The Malaysian-ASEAN Youth SDG Summit 2025
2025-05-10 09:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Shanghai)
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.

Panel Discussion on Tech Abuse Threats & Accountability: How Can We Work Together?
2025-05-24 15:30 - 17:00
🌐 ASEANPeoples@ASEAN2025: Digital Rights & Internet Freedom Cluster

Join us for an engaging event exploring the state of online rights in Southeast Asia, featuring:🗣 Session B – Panel Discussion on Tech Abuse Threats & Accountability: How Can We Work Together?⚖️ Regional leaders explore how we can work together to address tech-enabled abuse and protect digital spaces.

Tehmina Kaoosji, Independent Broadcast Journalist, Partner & Communications Director, The Big Picture (TBP) Communications, Malaysia (Moderator)

Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder & Director, Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), Malaysia

Damar Juniarto, Founder, Centre for AI & Tech Innovation for Democracy (PIKAT), Indonesia

Dr. Jun-E Tan, Senior Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute, Malaysia

Daniel Lim, Head of Public Policy Malaysia & Brunei, Meta, Singapore

Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia, Malaysia

📅 24 May 2025 (Sat)🕒 3.30PM – 5PM MYT📍 Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur & Zoom🔗 Register now: http://bit.ly/4dsMcZm

#ASEAN2025 #InternetFreedom #DigitalRights #TechAccountability

Background:This panel will focus on the growing threats of tech abuse in Southeast Asia, including disinformation, doxxing, extremist content and online scams – harms that compromise the safety and rights of individuals, communities both online and offline. The discussion will highlight the role of platform policies, algorithms, and multistakeholder partnerships in countering these threats, especially as malign actors increasingly exploit online platforms and AI tools for political and illicit economic gain.

The session will:

– Examine the trends of tech abuse threats that undermine safety and rights in Southeast Asia.

– Explore the growing accountability of platforms and tech companies in addressing tech abuse threats while safeguarding digital rights and internet freedom.

– Discuss multistakeholder and practical strategies involving civil society, the private sector, and government agencies in:

– preventing and countering existing and emerging tech abuse threats

– strengthening governance around the use of technology and AI both at domestic and regional levels.

To discuss these, the panel will feature representatives from civil society, media, social media companies, and policymakers to foster an open dialogue on shared accountability. The session also aims to generate practical recommendations with participants for strengthening cross-sector partnerships across the ASEAN region.

GI-TOC’s Meetings on Transnational Crime
2025-05-25 00:00 - 23:59
Putrajaya, 21–25 April 2025 – Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder and Director of INITIATE.MY, co-facilitated a series of high-level stakeholder meetings on foreign criminality in partnership with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC). GI-TOC is an international organisation that strengthens responses to organised crime through research, policy dialogue, and cross-sector engagement.

The meetings convened law enforcement agencies, government officials, legal practitioners, and civil society actors to examine the rising threat of foreign criminal actors operating transnational organised crime networks in Malaysia. Discussions focused on the strategies these actors use—including exploiting governance gaps—and evaluated the effectiveness of current countermeasures.

According to GI-TOC’s 2023 Organised Crime Index, Malaysia’s criminality score rose to 6.23, marking a 0.30-point increase from 2021. This signals a worsening organised crime environment, with increased activity across various illicit markets. Notably, the score for foreign criminal actors rose to 7.00—a 0.50-point increase—indicating their growing presence and influence.

Malaysia’s Organised Crime Rankings (2023):

38th of 193 countries globally

16th of 46 countries in Asia

6th of 11 countries in Southeast Asia

While Malaysia’s resilience score also increased slightly to 5.92 (a 0.08-point improvement from 2021), this remains insufficient to offset the expanding threats posed by organised crime.

Resilience Rankings:

40th of 193 countries globally

5th of 46 countries in Asia

2nd of 11 countries in Southeast Asia

These figures underscore a growing vulnerability to foreign criminal networks, despite moderate institutional resilience. There is an urgent need for stronger cross-border cooperation and preventive policy interventions to dismantle these illicit networks and address systemic enablers.

INITIATE.MY’s counterterrorism work intersects with issues of foreign criminality and organised crime—especially where transnational terrorist groups like Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Daesh collaborate with organised crime syndicates. These networks are involved in arms trafficking, financial concealment, and the trafficking of women and children, often operating across Southeast Asia and beyond.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia holds a critical opportunity to lead regional responses against these threats. In particular, it should prioritise emerging challenges involving cyberspace exploitation and the misuse of AI. With the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) set for June 2025, Malaysia should push for regional action particularly on cyberscams and forced labour plaguing the region, and promote more agile and coordinated cooperation across Southeast Asia.

Stakeholders from law enforcement, government, civil society, and legal sectors convened in Putrajaya to examine foreign criminality in Malaysia.

Briefing on Current Political Situation in Burma and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship
2025-05-27 14:00 - 17:00
27 May 2025, Kuala Lumpur – INITIATE.MY, in collaboration with Bait Al-Amanah, convened a closed-door policy briefing titled “Myanmar’s Evolving Political Landscape – Emerging Trends and 2025 Outlook.”. Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder and director of INITIATE.MY, facilitated the session, which featured Myanmar policy analyst Arkar Hein and brought together representatives from the Malaysian government, diplomatic community, think tanks, and civil society organisations.

The briefing examined major political and security shifts in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. Over the past three years, resistance actors—including the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic revolutionary organisations (EROs), and people’s defence forces (PDFs)—have expanded control across liberated areas. These groups are coordinating efforts to provide governance, security, and services rooted in federal democratic principles. Three emerging governance models: a top-down federalism driven by the NUG, grassroots ethnic-led systems, and autonomous regional administrations.

Discussions also highlighted:

China-brokered ceasefire in northern Shan State, which primarily aims to protect Beijing’s strategic interests along the border, lacks longer stability and risks entrenching militarised stalemates.

The junta’s planned 2025 election also drew criticism for its lack of inclusivity, absence of nationwide stability, and the continued detention of over 29,000 political prisoners.

Resistance-led governance models are gaining traction, undermining the junta’s legitimacy and reflecting a deeper societal rejection of military rule. This transformation presents long-term implications for regional policy and engagement.

On the Rohingya issue, there are signs of a generational shift towards more inclusive governance among resistance actors, though serious protection risks remain.

The junta’s exploitation of illicit economies—including scam operations and narcotics trafficking—as key revenue streams, alongside continued earnings from offshore oil and gas.

The briefing generated several forward-looking recommendations for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025:

Prioritising Myanmar-led inclusive dialogue

ensuring cross-border humanitarian assistance reaches resistance-held areas

maintaining engagement with legitimate actors such as the NUG and EROs

Malaysia’s proposals for a permanent ASEAN special envoy and its dual-track diplomacy are welcomed

INITIATE.MY views Myanmar’s crisis as emblematic of broader regional challenges where authoritarianism, state fragility, and transnational crime intersect. The organisation continues to advocate for regional responses grounded in the protection of human security in line with international human rights and humanitarian norms.

