Most popular stories, July 2024

By Si Ying Thian

GovInsider’s top reads for July explored the evolving landscape of technology and security, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of the use of AI in cybersecurity, the importance of skilled talent in cloud computing, and the implications of regional partnerships.

Most popular stories, July 2024. Image: Canva.

From Indonesia’s national data center cyberattack to Singapore’s focus on “AI to fight AI,” these insights underscore the need for balance between innovation and risk management.

1. War of the worlds: AI-powered cybersecurity v AI-enabled threats

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) will soon announce more details about a public consultation exercise around technical guidelines to secure AI systems and has invited the industry to participate. Click image to access article >>>

“We will always need to be striking a careful balance between these two big priorities [innovation and risks] to ensure that we innovate within the [AI] sector,” said Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information of Singapore Janil Puthucheary.

2. Getting to the bottom of Indonesia’s national data centre cyberattack

*Decryption key was given away for free from hacker group responsible for ransomware attack on Indonesia’s national data centre. Click image to access article >>>*

"From the forensic results, we have been able to find out who was the user who (negligently) shared his password and eventually caused these very serious problems," said Political, Legal and Security Coordinating Minister, Marshal (Purn) Hadi Tjahjanto, on July 1, in Jakarta.

3. Cloud for good: When it's good to have one’s head in the clouds

*The initiative leverages cloud, artificial intelligence and large language models to develop programmes that have a positive impact on society and the environment. Click image to access article >>>*

“We hope to build a talent alliance to cultivate more professionals in technology, IT, and AI for Singapore and beyond, enabling more people to integrate cloud and AI into their daily lives,” shared President of Huawei Cloud Marketing, William Dong.

4. Moving AI thought to AI works

The buzz surrounding AI means that it can become a ‘hammer looking for a nail,’ with companies rushing to integrate it into processes when it may not actually be necessary, or the right tool for the job. Click image to access article >>>

AI’s success hinges on companies adopting an iterative AI strategy guided by constant experimentation, robust engineering practices and clear guardrails. This approach requires rewiring the way an organisation operates, said Thoughtworks’ APAC Chief Technology Officer, Scott Shaw.

5. SEZ not so easy

Despite optimism on the part of both Singapore and Johor governments, industry players remain sceptical about the lack of digital and public infrastructure, skilled labour, as well as policy inconsistency in the SEZ project. Click image to access article >>>

This zone will be “different from many of the past attempts” due to the trade and digitalisation opportunities that have emerged at this “unique point of time,” said Singapore and Malaysian government leaders at the forum, but industry remains sceptical.