Singapore Contributes Regional Anti-Scam Guide and Enhanced Cable Guidelines at 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting

1. Singapore initiated two key regional cooperation frameworks which were endorsed at the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN) in Hanoi, Vietnam. These will help ASEAN Member States address cross-border telecommunications scams and strengthen digital infrastructure resilience.

2. The ASEAN Guide on Anti-Scam Policies and Best Practices is the region's first comprehensive framework for strengthening trust in communications to better protect citizens of ASEAN Member States. The guide assesses anti-scam initiatives implemented across ASEAN and recommends measures that ASEAN Member States can adopt domestically and in collaboration with one another.

3. Singapore’s multi-layered approach to addressing scams combines regulatory measures, industry action, and public awareness. This approach is aligned with the Guide’s tiered recommendations on scaling up defences based on regulatory maturity and technical capability. As bad actors routinely exploit differences in safeguards across countries to perpetrate scams across borders, the Guide encourages the harmonisation of baseline measures across ASEAN and enhanced regional collaboration to foster a coordinated regional response to scam calls and SMS.

4. The Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables updates the existing 2019 guidelines with international best practices that ASEAN Member States can adopt to strengthen the protection and maintenance of submarine cables, and expedite repairs to damaged cables. Submarine cables are the backbone of the global digital economy – indispensable to the connectivity and opportunities for Singaporeans and the world. Carrying 99% of international internet traffic, they are essential to supporting ASEAN’s objectives of promoting cross-border trade and connectivity. Given their transboundary nature, disruptions in one country can affect other countries along the same network, underscoring the need for regional alignment on strong protection, maintenance and repair measures. To this end, the updated guidelines recommend enhancements that ASEAN Member States can adopt to streamline permit processes, establish a single government contact point, and improve coordination between agencies and cable operators to reduce repair timelines.

5. Each year, the ADGMIN recognises good regional examples of innovative technology through the ASEAN Digital Awards. In 2026, two entries from Singapore – National University Health System (NUHS) and PSA Singapore – received the public sector and private sector awards respectively, for their capabilities in 5G innovation.¹ NUHS was highlighted for its 5G Mixed-Reality surgical platform, which uses high-resolution 3D holograms to provide real-time surgical guidance. The platform has reduced operating times by up to 30 minutes in complex procedures, enabling more efficient and effective hospital operations. PSA Singapore was acknowledged for its 5G-enabled smart port operations, which leverages 5G network slicing and low latency connectivity to orchestrate large-scale automation of Automated Guided Vehicles and Empty Cargo Handlers. The system has significantly improved vessel turnaround times and operational resilience. Both projects are part of Infocomm Media Development Authority's 5G Innovation Programme, which champions the development and commercialisation of next-generation enterprise solutions that leverage 5G infrastructure across Singapore’s key industries.

6. Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, said: “These frameworks mark a significant step forward in ASEAN's collective approach to protecting the digital space. As cross-border scams and infrastructure vulnerabilities grow in scale and complexity, they demand enhanced responses by governments including in regional cooperation. By sharing Singapore's experience in these two areas, we hope to strengthen our collective digital resilience and promote increased connectivity across the region. Singapore will continue working closely with fellow ASEAN Member States to implement the guidelines and strengthen regional capabilities in technological innovation, to ensure that ASEAN is safer together in an increasingly connected world.”

¹ The ASEAN Digital Awards Public Sector category recognises digital products, services and programmes that serve the needs of the public sector, enabling more efficient, effective, transparent and low-cost Government operations, or delivering e-government services to businesses or citizens. The Private Sector category recognises outstanding digital products, services or programmes that serve the needs of the private sectors, such as industrial application, e-logistics and supply chain management, finance industry application, communication, e-Health, tourism and hospitality.