Policymakers, diplomats, geopolitical analysts, and civil society gathered for a closed-door briefing on Myanmar’s evolving political landscape and the implications for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

INITIATE’s First Live Storytelling Event: Salam Stage
2025-06-14 10:00 - 16:00
INITIATE’s First Live Storytelling Event: Salam Stage

Petaling Jaya, 14 June 2025 一 INITIATE.MY and the Freedom Film Network (FFN) successfully organised Salam Stage, a live storytelling platform that amplified diverse voices through powerful personal accounts of courage, resilience, and hope. The event was supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Malaysia. Over 100 participants joined the event, representing an intergenerational audience that included Gen Z and Gen Y members from civil society, student networks, the press, and diplomatic missions.

Salam Stage used storytelling to humanise complex sociopolitical and socioeconomic issues in response to rising extremism and growing polarisation. The speakers are as follows:

1. Dr. Kua Kia Soong, a researcher and activist, talked about his reflection on the trauma and political legacy of the May 13 violent riots, which he witnessed firsthand. He challenged official narratives by framing the incident as a calculated power shift by emerging elites, not spontaneous racial violence. He called for a truth and reconciliation commission, he urged Malaysians to seek truth from facts and confront history with courage.

2. Dr. Haezreena Begum, a criminologist and legal scholar, highlighted the silenced stories of former detainees. She emphasised the often overlooked humanity of former detainees, urging society not to define them by their past. She called for empathy and second chances, reminding the audience that returnees and former detainees deserve dignity, not stigma.

3. Khairi Anwar and Tan Meng Kheng, filmmakers, reflected on the backlash to their film Mentega Terbang, which explores interfaith questioning through a young girl’s journey. In their session, “Challenging Sacred Narratives”, they blended personal stories and performance to show how creative work can confront religious taboos. Their session called on audiences to defend artistic freedom, create space for honest conversations about faith, and support storytellers who dare to challenge taboo topics with courage and compassion.

4. Ruby Jusoh, a researcher, shared personal and cultural stories from Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan where she highlighted the enduring strength of women in Malay traditions. Through figures like her grandmother, Mek Zainab, and the matrilineal roles of Ibu Soko and Bundo Kanduang, she illustrated how tradition has long upheld women’s leadership, resilience, and dignity. She called on the audience to reclaim and celebrate cultural traditions that honour women’s leadership, and to challenge narratives that erase or diminish the power of women in society.

Salam Stage showcases INITIATE.MY’s public advocacy by bringing difficult issues to light through real and personal stories. It uses lived experiences and creative expression to make conversations about extremism and civic space more relatable. The event inspires people to take actions for a more just and peaceful Malaysia.

A group photo of the organising teams from INITIATE.MY and Freedom Film Network and the speakers of Salam Stage.

Salam Stage
2025-06-14 11:00 - 15:30 | PJ Live Arts
REGISTER HERE : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salam-stage-tickets-1372678140269?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎟 Free entry – Limited seats!

Real stories. Bold voices. Shared struggle.

Join us at Salam Stage, a live-storytelling event Salam Stage, a TED-style live storytelling event co-organised by the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) and the Freedom Film Network (FFN) that spotlights powerful, personal stories of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of rising extremism and shrinking civic space in Malaysia.

From confronting injustice to reclaiming dignity, these lived experiences offer an unflinching look at what it means to speak up, push back, and reimagine peace in a divided society.

Through raw narratives, creative performances, and fearless dialogue, Salam Stage invites you to listen deeply, reflect critically, and stand in solidarity.

AGENDA11:00 AMRegistration & Networking

12:00 PMOpening Remarksby Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder & Director, Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

12:10 PMOpening Remarksby Anna Har, Director, Freedom Film Network (FFN)

12:20 PMHousekeeping Notes

12:30 PM“May 13: Race and the Legacy of Fear”by Dr. Kua Kia Soong, Social Activist & Researcher

12:50 PM“Menyingkap Cerita Bekas Tahanan Keselamatan dan Radikal”by Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, Criminologist & Legal Scholar

1:10 PMAudience Engagement

1:20 PMPrayer Break, Lunch Break & Networking

1:50 PM“Challenging Sacred Narrative”by Khairi Anwar & Tan Meng Kheng, Director & Producer of Mentega Terbang

2:10 PM“Keteguhan Tradisi: Ceritera dari Kelantan dan Negeri Sembilan”by Ruby Jusoh, Women’s Literature Researcher

2:30 PMAudience Engagement

2:50 PMClosing Remarksby Representative of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Malaysia [TBC]

3:00 PMGroup Photo & Conclusion

3:30 PMDispersal

🧠 Come for the stories. Leave with purpose.

🎟 Admission is free, but places are limited – book your seat now!🔗 More info: https://initiate.my📩 General enquiries: salam@initiate.my💌 For sponsorship and donations: communications@initiate.my

Dialogue Session on ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ on the National Youth Day 2025
2025-06-15 10:00 - 12:00
Kuala Lumpur, 15 June 2025 – The dialogue session ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ brought together Malaysian youth in conjunction with National Youth Day 2025, celebrated under the theme ‘Believe You Can!’ at the Human Expression Hub, Merdeka Square. The event was held in collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and the National Youth and Sports Department being the joint organisers.

Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder and Director of INITIATE.MY, joined the panel alongside Sassi A/L Shritharan, Assistant Director at the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. Eow Shiang Yen, Executive Committee Member of the MBM, moderated the session. The session aimed to promote inclusive engagement and learning and encourage young people to become agents of peace.

The dialogue unfolded in three thematic rounds:

First round on youth training and awareness: SEARCCT shared examples of creative outreach such as futsal and e-sports. INITIATE.MY highlighted the role of its flagship programme called “Peace Lab”, including the Peace for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) in 2024 through data-driven advocacy in strengthening resilience against extremism.

Second round on technology and AI in prevention and countering violent extremism (PCVE): SEARCCT addressed the risks of extremist ideologies spreading through digital games. INITIATE.MY emphasised the potential of AI and social media in countering online hate narratives.

Third round on holistic strategies and community inclusion: SEARCCT discussed empowering young women in line with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. INITIATE.MY shared its inclusive approach and how it is important to involve marginalised groups and women in peacebuilding efforts.

The National Youth Day 2025 recognises the role of key civil society organisations like INITIATE.MYs in localising Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) among youth stakeholders. This aligns with one of the core pillars of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) which supports multi-stakeholder engagement to build resilience against radicalisation.

Panelists and participants of the ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ dialogue are united in their commitment to empowering Malaysian youth as champions of peace.

