Interfaith Youth Alliance Gathering
2024-05-16 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Shanghai)
Subang Jaya, 16 May 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in the first gathering of the Interfaith Youth Alliance (IYA) gathering, themed “Bridging Beliefs: Empowering Youth for Interfaith Dialogue,” which was a one-day event designed to unite around 45 interfaith youth leaders from across Malaysia. The gathering was organised by Architects of Diversity (AOD) and aimed to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the development of an active interfaith youth network. The event featured presentation, breakout sessions, and discussions involving policymakers, researchers, and youth leaders to promote a more peaceful, sustainable, and mutually understanding multifaith Malaysia. The event also featured a keynote speech delivered by YB Dr Kelvin Yii, who is an MP of Bandar Kuching.

Participants included representatives from religious organisations such as Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM), Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), and the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM), among others. The event provided a unique opportunity for youth and interfaith leaders to connect, fostering a community for productive discussions on interfaith issues and promoting interfaith harmony in Malaysia.

During the breakout session, INITIATE.MY engaged in the discussion on “Grassroots Action Planning for Youth-led Interfaith Initiatives at the Community Level.” Hisham Muhaimi, the Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY, shared his experience participating in grassroots interfaith engagements organised by Komuniti Muslim Universal (KMU Malaysia) in 2018. He believed that more ground work and advocacy is needed to educate individuals on the significance of interfaith engagements in building social cohesion in a diverse Malaysian society.

This gathering emphasised the importance of building bridges between groups that typically have a few opportunities to network and understand each other. By empowering youth to engage in interfaith dialogue, the Interfaith Youth Alliance Gathering made significant strides towards creating a more harmonious and understanding multifaith Malaysia.

Amid rising religious tensions in Malaysia, the gathering stands as a symbol of unity against conflicts and violent extremism.

Advancing Civil Society Programming on Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia
2024-05-27 00:00 - 2024-05-29 23:59
Jakarta, 27-29 May 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in a Community of Practice event in Indonesia, organised by the Global Center on Cooperative Security and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia. This workshop, titled “Advancing Civil Society Programming on Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia,” brought together civil society organisations and researchers dedicated to preventing and countering violent extremism.The event gathered representatives from across Southeast Asia, all of whom have partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Global Center on Cooperative Security over the past five years. This collaborative effort aims to share key insights, practices, and experiences to enhance civil society programming in the region. Our project coordinator, Hisham Muhaimi was particularly involved in the session on Community Resilience and Early Warning System (EWERS).Based on a policy brief published by INITIATE.MY, Hisham suggested that universities should build their capacity to implement EWERS effectively by training staff and students to recognise early signs of radicalisation and respond promptly. He emphasised the need for conducting due diligence on university staff and students to ensure a safe campus community environment. He also recommended the monitoring of usrah (religious study group) activities to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. Additionally, he proposed enhancing community social media surveillance to identify and counteract potential threats from early on. These strategies, Hisham argued, are crucial for creating resilient and vigilant campus communities that can effectively prevent the risks of violent extremism.

The event brings together representatives of CSOs and researchers who have partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Global Center on Cooperative Security to implement initiatives on preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) over the past five years.

Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) Summit 2024
2024-07-28 09:00 - 15:00
Background

The Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) is a youth empowerment programme jointly organised by INITIATE.MY, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy). It is dedicated to mitigating radicalisation risks and nurturing social resilience in Malaysia’s multi-racial and religious society, building upon the accomplishments of the Peace Lab for Youth (PLY) in 2021.PLRT adopts and supports the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda by adhering to the landmark resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. They are Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 that have recognised the pivotal role of youth as agents of peace and security.The summit will showcase a keynote speech and public forum to discuss the role of youth in peace and security , featuring notable speakers with stellar background in youth advocacies. Participants will also exhibit their projects to the public through booth setups and engage in substantive dialogue with esteemed audiences. The end of the summit will be marked by a ceremonial presentation of certificates to participants, acknowledging their significant achievements.

Target Audience

60 Participants from Civil Society Organisations, Academia, Youth and Religious Leaders, and the Public.

Agenda

9.00 AM – 9.45 AM: Registration9.45 AM – 10.30 AM: Housekeeping Notes, Keynote Speech & Opening Remarks10.30 AM – 10.35 AM: Group Performance10.35 AM – 11.25 AM: Booth Tour & Networking11.25 AM – 11.30 AM: Group Performance11.30 AM – 1.00 PM: Public Forum on “Youth as Peace Agents or Otherwise?”1.00 PM – 1.45 PM: Closing Ceremony1.45 PM – 3.00 PM: Wrap-Up & Lunch

Speakers

Kasthuri PattoSteering Committee MemberThe International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB)

Kasthuri Patto is currently the Deputy International Secretary for the International Affairs Department of her party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Vice Chair of the Women’s Wing of her party. She was also recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Housewives Social Protection Scheme under Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to promote a social protection scheme for all housewives in Malaysia. She served for two terms as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Batu Kawan, Penang and served as the President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) a coalition of more than 1200 lawmakers from democratically elected Parliaments from 2021 to 2022. She also served as a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for International Affairs and is currently a Steering Group member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion and Belief (IPPFORB). Kasthuri is also an abolitionist against the death penalty and has been lobbying to see an end to child marriages in Malaysia. She has been a critical voice against forced labour, human trafficking, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances, citizenship matters and the use of draconian laws in the name of national security. She is a fierce and familiar voice on the promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights and wishes to see a more inclusive and just Malaysia, and the world.

Jason WeeCo-Founder & Executive DirectorArchitects of Diversity (AoD)

Jason Wee is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Architects of Diversity, a youth-led non-profit organisation that bridges communities and identity groups among youth in Malaysia for justice, peace and a sustainable future. Since 2018, AOD has worked towards the promotion of diversity and inclusion in Malaysia by empowering young leaders as champions of inclusivity, pioneering ideas and processes for social cohesion, and building an enabling environment for legislative change towards equity and inclusion. He is a graduate of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, specialising in Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination.

Hari ShankarData AnalystInitiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

Hari Shankar is a data analyst at INITIATE.MY, supporting the organisation’s research initiatives on intergroup tensions and violent extremism, and is also an alumnus of Peace Lab for Youth (PLY). Prior to working with INITIATE.MY, he was an intercultural communications researcher and educator in Japan, coaching youths of various nationalities on overcoming cultural barriers to develop mutual understanding and cooperation. Hari is a strong advocate of decision-making using data and evidence, actively leveraging his professional background in data science by advising organisations in both the non-profit and corporate sectors on the effective utilisation of data and artificial intelligence. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in applied statistics at Universiti Malaya.

Calvin OhseyMemberRoman Catholic Church

Calvin Ohsey Anak Ah Sen is a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience spanning various fields. Currently serving as a Special Officer to the Member of Parliament, P.192 Mas Gading, he provides invaluable support in political strategy, parliamentary affairs, research, media liaison, and constituency relations. With a background in translation, event management, consulting, and pastoral work within the Roman Catholic Diocese, Calvin brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to his role. His commitment to service, coupled with his adaptability and dedication, underscores his passion for making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.

Elisa ShafiqahHead AdvisorMalaysian Youth Diplomacy

Elisa Shafiqah Shahrilnizam is the Head Advisor of Malaysian Youth Diplomacy, a focal point youth movement in Malaysia aims to empower youth with diplomatic opportunities. She has extensive experience working with the Ministry of Defence Malaysia focusing on contemporary security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia working in several multilateral negotiations and being involved as the first Malaysian UN Youth Delegate. Under her chairmanship at MyDiplomacy, she has contributed to promoting youth-led diplomacy and has impacted more than 5000 youths resulting in her to be awarded with the ASEAN Youth Peace Figure. She reads BA (International and Strategic Studies) in Universiti Malaya focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, Malaysia’s multilateral foreign policy and mechanism of UNSCR1325 and UNSCR2250 (Women and Youth, Peace Security). At the moment, Elisa holds the position of the Asian representative to the International Steering Group of United Network of Young Peacebuilders which works closely with the United Nations to advise the Secretary General on implementation of UNSCR2250.

