Nineteen infocomm industry players have joined hands to boost online security with the formation of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Forum Singapore. PKI is widely recognised as the most secure platform for E-Commerce transactions...
Singapore, 15 March 2001 | For Immediate Release
Nineteen infocomm industry players have joined hands to boost online security with the formation of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Forum Singapore.
PKI is widely recognised as the most secure platform for E-Commerce transactions. It is also by far the most matured solution that addresses all four key elements of security: authentication, non-repudiation, confidentiality and integrity. Based on a recent consultation exercise1 conducted by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), the low PKI adoption rate was attributed to a lack of awareness of its benefits.
Initiated by IDA as part of its efforts to address the findings of that consultation exercise, the PKI Forum Singapore will be the key platform for industry and government collaboration to spur PKI adoption in the local E-Commerce environment. A secure infrastructure lays the foundation for a thriving E-Commerce sector. The PKI Forum Singapore will play a critical role in the promotion of technologies and services for secured Internet payments, catering to the specific needs of the different market segments.
"The PKI Forum Singapore will act as a catalyst to jump-start the development of the PKI industry locally. It also represents the collective industry expertise on the subject. This is an excellent start to our efforts of addressing specific industry needs for online security. I believe this initiative will contribute toward Singapore's drive to be a secure E-Commerce hub in the region," said Dr Kaizad Heerjee, IDA's Assistant Chief Executive of the Online Development Group.
To be chaired by Mr Lucas Chow, CEO of SingTel Mobile, the main objectives of the PKI Forum Singapore include:
- To raise awareness and improve understanding of issues such as PKI interoperability, ease of use and liability;
- To promote interoperability and extensibility of applications that use PKI to allow for seamless usage;
- To facilitate the development of a secure environment for online businesses, thereby stimulating the volume of E-Commerce transactions between local and global industry players.
The PKI Forum Singapore will participate in key international fora on E-commerce security. Four working groups will be formed to focus on specific areas such as business, interoperability, awareness and implementation. Annex 1 contains the list of the 19 pioneer members who form the Steering Committee of the PKI Forum Singapore.
As explained by Mr Lucas Chow, Chairman of the PKI Forum, "To get Singapore companies to embrace E-Commerce, building a secure environment is an important first step. As a security technology, PKI has much potential in reducing the risks of online transactions. With the formation of the PKI Forum Singapore, it is our aim to heighten the awareness and promote the benefits of PKI within the local business community and the region."
Further details on the PKI Forum Singapore will be presented at the IDA's Technology Roadmap Forum to be held on 20 March, 1:30pm - 5:30pm at the Westin Stamford's Collyer Ballroom. Please refer to IDA's media advisory dated 14 March for more information.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Note to Editor:
1 The consultation paper, "Building Trust and Confidence in Electronic-Commerce " is available on the IDA website. The key findings from the exercise (released on 21 February), as well as comments received from the 48 companies, industry associations and individuals are published in the same section.
Annex 1: 1st Steering Committee of the PKI Forum Singapore
Mr. Lucas Chow
Chairman
Executive Vice President, SingTel (Consumer Business); CEO,
SingTel Mobile
Mrs. Yee-Tang Jee Hong
Deputy Chairman
Managing Director & Head IT
DBS Bank
Mr Bhojaraja Manjunath
General Manager
Baltimore Technologies (SEA)
Mr Patrick Lim
Executive Vice President
BeXcom SEA
Mr James Chia
Director, Enterprise
CISCO Systems
Mr Tat Ng
Vice President
ECNet
Mr Alwi Hafiz
General Manager
HP Consulting (SEA)
Mr Lim Yong Gang
General Manager
ID.SAFE
Dr Kaizad Heerjee
Assistant Chief Executive
Online Development Group
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Mr Paul Healy
Director
Identrus LLC
Mr Enoch Chng
Senior Director
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Mr Noel Hon
Manager Director
NEC (Singapore)
Mr Foo Jong Ai
Chief Executive Officer
NETRUST
Mr Wee Tew Lim
Chief Executive Officer
NETS
Mr Lim Hua Min
Chairman
Philips Security
Dr Lam Kwok Yan
Chief Executive Officer
PrivyLink
Mr Kenneth Lim
Vice President
Singapore Network Services (SNS)
Mr Ben Lim
Chief Executive Officer
VCHEQ
Mr Eric Trotter
Director
VISA International
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