Knowledge Hub Session 2: Data-Driven Advocacy: Data Gathering Methods
2025-06-18 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 18 June 2025 – INITIATE.MY organised the second session of the Knowledge Hub series titled “Data-Driven Advocacy: Data Gathering Methods”. This full-day workshop built on the earlier session on tech abuse threats to enhance civil society’s capacity for evidence-based advocacy to address the threats with a focus on credible and ethical data collection methods.

Participants comprised a diverse group of practitioners from civil society organisations engaged in civil and political rights, gender justice, counter-extremism, digital rights, child protection, policy research, and data journalism. The programme offered a dynamic mix of expert-led sessions, hands-on methodology development, and peer-to-peer learning, grounded in strong regional relevance and practical application.

Facilitators shared practical strategies for accessing information, including through the freedom of information (FOI) requests, open data portals, and crowd-sourcing. They demonstrated the practical tools used in digital advocacy such as:

TikAPI (extracts public data from TikTok), Telethon (scrapes Telegram data via API), and GDELT (monitors global news and events in real time);

Tableau (creates interactive data dashboards and visual insights) for visualisation; and,

Bayanat, an open-source platform tailored for civil society data handling. They also explored HURIDOCS, a flexible system of 49 microthesauri for classifying human rights violations, widely adopted since the 1980s and adaptable to various advocacy needs.

Furthermore, participants were assigned with tasks to develop and refine their own research hypotheses through small group exercises that focused on case studies ranging from online harms, access to education and environmental impacts. They needed to identify relevant data sources, design their research approach, and receive feedback on their framing and methodology.

Through Knowledge Hub, participants enhanced their technical literacy, built greater confidence in designing methodologies and collecting data, and deepened their understanding of shared standards for credible and ethical data collection to address tech abuse threats.

Participants of Knowledge Hub Session 2 learned how to strengthen skills in credible and ethical data collection.

SEARCCT’s International Conference 2025: Emerging Trends in Terrorism and Violent Extremism
2025-06-24 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 24 June 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) International Conference 2025 with the theme of “Emerging Trends in Terrorism and Violent Extremism”. The conference brought together counterterrorism experts, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives to address the evolving challenges of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), focusing on the role of digital platforms and emerging technologies.

The first day of the forum featured two key sessions that explored the evolving nexus between youth, technology, and violent extremism.

First session: How radicalisation unfolds across social media, encrypted messaging apps, gaming spaces, and the dark web.

Mr. Asrul Shah Razali from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia moderated this session.

Ms. Mediha Mahmood from Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) highlighted the “bystander effect” online, where silence by passive users amplifies extremist content. She cited successful counter-speech strategies, such as a German initiative that reduced hate threats by 17%.

Ms. Emma Allen from Hedayah Centre, United Arab Emirates shared findings from a study revealing that 96% of Malaysian youth are online, making them highly vulnerable to extremist narratives that blend global and local themes.

Dr. Miraji Mohamed, Swansea University and Dublin City University added an interdisciplinary lens, stressing the importance of understanding how different platforms shape radicalisation processes and recommending gender-sensitive, alternative approaches to prevention.

Second session: how artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies are reshaping the terrorism landscape and preventive strategies. moderated by

Ms. Farlina Said from Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, moderated this session.

Mr. Asrul Daniel Ahmad from SEARCCT described how extremists exploit generative AI to create deepfakes, emotionally resonant content, and culturally subversive propaganda, citing examples like AI-generated ISIS news modeled after Al Jazeera. He warned of AI’s potential to rapidly spread content in local languages, increasing the threat in Southeast Asia. In response, SEARCCT runs youth-focused story workshops and coding labs to build digital resilience.

Ms. Asha Hemrajani from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore highlighted digital vulnerabilities including a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and platform manipulation, advocating for algorithmic retraining and multiple response mechanisms tailored to each platform’s dynamics.

Mr. Galen Lamphere-Englund from Extremism and Gaming Research Network (EGRN) turned the spotlight on the gaming ecosystem, identifying its highly social nature as fertile ground for radicalisation. His research found that 30% of gamers across seven countries encountered extremist content, with 22% seeing it as normal. Extremists exploit games through propaganda-laced titles, in-game chats, microtransactions, and even live-streaming attacks. Buffalo 2022 shooter’s exposure to radicalisation, for example, was through platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Twitch.

He proposed a “Prevent, Detect, React” framework including esports mentorships, gaming literacy programmes, and AI moderation to counter this radicalisation threat. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) is also preparing a Southeast Asian study to improve online safety in gaming spaces.

The conference highlighted the dual role of technology in extremism and PCVE, from silence-driven radicalisation to AI-enhanced propaganda and gaming vulnerabilities. Building on INITIATE.MY’s established work on online extremism, which addresses online threats and the exploitation of AI, these insights strengthen our findings.

Balqis Maesara, INITIATE.MY’s Project Officer, and Irdina Sorfina, INITIATE.MY’s Legal Intern contributed to critical conversations on digital threats and counterextremism in Southeast Asia as a civil society organisation.

International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025
2025-06-24 08:00 - 2025-06-26 17:00
Singapore, 24–26 June 2025 – The International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025 brought together leaders, practitioners, scholars, and youth from across the globe to explore how diverse communities can forge meaningful connections and build resilience in the face of growing societal challenges.

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) convened this third edition of ICCS under the theme of “Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures.” Delegates from over 30 countries—representing institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), ASEAN, civil society organisations, and religious communities—joined the three-day gathering to share insights and strategies.

The conference centred around three thematic pillars: 1. Unpacking Multiculturalism, 2. Navigating Uncertainty, and 3. Forging Societal Resilience.

Through high-impact plenaries, hands-on workshops, and immersive community explorations, ICCS 2025 equipped participants with practical tools to lead transformative change and strengthen social cohesion within their communities.

Hisham Muhaimi, INITIATE.MY’s Project Coordinator, represented the organisation. He participated in two key sessions at ICCS 2025.

Conflict resolution workshop: Practical mediation and communication skills to strengthen conflict-sensitive programming and grassroots engagement.Visit to the Indian Heritage Centre: Exploration of South Asian cultural contributions to Singapore’s national identity, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in fostering social cohesion.

Hisham also reconnected with Amina Rasul-Bernardo and Atty. Salma Pir Rasul, two prominent voices in peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism in the Philippines.

Hisham Muhaimi reconnected with leading voices in peacebuilding and PCVE in the Philippines, Amina Rasul-Bernardo and Atty. Salma Pir Rasul at ICCS 2025 in Singapore.

At ICCS 2025, INITIATE.MY engaged regional and global networks to share its initiatives and contribute to key conversations on identity, coexistence, and societal resilience. The organisation remains committed to advancing inclusive dialogue, diversity, and community cohesion through education and cross-sector collaboration—locally and globally.