Workshop on Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism
2024-08-13 00:00 - 23:59
Yogyakarta, 13 August 2024 – INITIATE.MY had the opportunity to take part in a three-day workshop centred around “Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism,” which was organised by the South East Asian Network of Civil Society Organisations (SEAN-CSO). This workshop brought together representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, who work in the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for individuals involved in violent extremism.

During the workshop, key organisations such as Empatiku Foundation, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, PeaceGeneration (PeaceGen) Indonesia, Duay Jai Group and IMAN Research shared their valuable insights on community-based rehabilitation and reintegration (CBRR). The aim was to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions faced in the programme, with a particular focus on incorporating soft approaches, creating safe spaces for returnees, and advocating for the provision of second chances, regardless of individual’s religious beliefs and ideologies.

Falisha Aufiya, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, presented the specific challenges encountered by former security detainees upon release from prison, which are unique to the Malaysian context. This presentation provided the key challenges faced by the former security detainees in Malaysia for the attendees. The challenges included social stigma, fractured family relationships and limited socioeconomic opportunities due to unsuccessful reintegration. Therefore, inter-agency coordination, cooperation with civil society and specialised training for government officials are important to improve support structures and promote successful reintegration.

Participants from Indonesia and the Philippines emphasised the need to address community stigma and foster acceptance for returnees. Rather than trying to change returnees’ beliefs, these initiatives focus on creating supportive environments that allow them to engage socially with the community members, find employment, and contribute positively to the community. This approach strengthens social cohesion and empowers individuals to redefine their roles in society.

For Malaysian CSOs, including INITIATE.MY, these examples underscore the positive impact of enhancing community-based rehabilitation and reintegration efforts by prioritising public perceptions and creating avenues for meaningful community involvement. Adopting these strategies could be instrumental in strengthening Malaysia’s deradicalisation programme in line with the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).

Participants visited the Rumah Komunitas Omah Betakan, Yogyakarta – a community-based rehabilitation and reintegration centre for returnees, established by Dr Noor Huda Ismail and Yayasan Literasi Desa Tumbuh.

The Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific (DRAPAC) Assembly
2024-08-18 08:00 - 2024-08-19 17:00
Taiwan, 18-19 August 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific (DRAPAC) Assembly, held in Taipei, Taiwan, from August 18-19, 2024. EngageMedia organised the event that brought together civil society organisations, journalists, activists, and technology experts to address the growing challenges to digital rights in the Asia-Pacific region. Shaik Irfan, Programme Associate, and Hari Shankar, Data Analyst at INITIATE.MY participated in this assembly.

The two-day assembly featured plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, digital security labs, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening alliances and building collective strategies to tackle digital threats.

The assembly highlighted a few important points:

The growing influence of technology on elections, with governments in countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh exploiting social media to control narratives and suppress political dissents. This trend underscores the abuse of digital tools for political control.

There were discussions on the increase in cyberattacks across ASEAN nations, alongside concerns about the misuse of mass surveillance under the pretext of national security.

The importance of media literacy to combat misinformation, particularly during election periods. There were also calls for stronger data protection and privacy laws to safeguard individuals’ rights.

The team engaged with organisations like What to Fix to understand how social media platforms profit from misinformation. They also explored models like iMAP for monitoring internet censorship.

DRAPAC24 broadened INITIATE.MY’s understanding of digital governance across the Asia-Pacific, equipping the team to better safeguard digital rights, especially in regions with restrictive freedom of expression. The event provided practical tools for integrating digital rights into efforts to counter the abuse of technology in online hate and violent extremism.

As Malaysia moves into the implementation phase of the Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE), building strong cross-sector partnerships—including collaboration with tech companies—will be essential to creating open and resilient digital communities across Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.

INITIATE.MY team at DRAPAC24 in Taiwan. DRAPAC24 aimed to stimulate collective brainstorming and forge alliances in response to the evolving digital threats in the Asia-Pacific.

The Lecture on Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Context of International Terrorism - The Malaysian Perspective by Tun Richard Malanjum
2024-08-23 00:00 - 23:59
Rights and the Rule of Law in the Context of International Terrorism – The Malaysian Perspective” organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

The lecture was presented by the former chief justice of Malaysia and the current ombudsperson of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee, Tun Richard Malanjum. He looked into the application of international human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Charter, on Malaysia’s legal approach to counterterrorism.

He discussed the importance of judicial oversight to ensure these measures do not compromise civil liberties by highlighting key laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA 2012) and Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA 2015), which enable preventive detention. The lecture also addressed the impact of UN sanctions on individuals linked to terrorism, with him emphasising the Ombudsperson’s role in reviewing sanctions to uphold fairness. Overall, Malaysia is committed to balancing effective counterterrorism strategies with the protection of fundamental human rights.

INITIATE.MY team is also committed to incorporate the balance of human rights protection in security measures. The organisation has done this through a training series with law enforcement officers in 2023 on Community and Serviced-Oriented Policing (CSOP) covering the topics that include “Do No Harm Approach”, Mendez Principles, human rights affirming approach during investigative interviews and policing.

This effort should be continuous. Especially as INITIATE.MY aims to play a more proactive role in supporting effective and sustainable reintegration of former security detainees or prisoners beyond punitive measures by prioritising their rights to work, participate in community activities and get access to mental health support.

Tun Richard Malanjum was delivering a public lecture on “Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Context of International Terrorism – The Malaysian Perspective” organised by Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)..

UNODC Workshop on “Preventing Violent Extremism: Radicalisation, Rehabilitation & Reintegration, A Journey Back to Society”
2024-09-03 00:00 - 2024-09-06 23:59
Langkawi, 3-6 September 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in the “Preventing Violent Extremism: Radicalisation, Rehabilitation & Reintegration – A Journey Back to Society” workshop, co-organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Correctional Academy of Malaysia (AKM). Over the course of three days, the workshop gathered more than 40 key government officers actively engaged in the rehabilitation programme for VEPs.

This workshop was aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s capacity for rehabilitating and reintegrating violent extremist prisoners (VEPs) and high-risk prisoners and emphasising holistic approaches to reintegration through collaboration between governmental bodies and community-based organisations both pre- and post-release.

The workshop highlighted expert perspectives and interactive sessions on various aspects of violent extremism. Dr. Haezreena Begum, a Board of Experts member at INITIATE.MY and a senior lecturer from the University of Malaya, delivered an insightful presentation on ideological and non-ideological drivers of violent extremism. She emphasised the importance of understanding root causes for creating an effective rehabilitation framework.

In another session, Hisham Muhaimi, Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY, highlighted the critical role of family and civil society in supporting the reintegration of VEPs. He emphasised the importance of building resilient community networks through a multi-stakeholder approach that fosters collaboration among government agencies, enforcement authorities, civil society organisations, community leaders, and families. Such engagement, he noted, is vital for facilitating reintegration and reducing the risk of recidivism.

The event also included perspectives from representatives of the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) and the Royal Police of Malaysia (RMP), and other government agencies such as the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), and the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKM).

The workshop concluded with a collaborative session where attendees developed a roadmap to guide interagency efforts in preventing violent extremism in Malaysia’s national security agenda – aligned with the Malaysia National Plan of Action for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).

INITIATE.MY remains committed to supporting comprehensive and inclusive strategies in the rehabilitation and reintegration of VEPs and working closely with AKM, UNODC, and other key security stakeholders.

A unified group of professionals from Malaysian government and civil society committed to advancing rehabilitation and reintegration strategies in addressing violent extremism.

