Smart Axiata, Cambodia’s leading telecom provider, has partnered with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) to host the crucial “Online Safety Forum 2024” on July 30, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. This event underscores the importance of online safety as the nation strives to advance digital societies and ensure a safer online environment for all Cambodians.
The Online Safety Forum 2024, themed “Together for a Safer Internet,” will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government bodies, digital technology companies, non-governmental organizations, experts, content creators, and students. The forum will address current online risks, explore potential solutions, foster collaboration, and promote the implementation of key government policies on online protection.
Sharif Lukman Mahfoedz, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Smart Axiata, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling internet safety. “We are honored to support MPTC in organizing this event. Forums like these give the opportunity for stakeholders to come together and learn about potential solutions to tackle online risks,” he said.
Sharif Lukman Mahfoedz, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Smart Axiata
The Smart CBO further underlined the importance of creating a safe online space, envisioning a future where everyone can thrive in a digitally connected world.
The event highlighted efforts to protect children, the future of Cambodia, by creating a safe online environment for their growth and development. In a significant step toward protecting Cambodian children, Smart Axiata signed a memorandum of understanding with Action Pour Les Enfants Cambodia (APLE) during the forum, under the presence of H.E. Chun Vat, Secretary of State of the MPTC.
APLE is a Cambodian non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse through holistic interventions. This collaboration aims to stop abuse, help children, prevent further exploitation, and create a safer online space for everyone.
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has also expressed their commitment to creating a safer digital landscape for all Cambodians. “Protecting the online space requires participation from all stakeholders, especially in implementing policies that support one another. The private sector, particularly digital technology companies, must implement measures to safeguard their products and services, while users should understand the importance of online safety and how they can protect themselves online,” said His Excellency Chun Vat, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
Seila Samleang, Executive Director of APLE Cambodia.
“As we sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Smart Axiata, we embrace the power of public-private partnerships to protect children online. Our combined strengths and resources will help us create safer digital spaces and prioritize the safety of children in all initiatives.”, said Seila Samleang, Executive Director of APLE Cambodia.
Smart Axiata is a telecom company committed to prioritizing customer safety and security in line with its ESG principles. The company has implemented robust cybersecurity measures, such as the Next Generation Signaling Firewall (NGSF) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to safeguard its network and customer data in early 2024.
Aligned with global standards, Smart Axiata is certified with ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management System and adheres to the NIST cybersecurity framework, both crucial practices for cybersecurity. As part of its ongoing commitment to digital safety, Smart Axiata will continue to introduce innovative services and products to protect both individual and enterprise customers.