Knowledge Hub Session 3: Data-Driven Advocacy: Storytelling
2025-06-25 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 25 June 2025 – INITIATE.MY hosted the third session of the Knowledge Hub series, focusing on “Data-Driven Advocacy: Storytelling.” The session equipped civil society actors with practical skills to transform complex data into accessible, compelling narratives that enhance advocacy efforts.

Facilitators guided participants through tools and strategies that connect evidence with storytelling. They emphasised that data alone cannot shape public opinion or influence policy without thoughtful framing. Using case studies and live demonstrations, facilitators introduced visualisation tools such as Flourish, enabling participants—especially those without technical backgrounds—to create clear and persuasive charts and infographics.

Participants took part in hands-on exercises to critique and redesign data visuals. They identified and corrected misleading charts, applied design principles that prioritise clarity, simplicity, and ethical presentation. Discussions also addressed common pitfalls such as overusing pie charts and poor colour contrast.

The session also explored:

1. Public opinion surveys as a form of data collection and storytelling. Participants examined how survey design, sampling methods, and question framing shape responses and influence narratives. Careful phrasing can reveal honest perspectives on sensitive issues without triggering bias or defensiveness.

2. The growing use of machine-assisted analysis in advocacy, including media monitoring and trend detection. Facilitators cautioned against overreliance on automation, stressed the irreplaceable role of human judgment, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence in crafting ethical and impactful narratives.

3. Methods for blending legal analysis, data, and personal stories. This discussion underscored how storytelling grounded in lived experience—especially when tailored to marginalised audiences—can challenge dominant narratives and shape policy discourse.

Knowledge Hub strengthens a more connected and informed civil society. In this case, data is most impactful when framed with care, grounded in context, and communicated clearly. As the digital information space grows more complex, civil society must go beyond collecting and analysing data—they must learn to tell stories that resonate.

Participants of Knowledge Hub Session 3 learned how to tell stories from data more effectively.

Roundtable – Canada–Malaysia Collaboration on the Development of Malaysia’s First WPS NAP
2025-07-21 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 21 July 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Civil Society Roundtable on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), co-organised by the High Commission of Canada and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). The dialogue convened women leaders, peace practitioners, and civil society representatives to discuss how Malaysia’s upcoming National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP WPS) can translate global commitments into local realities.

The roundtable reaffirmed that peace is more sustainable when women are meaningfully included in peace processes — a principle underscored by UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Discussions at the forum emphasised that Malaysia’s NAP must go beyond policy rhetoric by ensuring institutional commitment, civil society engagement, and mechanisms for harm prevention.

Participants examined how women’s rights advocacy, youth engagement, and peacebuilding initiatives align with WPS principles, while identifying barriers to mainstreaming gender perspectives in national security policies. Insights from Canada’s WPS Network illustrated how sustained collaboration between civil society and government can foster more inclusive policy design and monitoring.

Representing INITIATE.MY, Balqis Maesara, Project Officer, and Irdina Sorfina, Legal Intern, contributed perspectives from the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) field — highlighting that women’s roles in radicalisation are often confined to that of victims or intermediaries, rather than dominant players. They stressed that to counter this, women’s empowerment must be a core strategy—by placing women in decision-making roles and highlighting women peacebuilders as visible role models..

INITIATE.MY’s policy recommendations presented at the roundtable included:

1. Institutionalise reconciliation mechanisms within PCVE frameworks, including a National Mediation Centre to document women’s testimonies and facilitate community healing.2. Provide trauma support, anti-stigma initiatives, education, and economic reintegration for women and children affected by extremism.3. Introduce systematic screening to identify trafficking victims in terrorism contexts, ensuring legal safeguards, safe shelters, and psychosocial assistance.4. Empower affected women as mediators and peacebuilding leaders to ensure their direct participation in policy formulation and implementation.5. Establish a gender-disaggregated online database to track mediation outcomes, rehabilitation success, and reconciliation progress.

These recommendations aim to ensure that Malaysia’s NAP WPS not only protects women from violence and discrimination but also positions them as key agents of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. As Malaysia prepares for the upcoming ASEAN WPS Summit, INITIATE.MY looks forward to continued collaboration with state and non-state actors to advance inclusive, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive peacebuilding in Southeast Asia.

INITIATE.MY joined the Civil Society Roundtable on Women, Peace and Security to advocate for gender-responsive, trauma-informed approaches in Malaysia’s upcoming NAP WPS.

Info Sessions on Proposal Writing and Fundraising
2025-08-08 08:00 - 2025-08-22 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 8–22 August 2025 – INITIATE.MY successfully conducted a three-part internal workshop series on ‘Proposal Writing, Budgeting, and Fundraising Skills’ designed to strengthen staff capacity and enhance collaboration with civil society partners in developing competitive and values-based funding proposals.

Led by Fong Mun Hong, an experienced trainer with a background in international donor relations, the workshop took place at INITIATE.MY’s co-working space at KL Gateway, Petaling Jaya. The sessions brought together participants comprising INITIATE staff and civil society partners such as from the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) and Projek SAMA (Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia).

Trainer Fong Mun Hong explained the origins and evolution of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), highlighting how the practice has shaped evidence-based programme design and accountability in the development sector.

The workshop was structured into three thematic sessions:

Session 1: Funding Landscape & Proposal BasicsParticipants were introduced to key funding sources, including government grants and philanthropic foundations, and explored strategies for navigating the evolving donor environment. The session also covered essential components of proposal writing, from goal setting and programme design to developing a theory of change and aligning budgets with project objectives.

Session 2: Logic Models, Risk Assessment & MELThis session focused on project planning and evaluation tools. Participants learned how to develop logic models linking inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, while also identifying and mitigating operational and reputational risks. The session included a hands-on exercise where participants designed a basic logic model and risk matrix for their own projects.

Session 3: Advanced Budgeting, Budget Narratives & Financial ReadinessThe final session deepened participants’ understanding of budgeting processes, donor compliance, and financial accountability. Topics included detailed budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, and audit readiness, and ended with a practical exercise where participants drafted a concept note and budget outline.

Reading materials from the first session were also provided to ensure continuity for participants who joined in the later sessions. Through this workshop, INITIATE.MY reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of accountability, strategic thinking, and partnership-driven growth within Malaysia’s civil society ecosystem.

SAFER: SEAN-CSO Empowerment to Counter Online Hate in Southeast Asia
2025-08-11 08:00 - 17:00
Bandung, 11-15 August 2025 – The SEAN-CSO SAFER Workshop 2025 equipped civil society organisations with practical skills, innovative tools, and a collaborative mindset to counter hate speech and violent extremism. It aimed to empower individuals and organisations to combat online hate while promoting gamification, AI innovation, and cross-border partnerships that build a safer digital space in Southeast Asia.

