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 innovation¹. 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.