Dutch-Taiwanese Memorandum of Understanding Signed at ONE Conference 2024

A consortium of Dutch and Taiwanese organisations and companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing of the MoU is the starting point to deepen the relations and lay the foundation for a long-term partnership. The signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives of the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) of Taiwan, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EA) of the Netherlands. 

Due to the borderless nature of cyberspace, international cooperation is necessary. The Netherlands and Taiwan are approximately the same size and are known worldwide for their strong semiconductor industry. This underscores the fact that both highly developed and digitalised countries have essential cybersecurity needs and state-of-the-art offerings. The scope of the MoU goes beyond the current state of affairs, and also includes future cyber innovations. 

Astor Zhuang, Assistant Director of the Administration of Digital Industry, MODA Taiwan, witnessed the signing of the MoU to form a cybersecurity consortium between Taiwan and the Netherlands. “This alliance marks a significant step in strengthening the nations' digital security efforts and fostering mutual trust. Both countries, as global leaders in innovation, will exchange insights into each other's digital ecosystems, unlocking new opportunities for joint development. The collaboration will focus on identifying potential partners, promoting investment, and exploring emerging technologies. Taiwan's strengths in cybersecurity, IoT, and AI, combined with the Netherlands' role as a digital innovation hub in Europe, make this partnership especially promising.”

The consortium consists of a total of 8 partners: CFLW Cyber ​​​​​​​​Strategies, Security Delta (HSD), Keypasco Europe, Lydsec Digital Technology, Chelpis Quantum, Jmem Technology, PhantomCloud Communication and Turing Space. The partners plan to develop a multi-year programme to guide long term collaboration and pave the way for further growth in digital security. This consortium is seen as the beginning of a sustainable partnership with mutual benefits for both countries.

Joris den Bruinen, General Director of Security Delta (HSD), stated: “After an impressive mission to Cyber ​​​​​​​​​​​​Sec Taiwan in May this year, this MoU is an important step towards a multi-year programme that is valuable for the HSD partners in general and especially for those with an interest in the Asia-Pacific region. We expect the consortium to grow further in the coming months with more HSD partners to make an impact together.”

Dr Mark van Staalduinen, managing director of CFLW Cyber Strategies stated: “We are in the midst of a digital transition, which offers us all great opportunities in communication and information sharing, as well as new services offered by governments, banks and various new platform providers. At the same time, criminals also see the opportunities and this ecosystem has globalised. International counter measures and security operations are essential. CFLW is a cyber threat intelligence provider for various law enforcement agencies and cyber organisations worldwide. This partnership with Taiwan is an essential step in our APAC ambition, and especially to work closely with our colleagues in Taiwan in our joint ambition for a safer cyberspace.”

Ares Cho, Division Director at Information and Communications Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) witnessed the MOU signing. ITRI is one of the world's leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. ITRI is a world-leading R&D institution driving innovation in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and smart sensing technologies. Dedicated to advancing industrial growth, ITRI continuously explores new applications and service possibilities.

Jack Wang, Acting Section Manager, The Institute for Information Industry(III) witnessed the MoU signing. III is executing the Post-Quantum Encryption and Chip Security Project. Its main objective is to assist industries in transitioning to a post-quantum encryption environment and integrate quantum encryption technology into chip design. By leveraging Taiwan's manufacturing strengths in the chip industry, the project aims to enhance chip security for industries.

The MoU signing is part of the Security Platform as a Service (SECPAAS) mission during the Cybersecurity Week of the Netherlands in the Hague. This program is supported by MODA Taiwan and managed by ITRI, to help Taiwanese cybersecurity companies access the European market through HSD Campus. The program fosters partnerships and offers matchmaking services to connect with the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem.

Valerie Hsu, Director of the SECPAAS Netherlands program, facilitates connections between Taiwanese cybersecurity companies and Dutch partners, and organises matchmaking and consulting services to help identify opportunities within the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem. This MoU signing is a key achievement of the SECPAAS Netherlands programme.

The MoU lays the foundation to develop a multi-year program to guide long term cooperation and pave the way for further growth in digital security. This consortium is seen as the beginning of a sustainable partnership with mutual benefits for both countries.

The ceremony was witnessed by a high-level delegation of Ministry of Digital Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)(工業技術研究院, 工研院), Institute for Information Industry, InnovationQuarter, EclecticIQ, Dutch Blockchain Coalition.