The Southeast Asian Network of Civil Society Organisations (SEAN-CSO) brings together over 25 regional CSOs and researchers working on preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). This year, the network focused on tackling hate in the region, especially online hate. PeaceGeneration Indonesia proposed three main collaborative initiatives to support this theme.

Held from August 12–15, 2025, at Deakin University, Lancaster University Indonesia, the SEAN-CSO Workshop: SAFER (SEAN-CSO Empowerment to Counter Online Hate in Southeast Asia) was designed to build not only knowledge but also the mindset, toolset, and skillset needed by CSOs to respond effectively to online hate and violent extremism. Through a gamified learning approach, participants called “Robots” completed four missions across four days. Each mission awarded a badge, and those who completed all four became Certified Guardians, ready to defend Southeast Asia’s digital space. The workshop followed the FIDS model (Feel–Imagine–Do–Share): starting with emotional connection, moving into envisioning safer futures, practicing strategies, and closing with reflection.

The workshop opened with remarks from Irfan Amali of PeaceGeneration Indonesia, Greg Barton of Deakin University, and Shilpa Maniar from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Irfan explained that the sessions would be practical, incorporating gamification, online games, and AI. Shilpa highlighted rising terrorist threats in Australia, noting the impact of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, and shared Australia’s PCVE strategy, which emphasises prevention, societal cooperation, and early intervention. Greg stressed the urgent need to address hate speech as a driver of extremism in Southeast Asia. Participants first connected through a lighthearted icebreaker, then engaged with Greg Barton’s presentation on understanding the connection between hate speech and violent extremism. Drawing examples from Melbourne, the United States, Europe, India, and New Zealand, Greg explained how hate speech, while not always direct violence, creates conditions that fuel radicalisation and real-world harm.

Another highlight came from Sheikh Moustapha Sarakibi of the Board of Imams Victoria, who presented the Community Integration Support Program (CISP). The initiative provides religious mentoring and social support to individuals at risk of extremism, addressing ideology, social relations, and mental health while offering counter-arguments to extremist propaganda. The day closed with a ‘Do’ session led by Irfan Amali, where participants practiced crafting alternative narratives. Using examples such as reframing divisive rhetoric into inclusive stories, Robots learned strategies to challenge hate speech creatively. Reflections collected via Mentimeter revealed participants’ empathy and a strengthened commitment to peace.

The second day centered on gamification as both a risk and an opportunity. Noor Huda Ismail illustrated how extremist groups use gaming platforms and communities to spread ideology while challenging participants to imagine how games can promote peace instead. Best-practice sessions followed: Luthfi Noorfitriyani presented peace-focused games such as Semester Baru, which tackles bullying, and Ekspedisi Ulun Lampung, which fosters inter-ethnic understanding. Eko Nugroho introduced the Kummara Learning Ecosystem, emphasising how games provide safe spaces to test ideas, reflect, and build teamwork. Activities like Mind Before Send demonstrated how playful design can encourage responsible digital behavior. During the ‘Do’ session, participants prototyped their own game ideas, ranging from board games to digital concepts. Their designs reflected local contexts and cultural wisdom, showcasing creativity in countering radicalisation. The day ended with a Bandung Tour on Bus (Bandros) trip and networking dinner, giving participants the chance to bond across borders and discuss collaboration in a more informal setting.

The third mission shifted to technology and AI. The day began with role-play exercises simplifying P/CVE concepts for younger audiences, reminding participants of the importance of clarity and empathy in communication. Dan Goodhart presented lessons from monitoring antisemitism in Australia, highlighting spikes in incidents and the use of AI tools like BERT and Meta One to track hate. His work underscored how data strengthens resilience and builds trust between communities and authorities.

Following that, a talk show featured William S.G (IMAN Research, Malaysia), Aizat Shamsuddin (INITIATE.MY, Malaysia), and Dedik Priyanto (Islami.co, Indonesia). They discussed strategies for leveraging technology and media to counter online hate, including the role of grassroots reporting and youth-led platforms. Dedik emphasised TikTok’s dual role as both a vector of hate and a tool for spreading inclusive narratives, while Aizat shared INITIATE.MY’s experiences in using civic technology, youth engagement, and media literacy to strengthen community resilience against online extremism. The discussion illustrated how regional collaboration—between research institutions, youth organisations, and digital media practitioners—can create lasting impact in combating digital hate across Southeast Asia.

In the ‘Do’ sessions, Derry Wijaya introduced narrative mapping to analyse how identity, polarisation, and toxicity intertwine online. Matteo Vergani showcased AI models for monitoring online hate and guided participants in creating custom prompts in their own languages. This exercise gave Robots firsthand insight into the opportunities and risks of AI in peacebuilding. Reflections highlighted that online hate is never isolated—it mirrors and fuels offline violence—making technological innovation essential, though not without challenges.

The final day transitioned toward sustainability and action. Luthfi Noorfitriyani of PeaceGen introduced the Lexicon on Ethno-Religious Hate Speech, an interactive e-learning platform made by Patani Forum, Thailand, which combines games, video screenings, and discussions to make learning engaging. Following this, Lindawati Sumpena shared details on seed-funding opportunities for CSOs. Grants will support innovative projects such as a CSO Risk Assessment Toolkit and interventions to counter online hate. Participants learned proposal requirements, co-funding possibilities, and eligibility criteria for both new and ongoing projects.

In the closing Share session, participants reflected on the potential and risks of AI in countering hate and articulated their personal “first mission” after the workshop. Commitments included sharing workshop insights within their communities, designing new digital literacy programs, and experimenting with e-learning for peace. The SEAN-CSO SAFER Workshop 2025 demonstrated that addressing online hate requires more than just awareness: it requires practical skills, innovative tools, and collaborative mindsets. By engaging participants as Robots on a gamified journey, the workshop transformed abstract concepts into concrete action.

From Greg Barton’s global insights to hands-on sessions with AI, from game design to seed-funding opportunities, every mission equipped participants with knowledge and agency. Most importantly, the workshop strengthened cross-border solidarity—reminding Southeast Asia’s civil society that while hate travels fast online, collaboration and creativity travel faster. SEAN-CSO provides a platform for civil society organisations in Southeast Asia to network and share resources. Through this network, members can support each other, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to address the region’s social challenges. In doing so, SEAN-CSO contributes to strengthening the voice of civil society at both regional and international levels.

Credit: This article is based on the original work “SAFER: SEAN-CSO Empowerment to Counter Online Hate in Southeast Asia,” written by PeaceGeneration Indonesia and published on SEAN-CSO.org.Source: https://www.sean-cso.org/article/articles/safer-sean-cso-empowerment-to-counter-online-hate-in-southeast-asia © Copyright 2025 SEAN-CSO. All rights reserved.

INITIATE.MY shared its youth-led approach to digital resilience at the SEAN-CSO SAFER Workshop 2025, fostering collaboration to counter online extremism.