Youth Consultation on Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia
2024-09-26 00:00 - 23:59
Zoom, 26 September 2024 一 INITIATE.MY hosted an online consultation on “Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia,” bringing together around 20 youth representatives and student-led organisations from across the country. The discussion focused on the growing misuse of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and AI technologies to spread divisive ideologies rooted in race, religion, and politics. Presentations highlighted critical findings on the manipulation of historical events, such as the May 13 racial riots, by far-right groups. These groups exploit conspiracy theories and societal fears to undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Researchers from INITIATE.MY proposed several actionable solutions, including the enhancement of AI-driven moderation tools guided by local expertise, the integration of peace education into the national curriculum, and the development of community-driven outreach initiatives to responsibly address historical grievances. Participants discussed strategies to counter extremist content, emphasising the importance of youth-led interventions and restorative justice to rehabilitate individuals spreading dangerous ideologies.

The consultation resulted in immediate outcomes, with youth leaders and organisations gaining greater awareness and practical tools to combat far-right extremism. Participants left with actionable strategies to address challenges like AI-driven misinformation and the exploitation of social media platforms such as TikTok. The event also reinforced INITIATE.MY’s role as a key organisation in mobilising youth-led efforts, building resilience against extremism, and fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

The consultation will inform INITIATE.MY’s research on online extremism and guide advocacy initiatives, including policies to integrate peace education into the national curriculum and strategies to combat hate and misinformation among youth. Participants expressed optimism about empowering youth organisations to lead inclusivity campaigns, improve digital literacy, and create safe spaces for dialogue. INITIATE.MY has done such a programme called Peace Lab for Religious Leaders and Thinkers (PLRT). These efforts are essential for protecting Malaysia’s democratic values and social cohesion.

INITIATE.MY and participants from youth-and student-led organisations across the country.

Launching Ceremony of Malaysia Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE)
2024-09-30 00:00 - 23:59
Putrajaya, 30 September 2024 – INITIATE.MY was invited to attend the Launch Ceremony of Malaysia Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia. MyPCVE was developed to coordinate actions to deal with the threat of violent extremism based on four pillars, namely prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation, and reinforcement.It is supposedly aimed at addressing political, racial, social, religious, and foreign influences that contribute to the growth of violent extremism.

Hisham Muhaimi, Project Coordinator, Qiana Falisha Aufiya Jessica, Project Officer, Eow Shiang Yen, Communications Officer, and Shaik Irfan, Program Associate attended the launch event on behalf of INITIATE.MY as a civil society and non-profit stakeholder.

The launch started with a forum on ‘Adapting to New Emerging Threats of Violent Extremism’ discussing the emerging threats of violent extremism observed and the lessons learnt from the perspective of local authorities and academicians.

It was followed by a speech by YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs who emphasised the importance of a combination of soft and hard approaches in dealing with extremism and violence. YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister in his opening speech stressed the importance of collaboration and support between countries and between authorities with civil society organisations to address complex security issues. .

INITIATE.MY looks forward to a proactive role of CSOs in the action plan of MyPCVE in order to democratise the security sector. This is consistent with the organisation’s report Special Report and Policy Brief Issue 1 where it is important to empower CSOs and collaborate with them to effectively address violent extremism threats.

INITIATE.MY team at the MyPCVE launch event. INITIATE.MY looks forward to the role of CSOs being included and outlined clearly in the full version of MyPCVE in line with whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches in addressing violent extremism issues.

Expert Consultation on Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia with Civil Society Organisations
2024-10-03 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 3 October 2024 – INITIATE.MY convened a consultation on “Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia,” bringing together approximately 40 representatives from civil society organisations across the country. The session addressed the growing threat of far-right online extremism, which undermines public trust in institutions and disrupts social cohesion within Malaysia’s diverse, multi-racial, and multi-religious society.

Participants critically evaluated current policies and highlighted several key weaknesses. They observed that existing laws primarily focus on punitive measures, such as arrests and censorship, rather than prevention. Additionally, the lack of a coordinated strategy between government agencies, civil society, and technology platform providers significantly weakens the effectiveness of counter-extremism efforts. The insufficient involvement of communities in policy-making was also emphasised, often resulting in measures that fail to reflect the cultural and social complexities of Malaysia’s population.

To address these challenges, participants proposed actionable measures. They recommended strengthening digital literacy programmes to empower citizens to recognise and counter extremist content. Greater collaboration between government, civil society, and technology companies was urged to establish effective mechanisms for monitoring and addressing extremist narratives online. Participants also called for revising laws to prioritise prevention and rehabilitation, including deradicalisation initiatives, while safeguarding freedom of speech and privacy. Importantly, they emphasised the need for inclusive policy-making that involves diverse communities to ensure culturally sensitive strategies that build trust and inclusivity.

The findings and recommendations from this consultation will contribute to ongoing research by INITIATE.MY on online extremism in Malaysia. This research aims to provide evidence-based guidance to inform more effective and inclusive policies, strengthen national security and social cohesion in Malaysia.

Aziff Azuddin, a researcher involved in INITIATE.MY’s current study on online extremism, set the stage for the consultation by outlining the background and providing context for the discussion.

Participants proposed the concept of “peace troopers” as a strategy to promote fact-checking in an engaging and constructive manner, aimed at diversifying online counter-narrative efforts.

INITIATE.MY’s Courtesy Visits to Astro AWANI, Malaysiakini, and BFM89.9
2024-10-17 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, 7 and 17 October 2024 – INITIATE.MY conducted courtesy visits to Astro AWANI, Malaysiakini, and BFM89.9. These visits provided a platform for knowledge exchange, where INITIATE.MY shared its research on online extremism, hate speech, and the abuse of AI, while gaining insights into the media outlets’ editorial processes and strategies for addressing sensitive issues.

At Astro AWANI, discussions focused on the integration of AI technologies in newsroom operations, particularly in content creation and moderation. The team emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight to preserve emotional intelligence and journalistic integrity. They also shared their approach to curating content in sensitive areas, such as national security and geopolitics such as the Israel-Palestine conflict to ensure facts-based reporting. Astro AWANI emphasised the importance of collaboration with organisations like INITIATE.MY to identify and mitigate dangerous narratives online.

At Malaysiakini and BFM89.9, the dialogue centred on how media platforms can serve as a space for diverse perspectives, enabling more nuanced coverage of sensitive topics and promoting constructive dialogue that goes beyond polarising polarising narratives. Discussions also touched on the media’s role in supporting the government’s policy document such as the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE). The conversations also underscored how civil society organisations and media outlets can work together to combat extremist ideologies both online and offline.

INITIATE.MY recognised the importance of media as a key stakeholder on preventing and countering violent extremism due to their role in shaping public discourse, providing accurate information, and offering critical perspectives that can help mitigate the spread of extremist behaviours. Collaboration between civil society organisations and the media is also essential in creating a safer, more informed society where diverse views are respected, and extremist narratives are effectively challenged.

INITIATE.MY team took a group photo with Nik Nuur Azam Shah Mohd Shah @ Nik Mohd Shah, Associate and Multiformat Journalism of Astro Awani Network Sdn. Bhd.

The INITIATE.MY team, accompanied by Dr. Haezreena Begum, Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM), took a group photo with the BFM89.9 team, led by Sharaad Kuttan, Presenter, Producer, and Editorial Strategist at BFM89.9.

INITIATE.MY’s Courtesy Visits to The Star and Sin Chew Daily
2024-10-23 00:00 - 23:59
Selangor, 23 October 2024 – INITIATE.MY conducted courtesy visits to The Star and Sin Chew Daily to explore potential collaborations in raising awareness on extremism, religious freedom, and tolerance.

At The Star, discussions focused on how the media can partner with INITIATE.MY to address growing concerns over far-right extremism and online hate speech. Hariati Azizan and The Star’s editorial team highlighted their role in moderating narratives and stressed the importance of responsible reporting on sensitive issues like extremism. Hisham Muhaimi, Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY, shared the organisation’s latest research findings on far-right extremism, emphasising the growing influence of online platforms in spreading divisive content.

The visit to Sin Chew Daily centred on the media’s role in shaping public understanding of these critical issues within Malaysia’s diverse societal landscape. Kuik Cheng Kang from Sin Chew Daily reaffirmed the publication’s commitment to highlighting positive stories of interfaith and intercultural collaboration. He invited INITIATE.MY to contribute research and insights that could support their efforts to foster an inclusive and harmonious society.

