Sidhaarthan
The Scam Ready ASEAN Resource Hub is a free website that teaches people to spot online scams. The ASEAN Foundation launched it on 10 November with support from Google.org. Google is also investing in Malaysia, with a US$15b data centre plan for Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
Specifically, the hub was unveiled at a dialogue in Manila. It is part of a regional programme that runs from 2025 to 2027. The programme aims to reach 3 million people across Southeast Asia.
Here is what the hub offers, what it means for Malaysian scam losses and who is helping to deliver it. However, the launch release gives no Malaysia-only target for users.
What the Scam Ready ASEAN hub offers Malaysians
Overall, the hub is a digital learning platform. It runs on a curriculum built with internet safety experts at the Internet Society and the Global Cyber Alliance. Local partners added local knowledge.
Specifically, it features Google’s Be Scam Ready game. The game helps users recognise common scams. Likewise, it aims to help them make safer choices in real life.
Moreover, the hub lists scam reporting hotlines and contact centres. The directory covers all 11 ASEAN member states. That may help travellers and families with relatives abroad.
In addition, the hub’s address is ScamReadyASEAN.org, and the learning modules are free. The release does not say how long each module takes. It also does not say which languages the hub uses.
Why the hub matters for Malaysia’s scam losses
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil reported RM958 million in online scam losses in the first half of 2026. The release quotes that figure. Meanwhile, Home Ministry data show losses of RM2.97 billion in 2025.
Investment scams made up the largest share last year, at RM1.46 billion. Furthermore, the release cites an industry estimate of US$23.6 billion in scam losses across Southeast Asia in 2024. That regional figure comes from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance.
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However, the two Malaysian figures cover different periods. As a result, they should not be added or compared directly. Still, both show that scams cost Malaysians heavily.
Importantly, the hub is education, not a recovery service. Specifically, it does not freeze accounts or return lost money. Victims should still report to their bank and the police quickly.
Who runs the Scam Ready ASEAN programme
Notably, the ASEAN Foundation runs the programme with US$5 million from Google.org. It launched in Malaysia in April 2026. Since then, it has signed 20 local implementing partners across the 11 member states.
It has also recruited 2,332 master trainers, above its target of 2,000. Likewise, it has recruited 151 “ASEAN Digital GrandPals” to reach older people. In Malaysia, the Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association and Ratio support the work.
Google is also working with the #JanganKenaScam campaign in Malaysia. The Association of Banks in Malaysia and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia lead that campaign. Together, they aim to bring Be Scam Ready to more Malaysians.
In short, the Scam Ready ASEAN hub is a free place to learn about scams and find hotlines. Malaysians lost RM958 million in the first half of 2026, according to Fahmi. Try the Be Scam Ready game before a scammer calls.
Maran Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
Sashidaran Gunathevan
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