The 15th Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) yesterday endorsed the establishment of the Asean Cyber Defence Network (ACDN) to build capacity for a unified operation in countering cyber threats.
Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, acting as a representative of Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, attended the ADMM within the Ministry of Defence compound through a virtual meeting format, with Brunei's Ministry of Defence chairing the meeting.
The meeting this year was aimed at coming up with mechanisms to counter cyber challenges and threats in the region. It acknowledged the report on security cooperation that materialised in various drafts throughout 2021, which was followed by consideration and endorsement of nine documents that would lay the foundations for future cooperation and partnerships, he said.
Lt Gen Kongcheep said highlights from the documents included the establishment of the Asean Cyber Defence Network (ACDN) to foster a unified operation to counter cyber threats and setting up the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence as a central hub for exchange of vital information.
He said the meeting also endorsed the establishment of the ADMM-Plus Conference on Chemical, Biological and Radiological Threats to generate awareness and information on future unforeseen events.