member states and partners to build on the foundation laid by the roadmap.
The ceremony underscored ASEAN’s recognition that cybersecurity is not only a technical issue but also a strategic priority for regional stability and economic growth.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News