Both media outlets expressed strong interest in using their platforms to amplify INITIATE.MY’s advocacy work. Discussions included utilising INITIATE.MY’s databases and reports to guide nuanced and balanced reporting on complex issues. INITIATE.MY emphasised the importance of engaging media outlets in multiple languages to reach diverse readerships and raise broader awareness. The organisation also recognised media as key stakeholders in its capacity-building initiatives, contributing to a whole-of-society approach to countering extremism and promoting religious freedom and tolerance.

INITIATE.MY team posed for a group photo with Hariati Azizan, Deputy Editor of Sunday Star, Ivy Soon, Deputy Executive Editor of StarLifestyle, and Vicky Ooi, Deputy Executive Editor of StarMetro and StarChrono from The Star Media Group.

INITIATE.MY team took a group photo with Kuik Cheng Kang, MCIL Group Editor-in-Chief (Malaysia) and Editor-in-Chief, Allen Hwn Yaul Len, Deputy Executive Editor-in-Chief (News/Features/Cross-Media Collaboration), and Lee Jia Hui, Reporter at Sin Chew Daily. (Photo © Sin Chew Daily).

Aftercare Assistance for Former Security Detainees and Their Family Members
2024-10-25 00:00 - 2024-11-05 23:59
Malaysia, 25 October – 5 November 2024 – INITIATE.MY, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police’s Special Branch Counterterrorism Department (E8), has launched an aftercare assistance programme to support former security detainees (FSDs) and their families in reintegrating into society. Civil society organisations (CSOs) like INITIATE.MY play a vital role in bridging the gap between former detainees and the resources needed to rebuild their lives. These efforts aim to provide second chances, reduce recidivism, and foster social cohesion.

Reintegration for FSDs comes with significant challenges. Community stigma often isolates them, making it difficult to secure stable employment or access essential services. Many FSDs and their families also face financial instability, limited opportunities for skill development, and mental health struggles from their detention experience. These barriers hinder their ability to reintegrate as contributing members of society. For more information, INITIATE.MY has published a policy brief titled “Opportunities

A key aspect of the aftercare programme is providing socioeconomic support to FSDs and their families. So far, INITIATE.MY has assisted two families with food baskets, cash donations, and a sewing machine to help generate income. Special thanks go to Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, Deputy Dean of Higher Degree at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, and Hisham Muhaimi, INITIATE.MY Project Coordinator for facilitating the connection and coordinating the handover of donations.

The partnership between INITIATE.MY and the Special Branch Counterterrorism Department demonstrates the importance of collaboration in countering extremism and supporting reintegration, aligning with the objectives of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).

To support our aftercare assistance programme, please fill out this form. We will reach out to you and we welcome all forms of donations.

Dr. Haezreena Begum was delivering donation items with the two beneficiaries of INITIATE.MY’s aftercare assistance programme, supported by the Royal Malaysia Police’s Special Branch Counterterrorism Department (E8).

Hisham Muhaimi was delivering donation items with the beneficiary of INITIATE.MY’s aftercare assistance programme.

Study Visit to Kajang Men’s Prison
2024-11-14 00:00 - 23:59
Kajang, Selangor, 14 November 2024 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in a study visit to Kajang Men’s Prison. Organised by Dr. Haezreena Begum, a Board of Expert Member at INITIATE.MY and Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, the visit marked INITIATE.MY’s second engagement with the prison community, following a December 2023 visit to Kajang Women’s Prison.

The visit offered valuable insights into the daily lives of male inmates, their routines, and the facilities within the prison, including dormitories, the clinic, and the canteen. The prison enforces strict rules to foster discipline and encourage behavioural improvement.

During a briefing, a prison officer explained Malaysia’s gradual shift from a punitive to a correctional prison system. This reform focuses on discipline, spiritual activities, and vocational training, such as woodworking, cooking, and bread baking, with the bread being used to feed the prison community. However, challenges such as mental health issues, peer influences, and contraband smuggling persist and require targeted actions for more effective rehabilitation. The officer also emphasised that prison life must remain distinct from life outside to maintain order and discipline.

One remarkable success story shared during the visit involved an inmate detained under Tahanan Limpah Sultan (TLS) since 2001, at the age of 14. After spending over 20 years in prison, he expressed profound remorse for his past crime. During his incarceration, he earned a PhD in Business Administration, highlighting the prison department’s dedication to supporting inmates committed to self-improvement. In December 2024, he was granted a royal pardon by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, during the Sultan’s birthday celebration. This pardon offered him a second chance to reintegrate into society and rebuild his life.

INITIATE.MY commends Kajang Men’s Prison for its progressive correctional practices that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. Other prisons in Malaysia should adopt similar approaches to enhance inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. To strengthen these efforts, the Ministry of Home Affairs, independent experts, and civil society organisations must invest in research to identify areas for reform and develop a comprehensive reintegration programme for former inmates, as INITIATE.MY has long advocated for ex-security prisoners.

INITIATE.MY team, along with students and lecturers from Universiti Malaya and officers from Kajang Men’s Prison, concluded the study visit with a group photo in front of the main gate of Kajang Prison.

Workshop on Human Rights-Compliant Approaches to Countering the Financing of Terrorism
2024-11-19 00:00 - 2024-11-21 23:59
Cebu, The Philippines, 19 – 21 November 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in a three-day workshop on “Human Rights-Compliant Approaches to Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Risk-Based Implementation of FATF Recommendation 8.” Organised by the International Institute for Justice and Rule of Law (IIJ), the workshop convened representatives from government bodies, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos) and the United States, focusing on counter-terrorist financing (CTF) and broader counterterrorism efforts, including preventing and countering violent extremism.

The workshop featured expert contributions from organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). These organisations shared insights on international legal frameworks for mitigating the risks of terrorist financing within the non-profit sector. Discussions centred on implementing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which seeks to address the misuse of non-profit organisations (NPOs) for terrorist financing while acknowledging their essential societal roles. Participants explored strategies to identify high-risk NPOs and apply proportionate, risk-based oversight measures that uphold human rights, promote gender inclusion, and foster cooperation between governments and NPOs.

Falisha Aufiya, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, explored Malaysia’s challenges in countering terrorist financing through a presentation titled “Improving Multistakeholder Cooperation Between Government, Corporate, and Civil Society Actors on Countering Terrorist Financing (CTF).” She outlined Malaysia’s challenges in combating terrorist financing, highlighting issues such as porous borders, the misuse of financial technologies, and vulnerabilities in NPOs and informal cash transfer systems. Falisha also discussed the reintegration barriers faced by former security detainees charged under anti-terrorism laws, including stigma, financial restrictions, and fractured family relationships. She emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that combines risk-based oversight, financial inclusivity, and a tailored rehabilitation programme to reduce recidivism and enhance stakeholder collaboration.

Please find her full speech attached.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders from various nations to exchange perspectives on countering terrorist financing and to develop locally tailored solutions. It reinforced the importance of adopting human rights-compliant, risk-based approaches to address these complex challenges effectively.

A collaborative group of professionals and civil society from the United Nations, the United States, and ASEAN committed to implementing human rights-compliant approaches in counter-terrorist financing.

Architects of Diversity’s End of Year Dinner
2024-12-12 18:00 - 22:00
Putrajaya, 12 December 2024 – INITIATE.MY attended the End-of-Year Dinner hosted by Architects of Diversity (AOD), an organisation that shares overlapping goals with INITIATE.MY in youth empowerment, capacity building, and digital rights. The End of Year Dinner brought together AOD’s staff, alumni, partners, and friends to celebrate AOD’s collective achievements, reflect on AOD’s journey, and envision the future of a more inclusive Malaysia.

In his opening speech, Jason Wee, Executive Director of AOD, commended the dedication and passion of everyone who has contributed to AOD’s mission over the past year. He highlighted AOD’s inclusive strategies for fostering an appreciation of diversity in various settings, involving stakeholders from a range of backgrounds.

