World Trustmark and Trade Alliance

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Building a Resilient Digital Ecosystem: CyberSecurity Malaysia’s Vision for ASEAN

(21 January 2025) – Following the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 16th to 17th January 2025, CyberSecurity Malaysia has expressed its full support for the statement made by YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital. The agency remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing digital security initiatives and programmes, both within Malaysia and across the ASEAN region, with the goal of fostering a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem.

Three key priorities were highlighted at the meeting which are to boosting regional economic growth through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), addressing online scams and fraud, and enhancing regional connectivity by advocating for consistent digital and cybersecurity standards.

For more information, please visit https://www.cybersecurity.my/data/content_files/44/2663.pdf.

UNODC’s Cybercrime Report in Southeast Asia

(9 January 2025) – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s new report – Transnational Organized Crime and the Convergence of Cyber-Enabled Fraud, Underground Banking, and Technological Innovation in Southeast Asia – released in October 2024, sheds light on the alarming convergence of organized crime, emerging technologies, and financial systems in Southeast Asia.

Key Findings

  • Cyber-Enabled Fraud: Estimated losses of $18–$37 billion in 2023, driven by professionalized scam centres and AI-powered criminal tools. 
  • Underground Banking: Integration of stablecoins like USDT into illicit economies. 
  • Technological Exploitation: AI and deepfake technologies are now central to criminal operations, from romance scams to large-scale financial fraud. 
  • Regional Vulnerabilities: Porous borders, underregulated financial systems, and autonomous criminal hubs in Myanmar and Cambodia. 

The report emphasizes the need for immediate, coordinated international action to tackle these transnational challenges and safeguard victims worldwide.

Source: https://www.gasa.org/post/unodc-cyber-fraud-underground-banking-and-technological-innovation-fuels-crime-in-se-asia

WTA Annual Summit 2024: Meeting Summary

1. Executive Summary

The World Trustmark and Trade Alliance (WTA) held its annual summit virtually on November 27, 2024, focusing on “Shaping the Future with AI Trust.” The summit brought together international stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, to discuss the importance of ethical, secure, and collaborative approaches to artificial intelligence.

2. Global Initiatives

2.1 The Value of Trustmarks:  Speakers emphasized the importance of trustmarks in building trust and confidence in AI systems. WTA Chairperson Mr. Ramesh E.V. Balakrishnan of CommerceNet Singapore (CNSG) explained that trustmarks serve as verifiable indicators of adherence to ethical and security standards, encouraging responsible AI adoption across various sectors.

2.2 International Cooperation: The summit highlighted the essential role of cross-border collaboration in establishing and implementing AI governance standards. Professor Zhang Ping from Peking University provided insights into China’s AI governance model, emphasizing its people-centric approach and commitment to “Intelligence for Good.” Ms. Evelyn Goh, Director of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore, presented on the Global CBPR Forum, emphasizing their role in enabling cross-border data flows while protecting individual privacy. This topic also included initiatives from the Global Signal Exchange and ODR Network.

2.3 AI Governance and Responsible Use: Presentations from Mexico, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand emphasized the critical need for comprehensive AI governance frameworks to guide responsible AI development and deployment. Key themes included prioritizing ethical considerations, ensuring transparency and explainability in AI systems, and establishing robust security protocols.

3. Session Highlights (by alphabetical order)

3.1 China:  Director Zhang Xihui from the Zhongxin Certification Center (EBS) highlighted China’s International Mutual Recognition of Certification Services and announced that China would host the WTA chairmanship and Annual Summit in the coming years.

3.2 EU: Mr. Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) introduced the Global Signal Exchange.

3.3 Hong Kong: Mr. Joseph Yuen, Chairman of Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce (HKFEC), shared practical applications of AI in e-commerce, drawing on their experience with the AI-driven platform Swapify.

3.4 Japan: WTA Vice-Chair Mr. Eiichiro Mandai, CEO & Founder of ODR Room Network INC., discussed the e-commerce and trustmark landscape in Japan.

3.5 Malaysia: Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia, outlined Malaysia’s strategic AI initiatives, including the formation of a National AI Office and the development of comprehensive AI governance guidelines.

3.6 Mexico: Mr. Julio César Vega, Director of Asociación de Internet MX (AIMX), discussed AI initiatives in the Mexican Congress and the work of the Mexican Internet Association with UNESCO.

3.7 Philippines: Mr. Dustin Andaya and Mr. Jovrel Cipriano emphasized the crucial role of trustmark providers in promoting responsible AI development and deployment.

3.8 Thailand: Mr. Prachaya Pairojkulmanee, Director of Department of Business Development (DBD), showcased Thailand’s Trustmark and its contribution to fostering trust and confidence within the country’s rapidly expanding e-commerce landscape.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations

The WTA Annual Summit 2024 served as a timely reminder of the urgent need for concerted global action. It is essential to ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI, facilitated by WTA Vice-Chair Dr. JJ Pan. By prioritizing the establishment of clear ethical guidelines, robust security standards, and effective international cooperation mechanisms, stakeholders can harness the transformative power of AI for the betterment of humanity. The WTA and its partners are encouraged to continue leading these critical initiatives.

Zhang Xihui, UTS Center Director, Joins “2024 Second-hand Economy High-quality Innovation and Development Conference – Second-hand Electronic Products Online Trading Sub-forum”

(20 December 2024) – The “2024 Second-hand Economy High-quality Innovation and Development Conference – Second-hand Electronic Products Online Trading Forum” was successfully held at CITIC International Building in Shenzhen. Notable attendees included Niu Yibin, Deputy Director of the Digital Commerce and Technology Department of the Circulation Industry Promotion Center of the Ministry of Commerce; Zheng Hui, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Futian District Commerce Bureau; Chang Dalei, Executive Vice President of the China Second-hand Goods Industry Association; and Song Yang, Vice President of Zhuanzhuan Group. Zhang Xihui, Director of the U-Trust Center and Secretary-General of the E-commerce Integrity Construction Working Committee of the China Consumer Product Quality and Safety Promotion Association, delivered a keynote speech.

The conference facilitated in-depth exchanges on various topics, including the significance, development model, and challenges of the second-hand economy. The aim was to further explore innovative models and pathways for the growth of the second-hand economy, promote its standardized and normalized development, and create a healthy and orderly consumption environment for consumers.

The picture shows Zhang Xihui, Director of the Utrust Center and Secretary-General of the China Consumers Association’s E-commerce Integrity Construction Working Committee, delivering a keynote speech.

During the meeting, the Circulation Industry Promotion Center of the Ministry of Commerce and Zhuanzhuan Group officially announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. They signed a strategic cooperation agreement on the spot, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration. Additionally, a public quality testing platform focusing on second-hand electronic products was also officially unveiled during the event.

Overall, the conference provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations, fostering the development of the second-hand economy. The event highlighted the commitment of industry leaders to promoting innovation and ensuring the quality and safety of second-hand electronic products for consumers.

Digital Society Award: CyberSecurity Malaysia

(20 November 2024) – CyberSecurity Malaysia has been named the Winner of the Digital Society Award at the Malaysia Digital Transformation Awards 2024, presented by GovInsider on 20th November 2024. This prestigious award recognizes CyberSecurity Malaysia’s exceptional efforts in advancing cybersecurity awareness and education across the nation. The organization’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation plays a pivotal role in enhancing Malaysia’s public service and driving the country’s digital future.