For Immediate Release
Closing Remarks by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Bischof
Virtual Third Country Training Program (TCTP) Cybersecurity Program
November 4, 2020
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today at the conclusion of this workshop. As you all now know, Cybersecurity is one of the most challenging, rapidly evolving, and strategically important public policy issues facing the world today.
I would also like to recognize the efforts of my Singaporean counterparts, who continue to be excellent partners in making TCTP a reality.
Thank you as well to the fantastic speakers and to all of our participants. We appreciate the contribution of your knowledge and best practices as you’ve engaged this week, despite the challenges associated with not being able to interact with each other in person. You are now part of a growing group of cybersecurity professionals around the world who will help shape cybersecurity policy by leveraging knowledge and skills. This is particularly important here in ASEAN, because internet usage is growing by more than 30 percent annually. This in turn is providing tremendous opportunities for economic growth and prosperity that we must protect by confronting the risks in cyberspace at the same time.
Cybersecurity is as much of a human and social issue as it is a computer issue. The stronger our networks, the better we can all protect ourselves. I hope every one of you recognizes the tremendous economic and social benefits that come with an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet.
When you share your experiences from this course, please do not forget to keep in touch with each other. It is my hope that the professional and personal connections made over the course of the last week prove resilient and long-lasting.
Finally, on a personal note, I would like to share with you that I have worked in or visited as a tourist each of your countries, with the exception of Myanmar, Brunei, and Vietnam – and I hope to visit those from Singapore.