The dinner also featured remarks from two distinguished guests: YB Syahredzan bin Johan, Member of Parliament for Bangi, and YB Michelle Ng Mei Sze, State Assemblyperson for Subang Jaya. YB Syahredzan shared personal stories of growth while serving one of Malaysia’s most populous and diverse constituencies, emphasising the importance of breaking barriers and fostering understanding through daily social interactions. The event concluded with “Paint the Future,” a collaborative activity where attendees envisioned and illustrated the Malaysia they aspire to live in.

INITIATE.MY is committed to strengthening its partnership with AOD, particularly as part of the Luminate Foundation’s civil society network. Together, these organisations aim to promote the responsible use of technology and foster social cohesion.. Collaboration among civil society organisations is essential to addressing Malaysia’s pressing social challenges and building a more inclusive future.

INITIATE.MY team took the opportunity to reconnect with one another and engage with the AOD community.

INITIATE.MY’S Courtesy Visit to Yayasan MySDG
2025-02-20 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 20 February 2025 – INITIATE.MY paid a courtesy visit to Yayasan MySDG, a foundation established under the Ministry of Finance to support Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda through collaborative partnerships and strategic initiatives.

Yayasan MySDG was represented by Anita Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, Anjulie Razak, Strategy & Partnerships Manager, and Nor Hafizan bin Ahmad Kalana, Associate. INITIATE.MY was represented by Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder, Qiana Falisha Aufiya Jessica, Project Officer and Eow Shiang Yen, Communications Officer.

The meeting served as a platform for both organisations to exchange ideas on advancing SDG efforts, particularly in the areas of social inclusion, peacebuilding, and human rights—core focus areas for INITIATE.MY.

INITIATE.MY shared its previous and ongoing initiatives, including work on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), providing aftercare assistance for Former Security Detainees, and advocating for digital rights in Malaysia. In turn, Anita Ahmad outlined Yayasan MySDG’s focus on empowering underprivileged communities and reducing inequalities.

Both parties recognised the importance of integrating civil society’s grassroots perspectives into efforts to build holistic and sustainable solutions. They also exchanged insights on key SDG goals—SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

This courtesy visit helped both organisations gain a deeper understanding of each other’s work and priorities. Moving forward, INITIATE.MY and Yayasan MySDG expressed their commitment to sharing networks, exchanging information, and collaborating to advance the SDG 16 and SDG 10 agenda.

INITIATE.MY had a productive exchange with Yayasan MySDG and gained clearer insight into the foundation’s work and priorities.

INITIATE.MY’s Buka Puasa
2025-03-10 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 10 March 2025 – INITIATE.MY hosted a Buka Puasa gathering during the final days of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together its Board of Experts, along with partners from the diplomatic community, international organisations, and government and law enforcement agencies. The event provided an opportunity for guests to reconnect, network, and exchange ideas, particularly on issues related to security and human rights. Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Malay delicacies, offering an authentic Ramadan dining experience.

In his remarks, Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder and Director of INITIATE.MY, expressed gratitude for the continued support and collaboration from partners. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in the shared mission of democratising the security sector, particularly in the field of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). He also highlighted INITIATE.MY’s commitment to fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration by bridging civil society with other sectors, and uniting diverse expertise across ethnic, religious, and gender lines.

Aizat thanked the guests for their support of the organisation to advance democratising the security sector.

Knowledge Hub’s First Session on Mapping the Landscape of Tech Abuse in Malaysia
2025-03-21 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 21 March 2025 – INITIATE.MY held the first session of its Knowledge Hub project, titled “Mapping the Landscape of Tech Abuse in Malaysia,” to address rising technology-facilitated abuse. First launched during the Luminate Foundation Convening in November 2024, the Knowledge Hub is a collaborative initiative led by 15 expert practitioners from Malaysian civil society organisations (CSOs). It aims to strengthen CSO capacity to understand and respond to digital threats through collaborative learning and evidence-based approaches.

The first session brought together 20 participants from diverse CSOs working in civil and political rights, counter-extremism, gender advocacy, and child protection. It aimed to build collective understanding of tech abuse and map emerging digital threats that endanger both civil society work and broader at-risk communities in Malaysia.

During the session, participants discussed several things:

The role of state and corporate actors in manipulating public opinion and repressing civil society through online platforms. This includes mining personal data to deliver targeted political propaganda aimed at influencing electoral outcomes. They also use pseudo-news portals and private chat channels to conduct doxxing campaigns against civil society organisations and human rights defenders. These actions have had real-life consequences, undermining both civic participation and democratic space.

The tactics and spread of radicalising narratives online, particularly those rooted in ethnoreligious supremacy and anti-minority ideologies. Participants examined how actors use social media and generative AI to increase reach and simulate organic engagement. These narratives have contributed to offline consequences, including violence. Many of these messages evade platform enforcement due to their indirect or coded language, raising concerns about the effectiveness of both AI and human content moderation.

The rise of anti-rights and anti-gender narratives, fuelled by the global surge of far-right politics and disinformation strategies that are now being localised in Malaysia. Participants noted how these narratives promote prejudice and restrict rights, especially targeting women and LGBTQ+ communities.

The growing threat of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA), including grooming through digital platforms. Participants highlighted the gaps in legal protections and policy frameworks, stressing the urgent need to centre children’s safety in both digital governance and law reform efforts.

In breakout discussions, participants proposed tools to monitor and document tech abuse threats, recommending Bayanat and HURIDOCS for data collection and classification, and Newsgraphy for visual storytelling. They identified urgent threats such as coordinated disinformation campaigns, AI-generated sexual abuse content, and the spread of dangerous narratives across digital platforms.

The Knowledge Hub will continue to build on these efforts through upcoming sessions, an online repository, a policy paper, and a practical toolkit. The next session will focus on data-driven advocacy, offering hands-on skills in real-time monitoring, OSINT techniques, data collection, and ethical practices for evidence-based advocacy.

The Knowledge Hub ‘s CSO partners participated in the first session.

RightsCon 2025’s Shareback Session
2025-03-25 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2025 – As a follow-up to the summit, INITIATE.MY participated in a shareback session hosted by the event sponsor, Luminate Foundation. The session brought together Malaysian participants of RightsCon 2025, including Architects of Diversity (AoD), Freedom Film Network, Sinar Project, and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). During the session, participants reflected on key learnings from the summit, identified overlapping areas of interest, and explored possibilities for future collaboration.

Before, INITIATE.MY participated in RightsCon 2025, held from 24 to 27 February 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, and organised by Access Now. As the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age, RightsCon brings together business leaders, policymakers, legal experts, government officials, technologists, academics, journalists, and human rights advocates to tackle urgent challenges at the intersection of human rights and technology.

This year’s summit featured a dynamic mix of fireside chats, workshops, strategic roundtables, private meetings, and an interactive exhibition space. Key focus areas included artificial intelligence, freedom of expression, surveillance, content moderation, and data protection. INITIATE.MY joined the event remotely and attended selected online sessions, focusing on issues related to Southeast Asia, civic space, and grassroots digital security.

Hisham Muhaimi, representing INITIATE.MY during the shareback session, highlighted the value of exploring the wide range of digital security practices and tools showcased at RightsCon. These included the Secure Drop Workstation, a secure platform enabling whistleblowers and journalists to exchange sensitive documents safely; the digisec.wiki, a living resource that compiles practical digital safety guides for activists and civil society groups; and Pari AI, a tool designed to detect and monitor online hate speech, particularly on social media platforms.

Learning how other groups have integrated these technologies into their work inspired INITIATE.MY to consider how similar efforts could be piloted or adapted locally, especially to monitor election-related digital abuse, hate speech, and extremism.

These tools are directly relevant to INITIATE.MY’s work in countering online harassment, disinformation, and digital hate speech—issues that disproportionately affect marginalised communities, women, and human rights defenders in Malaysia. Tools like Pari AI provide practical solutions for organisations to track and respond to harmful narratives in real time, enabling more strategic and data-driven advocacy.

