Tackling threats to the internet whilst maintaining the benefits of a free flow of information has become one of the major challenges of our time. As a follow-up to the Global Conference on Media Freedom held in London in July, the British and Canadian High Commissions in Singapore are hosting a panel discussion on ‘Tackling Disinformation and Maintaining a Free and Open Internet’ on the evening of Wednesday 25th September.

The speakers are:
Taylor Owen, Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications and Associate Professor in the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. He is the founder of the international affairs media platform OpenCanada.org, and his recent books include Disruptive Power: The Crisis of the State in the Digital Age, After Snowden: The Future of the Free Press in the Surveillance State, and The Platform Press: How Silicon Valley Re-engineered Journalism.

Nick Dean has been Deputy Director in the National Security Secretariat since July 2017 and is responsible for the UK’s overall strategic approach to hybrid threats. Prior to this, Nick was Head of Cyber Policy in the FCO’s National Security Directorate, building international alliances with key partners and shaping the UK’s approach to cyber threats. He has spent seven of the last ten years working on China issues, including in the FCO’s China Department, with three years covering economic issues at the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong (2005-2008) and Cantonese language training at SOAS. Nick has held various other positions in the FCO since joining in 2001, focused on EU and economic policy.

Augustine Anthuvan, formerly a senior TV journalist, reporter and executive producer, radio broadcaster and audio-visual producer from Singapore. Augustine is presently a voice talent, media literacy facilitator and media trainer in Singapore.

Buffet food (halal with vegetarian options) will be provided.

Please bring along photo ID for the security check. There is no parking at the venue (British High Commission) – the nearest parking is at Tanglin Mall, and all electronic devices, including hand phones and laptops, must be left at the gatehouse for the duration of the event. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused.

THIS EVENT WILL ADHERE TO THE CHATHAM HOUSE RULE.