In a bid to strengthen regional cybersecurity, Southeast Asian nations have launched a physical Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) facility in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to combat growing cyber threats in the AI era.

The ASEAN Regional CERT, officially launched during the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity, aims to facilitate information sharing among member states on cyber threats and online scams. The facility, funded by Singapore, will operate for up to 10 years with an expected operational cost of $10.1 million over the decade.

The region's digital economy is projected to grow from $300 million to $1 trillion by 2030, with a collective population of almost 700 million, comprising a significant proportion of young, educated, online-savvy individuals. However, this rapid growth also expands the attack surface, making it crucial for ASEAN member states to work together to strengthen their cyber defenses.

The launch of the physical CERT facility builds upon the virtual ASEAN CERT platform, which was established in October 2022. The regional CERT will focus on eight key functions, including developing and maintaining a point of contact network of cybersecurity experts and organizations, supporting member states' national CERT capacity building, and exchanging best practices.

ASEAN's efforts to boost cybersecurity also include formally supporting the ASEAN Norms Implementation Checklist, which outlines practical steps for government agencies to implement responsible State behavior in cyberspace. The region's commitment to building a trusted digital ecosystem is crucial, especially as AI and automation continue to transform the cybersecurity landscape.