Knowledge Hub Session 4.1: Digital Security Strategies
2025-08-13 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 13 August 2025 – INITIATE.MY hosted the fourth session of the Knowledge Hub series at KL Journal Hotel, focusing on ‘Digital Security Strategies’. The session strengthened civil society’s capacity to manage digital risks, safeguard information, and adapt to an evolving online environment.

Facilitators framed digital security as a shared organisational responsibility that extends beyond technical tools to include culture, policy, and daily practice. Participants examined how data protection gaps and the dominance of major technology companies shape online participation and expose vulnerabilities.

Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants explored practical methods such as data classification, digital hygiene, device separation, encryption, and “zero trust” systems – emphasising the principle of ‘trust but always verify’. The session also introduced structured risk mapping and legal preparedness as essential components of digital resilience.

A live phishing-detection exercise trained participants to spot suspicious emails and domains, while group simulations applied multilayered strategies – combining encryption, communication security, and legal safeguards – to handle digital crises. Additionally, A scenario based discussion challenged participants to manage a high-risk information leak scenario, applying layered strategies that integrated digital, legal, and physical safeguards. The exercise highlighted the importance of preventive action, informed decision-making, and coordination across teams when responding to crises.

The session concluded that effective digital security is proactive, collective, and context-driven. Strengthening civil society’s resilience requires embedding ethical, accountable, and adaptive practices that protect both people and causes in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Participants of the Knowledge Hub Session 4.1: Digital Security Strategies deepened their capacity to manage risks, protect information, and safeguard their organisations in an evolving digital landscape.

Advocacy Series Webinar 2025
2025-08-24 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 24 August 2025 – The ASEAN Youth Advocates Network, in partnership with Talang Dalisay, organised the third session of the ASEAN Youth Month (AYM) 2025 Advocacy Series Webinar titled “Stop the Cap: How Fake News Threatens ASEAN’s Stability.” Balqis Maesara, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, spoke on how misinformation and disinformation threaten human security and youth resilience in the digital era.

The discussion examined how fake news spreads rapidly through everyday online spaces such as memes, chats, and short videos, making it appear casual and believable. Participants learned how algorithms and social media echo chambers accelerate the virality of misinformation, while new technologies like generative AI and AI-driven bots amplify manipulation.

INITIATE.MY shared their work on how extremist groups use AI to spread propaganda, noting how the technology accelerates and personalises misinformation. The discussion explored how fake news circulates rapidly through memes, chats, and short videos, making false content appear casual and believable. Participants examined how algorithms and echo chambers amplify these narratives, while AI-generated deepfakes, videos, and memes blur the line between truth and fiction—turning legitimate causes into emotionally charged narratives that glorify violence and normalise hostility.

Speakers highlighted the growing vulnerability of young people, who are not only the most active social media users but also key targets of misinformation campaigns. Through real-life examples from Malaysia and neighbouring ASEAN countries, the session illustrated how false narratives can escalate local incidents into communal conflicts and erode public trust in institutions.

The conversation linked these challenges to broader human security concerns—showing how disinformation threatens political stability, fuels fear and division, and undermines dignity and democratic governance.

Participants also explored practical solutions: improving fact-checking habits, using digital verification tools like Google Lens, MyCheck (Malaysia), and CekFakta (Indonesia), and engaging responsibly with online platforms by understanding their content moderation systems as well as existing ASEAN frameworks.

The session concluded by reaffirming the crucial role of youth as defenders of truth and digital resilience under the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda. It called for stronger media literacy education and creative, youth-led campaigns to promote fact-checking culture across the ASEAN region.

Balqis Maesara from INITIATE.MY presenting at the ASEAN Youth Month 2025 session “Stop the Cap: How Fake News Threatens ASEAN’s Stability,” sharing insights on misinformation, human security, and youth resilience in the digital era.

The Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025
2025-08-26 00:00 - 2025-08-27 23:59
The Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly returns for a third edition this August 26 to 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the vital work of fostering resilience and solidarity within the digital rights community in the Asia-Pacific. Building upon the foundations of DRAPAC23 Chiang Mai and DRAPAC24 Taipei, the assembly will unite diverse stakeholders to combat rising digital authoritarianism in the region by collaboratively shaping rights-based digital governance, bolstering the resilience of at-risk human rights defenders, and pioneering innovative strategies through cross-sector alliances.

DRAPAC25 is jointly hosted by Architects of Diversity (AOD Malaysia), the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), Sinar Project, and EngageMedia. This vibrant cohort and their networks will bring local expertise and regional perspectives to the forefront of the DRAPAC25.

https://engagemedia.org

With the theme “collective digital futures: building power, resilience, and imagination”, the two-day programme will feature three tracks:

1. Shaping power, driving change – Engaging governments, businesses, regional institutions and global communities to influence the policies, norms, and standards that define our digital world. This track is where digital rights actors shift narratives, challenge power, and advocate for rights-based governance. Through direct engagement with policymakers, corporations, and international bodies, this track advances regional and global strategies for accountability, access, and justice.2. Strengthening movements, securing our future – Building resilience from within by fortifying networks, deepening expertise, and reinforcing the foundations of digital rights in the Asia-Pacific. In this track, we invest in the sustainability of the movement – enhancing security, capacity, and organisational infrastructure while fostering solidarity and wellbeing. By equipping digital rights defenders with the tools, strategies, and support systems they need, this track ensures long-term impact in an increasingly repressive environment.

3. Beyond boundaries, beyond limits – Expanding the frontier of digital rights by embracing new allies, radical imagination, and unconventional strategies to drive systemic change. Sessions in this track challenge assumptions, connect unexpected movements, and explore speculative ideas that push digital rights beyond traditional advocacy. By fostering cross-sector collaborations and bold experimentation, this track unlocks new possibilities for impact and innovation.

The Human Rights Tech Fair will run throughout the main event, showcasing privacy-respecting, secure, and open technologies addressing challenges faced by human rights defenders in the region. More Day 0 and post-event activities led by other human rights groups and civil society organisations will complement and enrich the experience of DRAPAC25 attendees.

–Subscribe to the DRAPAC newsletter

–Submit your ideas

–Apply for fellowship

–Become a volunteer

Submit your ideas

Have insights, ideas, or solutions to share with the DRAPAC community? Propose a session at drap.ac/25/programme. You can draft, edit, and publish your submissions until 23:59 hrs on Thursday, June 20, 2025 (UTC+8).