Localising these tools and frameworks within INITIATE.MY’s digital safety and literacy programmes could significantly strengthen the capacity of activists, journalists, and community organisations to detect risks early, respond effectively, and advocate for platform accountability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Moving forward, INITIATE.MY aims to apply these RightsCon insights to develop impactful local programming, push for community-informed policy frameworks, and contribute to broader regional discussions on human rights in the digital age.

RightsCon 2025 offered interactive sessions on AI, digital rights, surveillance, content moderation, and data protection.

MCCHR’s Buku Beyond Bars
2025-03-25 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Buku Beyond Bars roundtable discussion held at the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) office. The discussion focused on prison rehabilitation programmes and the challenges former inmates face in reintegrating into society.

As part of MCCHR’s campaign, the event aimed to expand prison library collections and promote rehabilitation opportunities within the prison system. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including NGO professionals, medical students, and other key stakeholders committed to improving reintegration support and advancing prison reform efforts.

The discussion highlighted several pressing issues in prison rehabilitation, particularly the limited skills and support prisoners receive upon release. Participants stressed that rehabilitation must include not only educational support, but also stronger psychosocial assistance. They recommended expanding and improving the implementation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), noting that current programmes are often inaccessible or lack depth.

A key concern raised was the shortage of essential resources, including trained personnel, educational materials, mental health services, and vocational training facilities in both adult prisons and youth correctional centres. To address these gaps, participants proposed developing tailored rehabilitation programmes and actively involving prison wardens in their delivery.

The discussion also focused on reintegration challenges, particularly the psychological effects of incarceration. Long-term inmates often experience institutionalisation, becoming so dependent on the rigid structure of prison life that they struggle to adapt upon release. This is compounded by societal stigma, which hinders their ability to rebuild family ties, reintegrate into the community, and secure employment—factors that increase the risk of recidivism. Participants cited the “Norwegian prison system as a successful model, highlighting its emphasis on rehabilitation and significantly lower reoffending rates.

Hisham Muhaimi contributed insights on the lack of effective rehabilitation programmes for former security detainees (FSD) detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), Prevention of Crime Act (POCA), and Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). Although general rehabilitation efforts exist, there are currently no targeted programmes designed to address the specific needs of these individuals. Participants also discussed the government’s reluctance to collaborate with NGOs, often citing limited resources, which further complicates efforts to fill this gap.

The event concluded with a call for tailored rehabilitation that prioritises skills, social reintegration, and vocational training to reduce recidivism and support comprehensive reintegration.

Participants at MCCHR’s Buku Beyond Bars’ roundtable discussion.

2nd National Action Plan Women Peace Security Academy Workshop
2025-04-09 00:00 - 2025-04-11 23:59
Jakarta, Indonesia, 9-11 April 2025 – The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) and UN Women Indonesia jointly organised the 2nd National Action Plan (NAP) Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Academy Workshop, themed “Strengthening the Implementation and ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS at the National Level.” The Governments of Canada, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom supported the workshop.

This is part of the ASEAN-wide initiative in empowering women for sustainable peace, prevention of violence, and promoting social cohesion in ASEAN. It brought together government focal points and civil society representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with approximately six participants from each country.

Over three days, the workshop facilitated capacity-building, peer learning, and strategic dialogue aimed at improving the development and implementation of national-level WPS, while also aligning these efforts with the ASEAN-level WPS.

Eow Shiang Yen, Communications Officer of INITIATE.MY participated in this workshop with Malaysian delegates representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysian Armed Forces, and Sisters in Islam (SIS) or known as SIS Forum.

Throughout the sessions, participants:

enhanced their skills and institutional capacities to design, monitor, and evaluate NAPs more effectively.

exchanged good practices and lessons learned from their respective national contexts and explored the use of ASEAN’s WPS Localisation Toolkit and Guidelines as a means to adapt regional goals to local realities.

discussed ways to strengthen coordination mechanisms, promote institutional accountability, and ensure that civil society organisations play a central role in national and local WPS implementation.

discussed lessons learned from over two decades of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and strategies for integrating emerging challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and violent extremism into the WPS framework.

The workshop highlighted the need to localise WPS commitments by adapting them to specific political, cultural, and institutional contexts within each ASEAN Member State. Localisation is not a mere administrative task but a transformative process that enhances legitimacy, relevance, and impact on the ground. There was a sharing session on case studies in Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Thailand, and Cambodia, highlighting inclusive coordination models and the value of grassroots engagement in advancing gender-responsive peacebuilding.

Notably, the workshop coincided with Malaysia’s forthcoming milestone, as the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development moves toward the official launch of the country’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in September 2025. INITIATE.MY views this development as an opportunity to fully translate Malaysia’s commitment to the regional WPS framework into the national WPS.

Participants of the 2nd NAP-WPS Academy Workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia representing ASEAN Member States, civil society, and international partners gathered to strengthen regional collaboration and localisation of the WPS agenda.

Future Action Summit 2025
2025-04-25 00:00 - 2025-04-28 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 25–28 April 2025 – Future Action Summit (FAS) 2025 brought together over 120 passionate youth from around the world in Kuala Lumpur. Echo Change led the event in partnership with the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) and Kenan Foundation Asia. Over four days, young leaders collaborated, exchanged bold ideas, and built actionable solutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, cultural showcases, and networking sessions. Participants tackled pressing global issues—such as youth empowerment, peace and security (SDG 16), and climate leadership—and explored strategies to overcome resource limitations and systemic inequality. Their contributions generated momentum toward the 2030 SDG agenda.

INITIATE.MY actively shaped the summit’s impact. Representing the organisation, Hisham Muhaimi led two key sessions. In a fireside chat with Paula Porras and Sahlim Charles, he explored how youth can drive SDG 16 through peacebuilding and institutional reform. In a panel with Philip Gassert and Elisa Shafiqah, he examined practical strategies, shared lessons learned, and proposed solutions to fast-track SDG progress. These sessions connected youth perspectives with expert insights and reaffirmed INITIATE.MY’s commitment to SDG 4.7 (Education for Sustainable Development), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16.

FAS 2025 activated the Quadruple Helix model by bringing together youth, government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The summit catalysed new SDG initiatives and strengthened global networks. INITIATE.MY helped drive this momentum by facilitating partnerships and co-creating innovative responses to global challenges.

Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, INITIATE.MY continues to lead efforts that advance sustainable development goals. The organisation remains committed to building a more inclusive, just, and resilient future by 2030.

Over 130 global youth participants united at FAS 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, led by Echo Change with INITIATE.MY and Kenan Foundation.

Workshop on Empowering Communities in Asia to Use ALDOUS Generative AI for PCVE
2025-04-25 09:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 25 April 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Generative AI for Counter-Terrorism Workshop focused on the theme “Empowering Communities in Asia to Use ALDOUS Generative AI for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).”

The workshop, hosted by Mythos Labs and Meta with Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) as the strategic partner, aimed to equip law enforcement and civil society practitioners with the knowledge and tools to utilise ALDOUS, an advanced AI-powered solution, to support counter-terrorism efforts.

Participants from Asia Pacific gathered to explore how generative AI and large language models (LLMs) can enhance the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The workshop provided a platform for sharing strategies and practical applications of AI in counterterrorism work.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, H.E. Datuk Mohamad Bin Alamin, officiated the event. Datin Paduka Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib, Director of the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) delivered a keynote speech and shared valuable insights on the growing role of AI in addressing violent extremism.

Mythos Labs introduced Aldous as a tool that enables practitioners to detect threats earlier, combat radicalisation at scale, and improve response readiness. The team also showcased two specialised chatbots powered by Aldous:

Alethia, which supports deradicalisation and rehabilitation by engaging with radicalised individuals and former terrorist fighters (FTFs) to help reintegrate them into society.

Protheus, which simulates conversations with radicalised individuals to test counter-narratives and train officers in effective engagement techniques.

INITIATE.MY is further keen to learn and contribute on how these AI tools can be adapted to regional and local contexts to support the implementation of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE). By participating in this workshop, it complements INITIATE.MY’s capacity in integrating AI into community-based counterterrorism efforts.

