A group shot of the seminar attendees, which included members of government agencies and the finance, telecommunications and energy sectors.

Lao govt officials beef up on data security, privacy in digitalisation development

Recent regulations by the Lao government to ensure compliance in how enterprises use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have raised the question of whether companies’ policies are in line with these new data and IT security standards.
Supported by the Department of Cyber Security under the Ministry of Technology and Communications, Singapore-based S.A. Investment Holdings (SA Solutions for Asia) and local partner Datacom Co., Ltd. have teamed up to showcase how knowledge of privacy compliance and data protection implementation can, and should be, brought to Laos to aid in efforts in compliance as the nation embarks on its digitalisation plans.
A seminar titled ‘The Importance of Critical Information Infrastructure in Digitalisation Development and its Challenges’ held in Vientiane on June 27 brought together several of SA’s principals – all established leaders in cybersecurity – to share their insights on the far-reaching impact of compliance to cybersecurity and privacy laws.
Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications, Mr Santisouk Simmalavong, gave the opening address before participants from the government, banking, telecommunications, and energy sectors were immersed in a full day of sharing and networking.
“The seminar not only builds collaboration between the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Department of Cyber Security and SA-Solutions for Asia, but also promotes the creation and exchange of knowledge for both public and private sectors to understand and protect the privacy of critical and personal data,” Mr Santisouk said. Executive Director and Founder of SA Mr Ainsley Jong said “When dealing with critical information infrastructures, these enterprises have a greater need for compliance. The amount of personal identifiable information each of these enterprises have access to also grants them greater responsibilities to ensure data security and privacy.”
“It is a privilege for SA and Datacom to provide the solutions from the world’s best technologies to raise Laos’ compliance and data privacy to international standards,” he added. Director General of the Ministry of Technology and Communications’ Department of Cyber Security, Mr Khamla Sounnalat, said “Our government is building the infrastructure, literacy and general awareness needed for the nation’s digital ecosystem so that we can ensure effective digital transformation. We are grateful to our long-time partners for offering their expertise and experience to help us in this essential process.”
Afternoon break-out sessions were organised as consultation sessions where seminar participants could interact directly with the speakers. It was also a fulfilling time to network with industry friends outside of these consultations.
Mr Ainsley Jong, and Executive President of Datacom Mr Thanongsinh Kanlagna, have partnered together since 2020 in response to the need for digital transformation and to bring innovative cybersecurity solutions to various sectors in Laos. SA and their team of principal representatives have committed to work closely with the government of Laos and its forward-looking enterprises towards a digitalised Laos.


By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 1, 2022)