A high-level diplomatic roundtable aimed at strengthening trust in digital services and addressing the growing threat of scams and financial fraud across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region was successfully held on 25th June 2026 at the Kerry Hotel in Shanghai, China.
Organised by the GSMA, the closed-door session was convened alongside MWC Shanghai 2026, bringing together senior government representatives, regulators and industry leaders to discuss collaborative approaches to enhancing regional digital security. Representing Sri Lanka, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, participated in the discussions, reaffirming Sri Lanka's commitment to fostering a secure, resilient and trusted digital economy through regional and international cooperation.
The roundtable focused extensively on how policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN regions can work together to combat cross-border scams and fraudulent activities that threaten consumer protection, digital services and economic resilience. Particular attention was given to the rapidly evolving cyber threats driven by the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, highlighting the need for robust digital security frameworks, forward-looking regulatory policies and enhanced institutional preparedness.
The second discussion session, titled "Building a Secure and Resilient Digital Future: AI, Automation and the Next Frontier of Anti-Scam Defence," featured Deputy Minister Weeraratne as a panellist alongside regional experts. During the discussion, panellists emphasised the importance of advancing anti-scam technologies, encouraging greater private sector investment in cybersecurity innovations, and maximising the benefits of Artificial Intelligence while effectively managing its associated risks. The session also underscored the importance of strengthening international cooperation through the exchange of best practices, operational experiences and common principles, recognising that while legal and enforcement frameworks differ across jurisdictions, collective action remains essential in addressing increasingly sophisticated cross-border digital threats.
The roundtable commenced with opening remarks by Jeanette Whyte, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs for Asia Pacific at GSMA.Also representing Sri Lanka was Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). Other distinguished participants included Hon. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand; Ilyas Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Authority of Maldives; Mano Verabathran, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications of Malaysia; Lu Wei, Deputy Director General of the Cyber Security Association of China; together with senior policymakers, regulators and invited delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region.