INITIATE.MY team participated in the AI for Counter-Terrorism Workshop, hosted by Mythos Labs and Meta, exploring the use of ALDOUS generative AI to support P/CVE efforts across Asia-Pacific.

INITIATE.MY’s Self-Care and Well-Being Session
2025-04-30 09:00 - 16:00
Kuala Lumpur, 30 April 2025 – INITIATE.MY organised a Self-Care and Well-Being Session facilitated by a clinical psychologist Dr. Vizla Kumaresan as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to its team’s mental health and well-being with a backdrop of challenging advocacy and research environments.

Dr. Vizla guided participants through discussions and exercises on managing stress and burnout, achieving work-life balance, setting personal boundaries, and using coping strategies for anxiety and depression. She also introduced self-care practices and mindfulness techniques. Participants gained practical tools to strengthen emotional resilience and manage the pressures of their advocacy and research work more sustainably. INITIATE.MY also provided mental health guides, videos, and mindfulness tools to support participants beyond the session.

Dr. Vizla addressed the often-overlooked psychological toll of working on emotionally intense topics. She explained how such work can trigger physical and emotional reactions and offered healthy ways to respond. She also covered how to engage with distressing data, navigate sensitive topics, involve men in mental health conversations, and maintain well-being while confronting personal biases—especially when researching far-right

This session marked a major step forward in normalising mental health conversations within the organisation. It reinforced the organisation’s commitment to creating psychologically safe workspaces as part of its 2025 professional development roadmap.

INITIATE.MY team came together to prioritise mental health and self-care.

UNCAC Awareness and Implementation Workshop for Civil Society in Malaysia
2025-05-08 08:00 - 17:00
Petaling Jaya, 8 May 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Awareness and Implementation Workshop for Civil Society in Malaysia, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M). The workshop gathered civil society groups, legal experts, and anti-corruption advocates to reflect on Malaysia’s progress under the UNCAC and explore ways forward.

Corruption remains a key obstacle to development and good governance in Southeast Asia. This workshop has served several purposes:

Timely space to assess Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly in response to two UNCAC review cycles conducted in 2013 and 2017. These reviews focused on key areas such as law enforcement, preventive measures, and asset recovery, offering both insights and recommendations for reform.

The linkage between corruption and organised crime. Case studies such as the 1MDB scandal highlighted how large-scale corruption can enable crimes like money laundering. While other examples showed how organised criminal networks have facilitated terrorism financing.

Strengthening the role of civil society in UNCAC implementation, encouraging knowledge exchange, and identifying actionable strategies to address ongoing gaps.

INITIATE.MY shared reflections from its policy work on Malaysia’s National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE). Drawing from its 2022 policy brief “Civil Society Deserves a Seat at the Table,” INITIATE.MY documented how civil society is often sidelined in security policymaking processes. This exclusion is not unique to the security sector as similar gaps are evident in UNCAC processes, where civil society organisations are rarely included in formal reviews. Without genuine civil society engagement, transparency and reform risk falling short.

Overall, the workshop provided an opportunity to engage with civil society organisations and anti-corruption experts and deepened the organisation’s capacity in understanding international anti-corruption frameworks, and reflecting on how corruption intersects with INITIATE.MY’s work to prevent extremism and terrorism. This includes the patronage and financing aspects; the terrorist financing to sanctioned groups such as IS and the misappropriation of charity funds under the guise of humanitarian and religious causes such as AMAN Palestin and GISB Holdings cases in 2024.

Civil society representatives, legal experts, and anti-corruption advocates in Malaysia gathered at the UNCAC Awareness and Implementation Workshop, reaffirming their commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

Closed-Door Workshop on “Religion and Liberal Thought in Malay Society”
2025-05-09 00:00 - 2025-05-12 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 9–12 May 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the closed-door regional workshop “Religion and Liberal Thought in Malay Society,” organised by Sisters in Islam (SIS). The event brought together civil society actors, religious leaders, legal professionals, and researchers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to examine liberal thought in Muslim-majority contexts and reflect on how state and religious actors securitise and misrepresent it.

Facilitators presented Islamic concepts such as maqasid (higher objectives of Islamic law), maslahah (public interest), and mubadalah (reciprocal justice) as internal ethical tools. Participants engaged with these frameworks as grounded in Islamic tradition—not external ideas, and used them to challenge exclusionary narratives. They explored how far-right and extremist actors weaponise terms like “liberalism” through emotional rhetoric, selective scripture, and institutional gatekeeping.

Participants identified how institutionalised religion across all major faiths often prioritises control over inclusion. They discussed how these dynamics shrink civic space, discourage diversity of belief, and create environments that undermine trust and resilience. In Malaysia, participants reflected on how dual legal systems (civil and Syariah) affect both Muslims and non-Muslims, and how state policies often politicise religion in ways that marginalise minority communities and reinforce identity-based divisions.

Through polling, reflection exercises, and Forum Theatre, participants examined real-world scenarios involving discrimination, moral policing, and institutional exclusion. These sessions reinforced the need for community-based approaches to PCVE that focus on root causes such as injustice, identity insecurity, and lack of civic trust rather than reactive or security-heavy responses.

Speakers from Indonesia and Singapore offered comparative insights, showing how decentralised religious authority and open public discourse create more pluralistic and inclusive societies. Participants also called on interfaith leaders to hold their own traditions accountable, challenge internal biases, and resist identity-based political agendas.

INITIATE.MY used the space to deepen the team’s understanding of how ideological control and religious politicisation fuel societal polarisation and strengthen the policy and community work in promoting resilience against extremism.

Participants of the workshop were united in challenging exclusionary narratives and strengthening community-centered approaches to justice and resilience across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The Malaysian-ASEAN Youth SDG Summit 2025
2025-05-10 09:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 10 May 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Malaysian-ASEAN Youth SDG Summit 2025, a youth-driven regional gathering that united over 300 multi-stakeholder participants. The All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) and its training arm MySDG Academy were the joint organisers of this summit with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and the United Nations Multi-Country Office for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. The summit served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, experimentation, and action around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—led by and for youth.

Eow Shiang Yen, INITIATE.MY’s Communications Officer highlighted INITIATE.MY’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) work via the latest Peace Lab for Religious Leaders and Thinkers (PLRT) in 2024. PLRT is a youth empowerment initiative in collaboration with the Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy) and MBM that tackles hate, intolerance, and radicalisation in Malaysia, and empowers the youths to counter the harms through digital content creation and advocacy.

A central highlight of the summit was the official launch of the W.A.Y. Forward Movement, an initiative by APPGM-SDG and MySDG Academy to transform youth engagement from mere participation to co-leadership in achieving the SDGs. W.A.Y.—Weaving partnerships to Accelerate SDGs with You(th)—champions intergenerational, cross-sectoral collaboration, positioning youth as architects of systemic transformation.

The summit redefined conventional formats through interactive SDG Labs, themed side activities, and a festive Utopia Night. Four SDG Labs explored Youth in Politics, Community Empowerment, Campus Advocacy, and Corporate Sustainability—creating inclusive, hands-on spaces for deep engagement.

INITIATE.MY’s presence at the summit reaffirmed its commitment to Education for Sustainable Development, and to amplify Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda including youth-led peacebuilding and digital advocacy initiatives. As sustainability must be lived, felt, and co-created, INITIATE.MY looks forward to advancing collaborative efforts in alignment with SDG 4, 10, and 16, both nationally and across Southeast Asia.

INITIATE.MY highlighted its youth-led peacebuilding and digital advocacy efforts through the PLRT via a ESD poster at the Malaysian-ASEAN Youth SDG Summit 2025.

AI Workshop for Civil Society: Understanding AI Harms and the Need for Documentation
2025-05-13 00:00 - 2025-05-15 23:59
Bali, Indonesia, 13-15 May 2025 – Hari Shankar, INITIATE.MY’s Data Scientist, participated in an intensive workshop hosted by EngageMedia. The programme was designed to equip civil society actors with the necessary tools to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and deployed in an accountable and ethical manner. The workshop, led by award-winning journalist Karen Hao, brought together experts from civil society, academia, and government to explore the multifaceted challenges of AI governance. The workshop sessions emphasised on the foundational principles to hands-on methods for investigating and documenting AI-related harms.

