AdminThe ASEAN Foundation has launched Scam Ready ASEAN, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening awareness and prevention against online scams across Southeast Asia amid growing concerns over cyber-enabled fraud and digital safety.
The programme was unveiled during the Google 2026 Online Safety Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, which gathered policymakers, industry leaders and digital safety experts to discuss the increasing threat posed by online scams in the region.
Supported by USD5 million in funding from Google through Google.org, the initiative aims to build scam resilience for three million people across ASEAN. Organisers described it as one of the region’s largest digital defence programmes focused on scam prevention.
The initiative comes as Southeast Asia faces mounting financial losses linked to online fraud. In 2024 alone, the region recorded an estimated USD23.6 billion in losses due to scams, reflecting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals operating across borders and digital platforms.
In Malaysia, online scams have become an increasingly pressing issue as digital banking, e-commerce and cashless payments continue to gain widespread adoption. According to the Royal Malaysia Police, more than 34,000 scam cases were reported in 2023, resulting in losses amounting to about RM1.2 billion.
Common scam tactics in the country include investment fraud, impersonation scams involving banks or government authorities, as well as e-commerce and parcel scams conducted through messaging applications and digital payment channels.
Authorities have also raised concerns over the use of spoofed identities, manipulated content and coordinated outreach methods that make scams appear more convincing and difficult to detect.
Programme focuses on education and regional cooperation
Under the Scam Ready ASEAN initiative, the ASEAN Foundation plans to work with 20 local organisations across 11 ASEAN member states through a large-scale Train-the-Trainer model.
The programme aims to mobilise 2,000 Master Trainers who will deliver educational modules and interactive learning tools, including the Be Scam Ready digital game, to at least 550,000 beneficiaries. Public awareness campaigns and a series of national and regional policy dialogues are also planned, including engagements in Malaysia.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam said scams were no longer isolated incidents but a growing challenge affecting trust in digital spaces across Southeast Asia.
“Scams today are no longer isolated incidents—they are a growing, shared challenge that affects people across borders, sectors, and communities,” he said.
He added that the initiative sought to shift the regional approach from reacting to scams towards prevention and preparedness through collaboration between communities, policymakers and industry players.
Meanwhile, Sapna Chadha said trust remained essential to the growth of Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
“To stay ahead of bad actors who are evolving their tactics, we are enhancing the security of our products and platforms, while supporting initiatives like the Scam Ready ASEAN programme to ensure that every citizen is empowered with the knowledge to keep themselves safe online,” she said.
The initiative also aligns with broader ASEAN efforts to tackle digital fraud, including the establishment of the ASEAN Anti-Scam Working Group during the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in 2024.
CJMY
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