The Data Democracy: What is the value of your data to the Government?

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 Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysiakini, and Digital News Asia (DNA), with the support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD).

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 towards a secure and dynamic digital world.

This third episode of the NDSP series features expert panelists who extensively explore the ways in which we can strike a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of data usage in a democratic society featuring Mohamad Husni Ab Aziz, Principal Assistant Secretary (Data Management), Ministry of Communications and Digital Malaysia (KKD), Hyejeong Lim, Principal Manager, Open Data Planning Team, National Information Society Agency (NIA), Republic of Korea, Sam Majid, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which will be moderated by Dzof Azmi, Editor of Digital News Asia.

The Government's Perspective on NDSP: Promoting Data Sharing and Bamboo Data Initiative

Mohamad Husni addressed the main question by explaining the government's perspective on the importance of the NDSP and the value of data sharing. He emphasized that the government envisions promoting data sharing on a broader scale, as demonstrated by the recent launch of the Bamboo Data initiative to encourage participation among government ministries. Furthermore, they aim to extend this initiative to encompass cross-sector and private data exchange, thus supporting innovation.

In a broader context, this policy plays a crucial role in bringing together those who may not be well-versed in data-sharing practices; “Thus, platforms like this discussion serve as a means to bridge the gap by developing guidelines and educating people on the benefits and challenges associated with data sharing.”

Dzof continued the session by emphasizing that the government has been traditionally hesitant to share data with outside parties, but they are now actively working to change that approach.

Data-Driven Culture; Understanding how it works, the benefits, and issues.

Sam Majid explained the next set of issues by highlighting that the government's role extends beyond revenue generation; it encompasses various functions. For instance, they facilitate data sharing among government ministries to gain deeper insights and enhance citizen services. Furthermore, he emphasized the significance of data access and underscored that establishing governance and classification standards for data is one of the initial steps that individuals should prioritize.

This was supported by Hyejeong Lim, who mentioned that Korea has a very strong legal framework in support of these principles. In the event of a data breach involving unreleased data, a thorough data evaluation process is initiated. Various institutional mechanisms are in place to assess the efforts involved, potentially leading to the release of new datasets, or identifying requirements within the private sector; “We continuously monitor data utilization with subsequent releases to the public. Later, the sharing of evaluation results serves as motivation for citizens to engage with the data.”

Intergovernmental Data Sharing: Challenges, and Opportunities

Mohamad Husni shared that in the second phase, their plan is to expand to a broader interface involving both government and citizens. Additionally, the government is actively exploring the establishment of a centralized database for essential data to address touchpoint issues such as subsidies and welfare. At the regional level, open government data has been integrated as a vital component, and discussions are underway regarding transboundary data agreements. However, the challenges primarily arise from national perspectives.

Sam Majid also weighed in on data exchange, expressing the belief that it would motivate people if it were implemented effectively. He emphasized two key data types: data generated by citizens that the government has access to, and data from the government that citizens should have access to, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. Sam also addressed personal data, suggesting that investing in leadership in data management is a key approach. In the end, he emphasized; “The issue is not solely a technological one but fundamentally a matter of data management.”

Data Privacy Concerns in Korea; Challenges and Solutions

Hyejeong Lim discussed the functions of automatic personal information detection, emphasized the importance of providing educational courses on data privacy for public sharing, and addressed a question regarding startups' use of open data. She emphasized the need to avoid competition with government bodies and ensure reliability by not allowing them to develop open data services unless the private sector has the capacity, all in the pursuit of a sustainable data system.

Balancing Act: Navigating Data Privacy and Openness

On the next issue, Mohamad Husni Ab Aziz shared on the legal framework; “It is in the pipeline. We are not just looking at enhancing the digital economy, but also fundamental issues related to cyber security and the Data Privacy and Protection Act. We are focused on raising awareness about the fundamental technical aspects of data sharing, emphasizing the importance of obtaining consent and ensuring transparency. These actions must be carried out ethically, resembling agreements, as many individuals are hesitant to share data due to prevailing perceptions”

The talk concluded with Dzof Azmi discussing the need for more mature data protection standards, a point to which Sam Majid responded by emphasizing the importance of people understanding the distinction between personal and non-personal data before sharing it on the Internet. This was supported by Hyejeong Lim, who reiterated that Korea has very specific guidelines on how to monetize data to protect the citizens.

Watch the full webinar HERE on Data Democracy: What is the value of your data to the Government?

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