We’re seeking dynamic sessions and activities that:1. Align closely with our three thematic tracks. –Shaping power, driving change – Sessions in this track shift narratives, challenge power, and advocate for rights-based governance through direct engagement with policymakers, corporations, and international bodies. –Strengthening movements, securing our future – Sessions in this track invest in the sustainability of the movement – enhancing security, capacity, and organisational infrastructure while fostering solidarity and wellbeing. –Strengthening movements, securing our future – Sessions in this track challenge assumptions, connect unexpected movements, and explore speculative ideas that push digital rights beyond traditional advocacy. Activities should aim to foster cross-sector collaborations and bold experimentation.2. Feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, prioritizing underrepresented communities and actively promoting inclusivity. We encourage gender-balanced panels and meaningful participation from all stakeholders.3. Emphasise regionality and foster regional solidarity. DRAPAC25 offers a unique platform to connect and collaborate across the Asia-Pacific digital rights community.

Support the event

We invite interested individuals and organisations to help ensure the success of the event: –Volunteer: The DRAPAC25 organizing team is also looking for interested individuals to volunteer for the convening! Get behind-the-scenes experience on mounting a regional convening while learning more about digital rights directly from the regional community. Volunteers will receive a daily stipend, swag, and meals during the event. Applicants are to arrange their own travels and lodging. Apply today at drap.ac/25/volunteers –Financial and in-kind support: We welcome support to cover travel expenses and accommodation for DRAPAC25 fellows to ensure the diversity of attendees and the presence of a broader range of allies.

Apply for the DRAPAC25 fellowship

If you require travel support to cover your flights, lodging, meals, and incidentals to attend DRAPAC25, submit your application at drap.ac/25/fellows. Application closes at 23:59 hrs on Sunday, June 15, 2025 (UTC+8).

Get in touch with the DRAPAC25 team at drapac25@drapac.net.

DRAPAC Panel Discussion: Tech-Facilitated Abuse and Its Threats to Democracy and Human Security in Southeast Asia
2025-08-26 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 26 August 2025 – The panel discussion “Tech-Facilitated Abuse and Its Threats to Democracy and Human Security in Southeast Asia” convened regional experts, activists, and researchers from Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia to examine how technology is increasingly abused by bad actors to threaten democracy and human security in the region at the Digital Rights Assembly Asia Pacific (DRAPAC) 2025.

In Myanmar:

1. Internet shutdowns have become institutionalised since the 2021 coup, shifting from isolated incidents to a sustained tool of control.2. Increasing surveillance tactics, including SIM card hijacking, blocked OTP (one-time password) verifications, and arbitrary denial of internet access.3. These measures are now amplified by AI-driven tools, such as keyword recognition and the integration of facial recognition with CCTV systems.4. Such practices have created a pervasive climate of fear, limiting digital freedoms and everyday communication.

Civil society actors are particularly targeted, often subjected to doxxing, arrest, and criminalisation — caught between intensified state repression and the threat of rising cybercrime.

In the Philippines:

1. Internet usage in the country ranks among the highest globally, with community Wi-Fi acting as both a vital service and a platform for grassroots advocacy.2. However, this digital dependency has also increased vulnerability to state overreach, including; Cyber libel prosecutions; Expansive surveillance programmes; Enforcement of the Anti-Terror Law; and, Mandatory SIM card registration3. Concerns were raised over the sharing of private telecom data with foreign entities, which further undermines public trust and accountability.4. Despite these threats, grassroots efforts continue to foster resilience through cybersecurity workshops and digital rights awareness initiatives.

In Indonesia:

1. Disinformation has been a persistent challenge, especially during and after the 2014 and 2019 elections.2. Despite the presence of fact-checking networks, deepfakes and coordinated influence operations were reported to have undermined public trust in democratic institutions between 2014 and 2024.3. Proposed countermeasures included judicial reviews of problematic laws, strengthening investigative journalism, and expanding cross-sector collaboration on fact-checking to build long-term public resilience.

In Malaysia:

1. Online spaces across the region have become increasingly polarised, particularly during election cycles, with spikes in hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.2. Political actors, influencers, pseudo-news outlets, and bot networks were noted as key amplifiers of divisive narratives.3. AI-driven recommendation algorithms worsen these dynamics by promoting toxic content under engagement-based profit models.4. Civil society organisations and vulnerable groups—including minorities, human rights defenders, and public servants—are frequent targets of coordinated online attacks, ranging from cyber harassment to disinformation campaigns.

The session concluded with a clear message: governments in the region are increasingly using digital tools for surveillance, intimidation, and control. However, resistance is growing through legal action, investigative journalism, advocacy, and grassroots efforts. Safeguarding digital rights and civic space in Southeast Asia will require stronger regional solidarity and a bold reimagining of a digital ecosystem grounded in human rights.

The panel discussion examined how surveillance, disinformation, and online harassment undermine civic space—and how regional collaboration can strengthen democratic resilience.

Women Police Leadership Course: Engaging Civil Society
2025-08-27 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 27 August 2025 — INITIATE.MY participated in the Women’s Leadership Course organised by the British High Commission and Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), delivering a presentation titled “Engaging Civil Society.” The session, led by Aizat Shamsuddin, explored how civil society organisations (CSOs) play an essential role in promoting tolerance, preventing violence, and strengthening democratic resilience.

Drawing from INITIATE.MY’s experience as a data-driven non-profit initiative, the presentation underscored the value of two-way dialogue between government institutions, law enforcement, and community actors. Participants examined how CSOs contribute to crime prevention, community oversight, and policy innovation through independent, ground-up engagement.

The discussion outlined both the opportunities and challenges in state–civil society collaboration. Issues of mistrust, differing approaches to security, and capacity gaps were addressed alongside practical solutions—building trust through sustained engagement, balancing soft and hard security methods, and empowering leadership across institutions.

Aizat also highlighted INITIATE.MY’s flagship programmes, including the Knowledge Hub on Tech Abuse Threats—a platform equipping over 20 civil society members with tools for data-driven advocacy—and the Peace Lab for Youth Leaders, which has trained 50 youth across Malaysia on peacebuilding, intersectional leadership, and social resilience with the involvement of law enforcement’s perspective with the goal to build mutual understanding between the community and authority.

The presentation emphasised that civil society engagement is not ancillary but central to national stability and peace. By bridging data, policy, and lived experience, initiatives like INITIATE.MY demonstrate how inclusive partnerships can strengthen public trust and build long-term social cohesion.

Aizat Shamsuddin presented at the Women’s Leadership Course organised by the British High Commission, RMP and PNP .

DRAPAC Workshop Discussion: Risk Assessment and Resource Sharing to Protect CSOs and HRDs from Tech-Facilitated Abuse Threats
2025-08-28 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 28 August 2025 – On the third day of the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly 2025 (DRAPAC25), INITIATE.MY, in collaboration with APCOM Foundation, World Alliance for Citizen Participation (CIVICUS), and Cloudflare, co-organised a capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) to navigate digital and physical threats. The session focused on advancing civic space, digital rights, and community resilience across the region. The session aimed to:

1. Build the capacity of CSOs and HRDs to identify and respond to intersecting digital and physical threats;2. Share expert strategies and grassroots approaches for improving security and resilience;3. Facilitate practical learning tailored to real-world contexts and risk environments.