First day

reinforced the idea that the challenges posed by AI are not entirely new. Instead, they are extensions of long-standing human rights concerns.

international regulatory approaches. In particular, the European Union’s risk-based AI Act was highlighted as a pioneering framework. This legislation categorises AI systems based on their potential for harm, ranging from minimal risk to applications deemed “unacceptable,” such as social scoring systems, which are completely prohibited.

the importance of grounding AI governance in established human rights principles. Participants examined frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which clearly delineate the responsibilities of both governments and private companies. Under this model, states are expected to protect human rights, while businesses must exercise due diligence to avoid causing harm.

Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) as a practical and proactive tool for evaluating the effects of AI systems. These assessments help organisations critically examine their assumptions, anticipate how vulnerable communities might be affected, and identify concrete strategies to mitigate potential harms.

Second day

the real-world implications of AI, with a focus on systemic bias, the spread of misinformation, and the need for critical engagement with industry narratives. One impactful session revealed that AI systems are not inherently objective. When these systems are trained on historical data that reflects societal biases, they can perpetuate and even exacerbate those biases. Concrete examples included a recruitment tool built using OpenAI’s GPT model that showed bias against job applicants with racially distinctive names, as well as a welfare algorithm in Rotterdam that disproportionately penalised minority communities.

The role of AI in spreading misinformation and disinformation was another urgent topic, particularly in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). Participants examined how social media algorithms can be exploited to promote hate speech and extremist content. They also discussed the increasing threat of generative AI, which can be used to produce persuasive and misleading propaganda at scale

the “AI B.S. Detector,” encouraged participants to maintain a healthy scepticism toward overblown AI marketing claims and alarmist narratives about hypothetical, long-term threats. The general consensus was that civil society should focus its attention on the tangible, immediate harms caused by AI—such as discriminatory outcomes, breaches of privacy, and social polarisation—rather than on speculative concerns about existential risks.

The workshop also introduced several important tools and resources to support accountability efforts such as:

UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), which is currently being implemented in over 70 countries, including Indonesia, to assess national preparedness for ethical AI deployment.

AI incident databases, such as the OECD’s AI Misuse (AIM) repository and the community-driven AI, Algorithmic and Automation Incidents and Controversies (AIAAIC) archive. These platforms serve as essential resources for documenting real-world AI failures and informing better policies and regulatory frameworks.

insights into the AI development landscapes in Indonesia and Malaysia. These regional case studies included updates on emerging national strategies and governance initiatives, such as Malaysia’s newly established National AI Office (NAIO), which reflect a growing recognition of the need for responsible innovation in the region.

The workshop strengthened INITIATE.MY’s capacity to protect marginalised communities from AI exploitation risks. Malicious actors exploit not only algorithms but also data voids, manipulated content, and weak platform design to amplify hate and violence. With enhanced understanding of AI governance and harm tracking, INITIATE.MY can effectively advocate for evidence-based, rights-respecting policy improvement.

Participants at a three-day workshop of hands-on training on ethical, rights-based approaches to AI accountability.

Panel Discussion on Tech Abuse Threats and Accountability: How Can We Work Together?
2025-05-24 14:30 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 24 May 2025 – The panel discussion ‘Tech Abuse Threats and Accountability: How Can We Work Together?’ brought together over 65 participants of digital rights advocates, academics, civil society leaders, and platform companies representatives from the region. This event was part of the ASEAN Peoples @ ASEAN2025 Forum. INITIATE.MY co-organised the session with EngageMedia and the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) to explore the rising threats and solutions to technology abuse in Southeast Asia.

Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder of INITIATE.MY, highlighted the growing threats of online scamming and digital extremism in Southeast Asia. He noted that countries in the region serve as both hosts and victims of increasingly coordinated scams, including those using AI-generated fake content to deceive the public and bypass platform enforcement.

He referred to INITIATE.MY’s May 2024 report on far-right extremism trends during Malaysia’s 15th General Election, which exposed how far-right actors used social media to incite racial hatred and revive May 13 narratives through coded language, songs, and symbols. Aizat attributed these harms not only to weak platform moderation but also to systemic issues like gaps in the education system.

He stressed the need for better cooperation with agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police, real-time information sharing, and more effective AI content moderation—while warning against overreaching security laws that risk silencing legitimate expression. He pointed to Singapore’s FICA law as a case for reflection. Rather than defaulting to criminalisation, Aizat urged a focus on building digital resilience and literacy, especially among youth, ahead of future elections.

Damar Juniarto, Founder of the Centre for AI & Tech Innovation for Democracy (PIKAT) Indonesia, warned that the internet has strayed from its democratic roots and become dominated by tech platforms that exploit user data and undermine accountability—what he described as “technofeudalism.” In Indonesia, platforms like YouTube and Facebook have displaced traditional media, causing journalist job losses and weakening democratic safeguards.

He highlighted four key forms of digital repression in Southeast Asia: information warfare, content takedowns, digital surveillance, and online censorship. Damar stressed that authoritarian regimes and tech companies are both complicit in this growing tech abuse. To counter this, he proposed a post-Western digital rights manifesto, including cyber diplomacy, technology transfer in local languages, a Publishers’ Right Committee to support independent media, and decentralised platforms to protect civic space. He called for multi-stakeholder accountability and region-specific strategies to defend democracy in the digital age.

Dr. Jun-E Tan, Senior Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, highlighted the urgent need for structured monitoring and documentation of AI-related harms in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. She called for greater public awareness and research on AI safety, distinguishing it from unrealised risks or “hazards.”

Dr. Tan emphasised the value of AI incident repositories—like AIAAIC, OECD AIM, MITRE ATLAS, and AVID—that promote transparency and informed policymaking, especially in high-risk sectors. However, she noted significant challenges: vague definitions, long-term harm detection, causality issues, limited awareness, and Southeast Asia’s underrepresentation in global databases.

Despite these difficulties, she argued that documenting AI harms must be prioritised. Establishing robust incident repositories is essential for responsible and accountable AI governance in the region.

Daniel Lim, Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei at Meta, stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to ensure a safer online environment. He urged tech platforms, civil society, and regulators to engage in constructive dialogue rather than fear new technologies.

Lim highlighted Meta’s USD 13 billion investment in online safety and its efforts to balance activist rights with content enforcement. He noted that Meta removes over 90% of harmful content and undergoes public audits to ensure transparency. He cautioned against disrupting effective systems and advocated for consultative approaches to regulation.

He cited Meta’s open-source AI model LLaMA and AI content labelling initiatives as examples of responsible innovation. Lim called for legislation that is enforceable, practical, and thoughtful. He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to free speech while acknowledging the ongoing challenge of effective moderation.

Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), emphasised the importance of a collaborative, consultative approach to responsible content governance. She explained that under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) enforces regulations while CMCF develops and maintains content standards as an industry-led body.

She noted a shift in public concerns from traditional media to complex online issues like child grooming and explicit content involving minors, which has eroded trust among stakeholders. Mediha called for stronger digital literacy as a core skill, not an add-on, and stressed the urgency of integrating ethical safeguards into laws, standards, and AI systems.

She advocated for consensus-driven governance that protects vulnerable groups—especially women and children—while respecting civil society’s role. While supporting self-regulation, she stressed that it must be backed by shared principles and balanced regulation to uphold freedom of expression.The panel concluded with a strong call for multi-stakeholder collaboration to address Southeast Asia’s most urgent digital threats and rights challenges. Panellists and participants agreed that the session aligned closely with ASEAN’s regional goals, including the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, both of which emphasise safe, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital ecosystems.

Panelists of the panel discussion were regional voices from civil society, academia, tech industry, and media policy with a common interest in safeguarding safer and rights-based digital futures for Southeast Asia.
