Collective collaborations boost countries’ worldwide impact as well as joint activities and advocacy can alter international digital policies, standards, and regulations to match their interests and promote a secure and inclusive digital environment.
Against this backdrop, Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs’ Deputy Minister Huai-Jen Lee recently met with a delegation led by John McGuinness, Chairman of the House of Representatives Finance Committee and Chairman of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. The meeting focused on developing a digital nation, promoting digital breakthroughs, and emphasising the need for information security.
Deputy Minister Huai-Jen emphasised the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ role in driving Taiwan’s digital development. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to achieving the vision of a smart nation by linking individuals to technology, improving industry capacities, and maintaining rigorous security measures.
Taiwan hopes to evolve from a digital island to a global model of digital democracy and innovation. The nation intends to increase total information and communication security with a “cybersecurity is national security” mission and a key strategy of “proactive defence.”
In addition to strengthening security, the ministry actively promotes cross-sector collaboration to accelerate digital transformation. It aims to accelerate digital innovation in the industry while also providing assistance with cybersecurity activities.
The representatives of the two nations have discussed digital governance, digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and information security, among other subjects. Also discussed were the pertinent policies and strategies as well as Taiwan’s successful experience in establishing barrier-free government websites.
The Deputy Minister cited the development of a website for universal cash distribution this year as an example. He also spoke about the government’s support for SMEs in fostering digital transformation, highlighting the Taiwan Cloud Marketplace (TCloud) as a beneficial programme.
Recognising that Taiwan and Ireland are both island countries, the delegation highlighted concerns regarding Taiwan’s underwater cable infrastructure and protective measures. In response, Deputy Minister Huai-Jen referred to past efforts by the Ministry of Digital Affairs to create microwave and non-synchronous satellite communications in Matsu.
This instance proved Taiwan’s dedication to building a diverse heterogeneous communications backup infrastructure to enable continuous communications, especially during emergency situations.
Chairman John lauded Taiwan’s efforts to promote government digitalisation and the digital industry’s transition. He acknowledged his appreciation for the ministry’s efforts to improve digital resilience in the face of cybersecurity threats. He also praised Taiwan’s official web accessibility seal, which encourages all citizens to have inclusive digital experiences.
The Irish delegation was made up of senior members from both houses of the Irish Parliament representing diverse political parties. The exchange shows the rising international cooperation and mutual interest in digital development and cybersecurity.
It emphasises the significance of information sharing, collaborative initiatives, and the exchange of best practices among countries working to establish digital societies. Taiwan and Ireland both want to use technology to benefit their citizens and stimulate global innovation.
The two countries agreed that developing digital nations necessitates strong resilience measures. Partnerships allow countries to exchange disaster recovery and business continuity strategies, as well as set up redundant systems and create contingency plans.
Nations can improve their resilience to disruptions and reduce the impact of cyber threats and natural disasters by combining resources and expertise.
Collective alliances strengthen member countries’ voices and influence on the global stage. Nations may define international digital policies, standards, and regulations through collaborative initiatives and advocacy activities, ensuring that they align with their interests and foster a secure and inclusive digital environment.
