Sovereign Cloud Summit 2023

As nations and organizations deal with a new geopolitical and trade landscape – one marked with more nationalism, less globalization – they’re also grappling with control of the digital economy. How do we ensure sovereignty over our country/organization’s data while participating in the upside of the data economy?

Watch the Welcome address by Sylvain Cazard, Senior Vice President, VMware Asia Pacific & Japan, introducing these year's Sovereign Cloud Summit's topics.

In his session, Benoit Sauveroche, examined the principles and tools that the European Union had developed to implement its strategic vision for digital transformation in the years to come. After a focus on the recent developments on EU data strategy and digital sovereignty, the session reviewed the international outreach of Europe in Asia and more particularly in Singapore, on these topics.

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and addressing geopolitical dynamics is crucial for global stability, economic prosperity, and international cooperation. The session on "Navigating Geopolitical Complexities: Trends and Perspectives" delved into the intricate web of geopolitical forces shaping today's international landscape. ASEAN-centric geopolitical buffer could serve the U.S. and China’s interest, and the region’s relevance by repositioning itself between the great powers as a bridge will play an important role. Meanwhile, recent trends highlight the increasing scrutiny and cautious approach towards Chinese FDI, and given the strategic applications of AI, this technology is now a key factor in the ongoing competition between the United States and China. A consequence of the trend toward greater digital sovereignty—which then drives the trend further—is increasing fear of being cut off from critical digital components such as computer chips and a lack of control over the international flow of citizens’ data. More recently, AI is viewed by some political leaders as a technology that potentially carries greater geopolitical significance than previous technological shifts. Against this backdrop, the session covered:
1. How economic interdependence influences geopolitical relationships, trade patterns, and the potential for both cooperation?
2. How will countries in ASEAN align in the geopolitical dynamics by analyzing the changing dynamics of power among nation-states and regions, considering the rise of new global players and shifts in traditional power centers?
3. How do we balance access to innovation versus safety?

This session examined the reasons why digital sovereignty sounded appealing. If data was the "new oil," then owning and controlling it mades a lot of sense. However, data is not oil and this flawed analogy is likely to lead to poor policy and regulatory responses. Following the siren call is more likely to lead to regulatory fragmentation, high compliance costs, logistical difficulties, and ultimately, worse outcomes.

In their session, Rakesh and Subhendu provided insights into intent and policy tools created in India, to ensure data sovereignty with a cloud computing adoption framework. They also explored the role of governments as custodians of data.

With all the geopolitical, regulatory and market forces in full swing, how do you run your business and thrive while being compliant with the growing number of data regulations and laws? "Getting back in Control" panel discussion tackles fundamental issues arising from trying to have it all.

Jeff Paine Managing Director, PS Engage
Dr Deborah Elms Exec Director, Asian Trade Centre
Scott Warren Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

This session discussed the increasingly complex laws that apply to the data an entity collects, utilizes and transfers across borders. As more and more countries enact rules governing data obtained from their jurisdiction, the question of who controls and has rights over data has never been more complicated. This session set forth a framework for understanding these issues, and provide insight as to how you can technically prepare to handle such obligations.

Despite great advances in the understanding of the benefits of data sharing, data sharing within Government remains a challenge and presents the interlocking problems. This presentation explored data sharing frameworks which build on a recognition of some of the main underpinning challenges.

Ai isn't new - the buzz on GenAI is though... What is a CEO's perspective on how AI intersects with data sovereignty? In this Fireside chat, Raghu Raghuram, VMware's CEO, shared his perspective on two of the most exciting conversations in technology today – AI and data sovereignty.