On 6 January 2023, Professor Lam Kwok Yan, Associate Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), delivered the RSIS webinar Trust Tech: Definitions, Issues and Opportunities. The webinar provided valuable insights into an emerging but impactful technology called Trust Tech. As the Executive Director of the National Centre for Research in Digital Trust (DTC),  Prof Lam gave webinar attendees a rare insider’s look into this new and exciting technology. Moderated by Dr Tan Teck Boon, RSIS Research Fellow, the webinar was attended by researchers, students, and members of the public.

Prof Lam opened his lecture by sharing with webinar attendees the many benefits of digitalisation. A multi-year megatrend, digitalisation is enhancing everything from business productivity to government services to our online transactions. However, rapid digitalisation also has its fair share of problems which has led to a distrust of digital technology. Created in late 2022, DTC is now actively engaged in high-impact research to develop Trust Tech – an innovative set of technologies designed to build trust in cyberspace. A primary goal of the centre, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, is to create a digital world that is safe, transparent, and accountable.

During the Q&A, there were many questions asked. In addition to technical matters, Professor Lam was also asked policy-related questions such as how he would build an inclusive ecosystem around Trust Tech as well as develop local talent. In closing, Prof Lam noted that he welcomed research collaboration and interested parties could reach out to his centre for more information. As a token of appreciation, Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS, gifted his personal copy of the book “Reflections: The Legacy of Lee Kuan Yew” to Professor Lam.