In 2022, the Government launched the National Data Sharing Policy (NDSP), a visionary policy that transcends boundaries, encompassing the public sector, the private sector, and the Rakyat. This policy holds the key to fostering a data-sharing environment that is not only conducive but transformative.
To raise awareness and gather valuable feedback, we have initiated the NDSP Series – a collaborative effort by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysiakini, and Digital News Asia (DNA), with the support of the Ministry of Digital (MD).
This series aims to educate the public about the benefits and challenges of data sharing while gathering opinions and suggestions to enhance the policy and its implementation. Your active participation in these discussions will be instrumental in shaping the data-sharing practices in Malaysia, leading us toward a secure and dynamic digital world.
The 7th Episode of the NDSP, Karamjit Singh, CEO of DNA, engaged in a discussion with Ivan Mortimer-Schutts, Specialist, Data Ecosystems Public Policy on the dynamic landscape of data management and a mature and sustainable ecosystem that requires the collaboration of public and private entities.
The Evolving Role of Government in the Data Economy: PPPs, Trust, and Transformation
The discussion commenced with the first audience question focused on the dynamics of PPPs, particularly regarding the roles of government, industry, and personal data. Ivan, one of the panellists, emphasised the multifaceted role that the government must assume in navigating this complex terrain. He highlighted the crucial element of trust in the data economy, underscoring the government's responsibility in establishing both the legal framework and technical services that provide secure digital equivalents of identity, addresses, and Social Security records. Ivan shed light on the ongoing transformation within governments worldwide, evolving traditional data artifacts into digital formats that are not only secure but also shareable.
“Another significant aspect discussed was the transformation of the way governments design and deliver public services, ranging from optimising traffic flow to enhancing educational systems” he said. Ivan also emphasised that the government plays a pivotal role in setting the foundations, encompassing technical, legal, and institutional aspects, thereby equipping society, including communities, businesses, and various endeavors, with the necessary tools to responsibly manage and leverage data, viewing it not only as an economic asset but also as a fundamental element requiring adept management.
In response to the discussion on the evolving role of government in the data economy, Karamjit emphasised the substantial challenges facing both the government and the private sector as they strive to establish partnerships with data providers. He highlighted the critical need to engage with individuals, like the audience members, who contribute to the data pool through daily interactions. Karamjit stressed the importance of assuring people that data utilisation is conducted ethically, aligning with the minister's sentiments. Acknowledging the evolving landscape, Karamjit pointed out the emergence of new standards and threats, underscoring the necessity for governments, both domestically and internationally, to actively facilitate and stay abreast of these developments. He emphasised the pivotal role of governments in addressing risks and adopting up-to-date technologies to navigate the intricate dynamics of the ever-evolving data ecosystem. Ivan further reinforced the importance of government involvement in these developments.
Navigating the Intersection of Data Access and Public Service Delivery: Privacy, Innovation, and Governance Perspectives
The subsequent question delved into the experiences of governments in delivering public services with access to data. Ivan provided insights, noting that in certain jurisdictions, a paramount focus has been on preserving individual privacy and safeguarding data. He pointed to European legislation, particularly GDPR, as a primary driver behind initiatives prioritising data protection, aligning with the political mandate of those regions. Ivan highlighted the delicate balance governments strive to achieve, where the pressure from the population may vary. Notably, he emphasised the market dynamics, citing a clear standout in the policy domain.
“The central concern revolves around the potential for misuse, whether by criminals, the government itself, or other entities” he said, underscored that the real innovation, both in governance strategies and technological advancements, is currently unfolding in addressing these challenges and navigating the complex landscape of data utilisation.
Karam responded by highlighting a positive aspect in Malaysia, emphasising the strong voice of the public through social media. He noted that this phenomenon is prevalent in many countries, highlighting the sensitivity of politicians to the scrutiny and opinions raised by netizens on social media platforms.
During the concluding segment, Ivan suggested a novel approach by proposing the introduction of a new category of regulated institutions known as data intermediaries. This approach, increasingly adopted by many governments, aims to navigate the complexities surrounding data management. Ivan acknowledged that such a shift brings about challenges, requiring the establishment of new licensing and supervision frameworks for an entirely new class of institutions. He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between governments, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to facilitate smoother data flows while simultaneously upholding the rights enshrined in data protection and privacy acts. In the end, he highlighted that this as a crucial and intriguing area for the audience to delve into.
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This article is provided by KiniEvents
