SINGAPORE – 14 SEP 2023
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have signed a MOA to enhance cooperation between both countries to combat scam and spam.
Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA, Ms Aileen Chia and the Chief Executive of DIA, Mr Paul James signed the MOA on 7 Sep 2023 at a signing ceremony in Singapore.
The MOA seeks to strengthen information exchanges at the international level, such as scam trends, regulatory and technological solutions, public education, as well as collaboration in projects aimed at enhancing anti-scam measures. Given the cross-border nature of scam and spam, this partnership will enable Singapore and New Zealand to better protect their citizens from them. Singapore and New Zealand enjoy a close and longstanding relationship. Both countries are small and open with many common interests and cooperate closely both bilaterally and multilaterally.
“We have signed this MOA to facilitate research, knowledge and understanding of our respective countries’ legal and enforcement approaches, and to allow each country to provide investigative assistance in relevant cases that affect either or both countries,” said Mr Paul James. “DIA looks forward to building stronger ties with IMDA to fight unwanted calls and messages. Singapore is an important partner for Aotearoa New Zealand on the digital economy and this new initiative builds on our existing cooperation in this area.”
Scam and spam communications are a global issue requiring close cooperation internationally to tackle. The MOA with DIA strengthens Singapore’s ability to combat scam and spam and helps to drive unity and cooperation with like-minded regulators. Singapore has taken a proactive approach to protect our citizens and will continue to do so by strengthening international partnerships.
Ms Aileen Chia
Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA
Both countries recognise the importance of developing a global and coordinated approach to address these threats and for different stakeholders to work together. This MOA forms part of IMDA’s broader international approach to work with overseas regulators to better combat scams coming through communication channels such as calls and SMSs.
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