Workshop Session

The workshop opened with a 40-minute breakout session to help participants rapidly assess threats and vulnerabilities. Participants were divided into two groups and tasked with:

1. Identifying their top three risks using a risk likelihood-impact matrix;2. Developing a short action plan with assigned responsibilities and deadlines;3. Mapping internal and external resources relevant to their security context.

Facilitators guided the groups through mapping:

1. Assets (people, data, devices);2. Threats (both digital and physical);3. Response actions across three core dimensions: people (roles, responsibilities, training), processes (SOPs, incident response protocols), and technology (multi-factor authentication, data backups).

This hands-on approach was designed to equip participants with tangible, context-specific strategies for improving protection and resilience in their respective organisations.

Sharing Session

Following the group exercise, a sharing session on available resources to address these risks by diverse practitioners across digital rights, security, and civic engagement sectors. Key highlights included:

1. A presentation on the Dash Chat project, a resilient messaging platform designed for high-risk contexts facing internet shutdowns and surveillance, particularly in under-connected regions.2. A global overview of civic space trends, with emphasis on Asia-specific digital threats and the introduction of a crisis response fund offering emergency grants for digital protection and advocacy.3. A focus on resources available forcollective protection and solidarity of LGBT HRDs from tech-facilitated abuse such as Shelter City, Digital Defender Partnership, AccessNow, IPPF+Front Line Defenders, and ProtectDefender.eu.4. A pro bono cybersecurity initiative providing DDoS protection and technical support for at-risk organisations, empowering CSOs and HRDs with access to professional-grade tools.

The session concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to integrating digital and physical security into their organisational practices. The workshop’s blend of expert insight, peer learning, and practical facilitation ensured that attendees left with both heightened awareness and actionable strategies.

This initiative under DRAPAC25 underscored the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and regional solidarity in protecting civic space and advancing digital rights across the Asia-Pacific.

Workshop participants engaged in a dynamic group discussion on strategies to strengthen protection against digital and physical security threats.

Workshop Discussion: Risk Assessment and Resource Sharing to Protect CSOs and HRDs from Tech-Facilitated Abuse Threats during DRAPAC25
2025-08-28 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for a focused workshop equipping civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) with strategies to strengthen protection against digital and physical threats, featuring:

👥 Speakers

– Jun Ng, Decent Design, User Experience and Discovery Lab (Open Technology Fund)

– Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Monitor Asia Pacific Researcher, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

– Numan Afifi, Shelter City Guest & Senior Research and Policy Officer, APCOM Foundation

– Nabila Hussain, Head, Southeast Asia Public Policy, Cloudfare

📅 28 August 2025 (Thu)🕒 10.00 AM – 1.00 PM MYT📍 Theatrette 1.12, First Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence, Kuala Lumpur

⚠️ This session is open to DRAPAC-registered participants only. If you’re not registered but interested in joining, email us at salam@initiate.my

🔹 Collaboration: INITIATE.MY, APCOM, CIVICUS, and Cloudflare

ISIS-AOD Workshop on Platform Design and Algorithmic Governance
2025-09-10 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2025 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Platform Design and Governance Workshop organised by Architects of Diversity, in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and supported by Luminate. The two-day workshop convened policymakers, researchers, legal professionals, and civil society representatives to strengthen collective understanding of platform governance, algorithmic accountability, and online safety in Malaysia.

The discussions focused on Malaysia’s evolving digital governance landscape and its complex intersections between technology, regulation, and civic trust. Participants explored a wide range of online harms—including scams, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), cyberbullying, hate speech, and disinformation—emphasising how algorithmic amplification and profit-driven platform design continue to challenge user safety, public trust, and social cohesion.

Deliberations reflected on the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability through regulatory frameworks such as the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) and the Online Safety Act (OSA). However, participants observed that enforcement remains fragmented, with regulatory overlaps and uncertainties surrounding platform licensing processes. The conversation further examined the tension between state regulation and platform self-governance, noting that uncoordinated or disproportionate interventions may risk both overreach and ineffective protection.

There was also broad reflection on existing legal provisions governing digital expression, including those that may be overly broad or open to misuse. Participants collectively emphasised the need for future-proof, rights-respecting legislation that balances accountability with freedom of expression, ensuring that safety measures do not undermine civil liberties. Transparency in content takedown processes, platform compliance, and the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms were highlighted as critical to maintaining public confidence and democratic integrity.

Through its participation, INITIATE.MY reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital governance that centres human security, tech accountability, and democratic resilience.

Participants at the two-day Platform Design and Governance Workshop engaging in a closed-door session on Malaysia’s digital governance landscape and online harms to advance rights-based, accountable approaches to platform regulation.

International Youth Rationalisme Forum 3.0: ‘Exploring Solutions to the Growing Issue of Racial and Religious Extremism in Malaysia from Different Perspectives
2025-09-19 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2025 – The International Youth Rationalisme Forum 3.0: Exploring Solutions to the Growing Issue of Racial and Religious Extremism in Malaysia from Different Perspectives’ organised by the International Youth Rationalism Forum Committee gathered speakers of diverse background to encourage discourse and exchanges on addressing social inequality and all forms of discrimination based on race, religion, caste, gender, and superstitious beliefs.

The programme featured four speakers including Eow Shiang Yen, Partnerships & Communications Officer of INITIATE.MY. He analysed how structural factors and public perceptions interact in driving intolerance and division in his session on ‘Unpacking the Roots of Racial and Religious Extremism in Malaysia – Systems and Perceptions’ His presentation also called for systemic reforms such as strengthening legislation on hate speech, advancing restorative justice, and incorporating mediation as an alternative conflict resolution mechanism through community-based approaches.

Armand Azra bin Azlira, a historian and a researcher delivered his sharing on ‘Understanding Malaysia Beyond the Three Races – Inclusivity of the Orang Asli’, while Sharmini Aphrodite, a historian and writer shared Understanding Malaysia Beyond the Three Races – Inclusivity of Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting the need to recognise and integrate Malaysia’s indigenous and East Malaysian communities into national narratives of unity.

International Youth Rationalisme Forum 3.0 closed with a call for Malaysians to think rationally, engage openly, and build bridges of understanding. The forum affirmed that Malaysians can safeguard the nation’s harmony only by committing collectively to inclusivity, ethical communication, and sustainable conflict resolution.

Panelists and the organising committee of the Rationalisme Forum 3.0 recognised the importance of using a third space and open forum in improving inter-ethnic and inter-religious understanding.

Knowledge Hub Webinar: Are We Ready to Tackle Tech-Facilitated Harms?
2025-10-15 14:00 - 16:00
How prepared are we to confront the growing threats enabled by technology — from disinformation, online hate to crimes targeting vulnerable communities?

Bringing together experts from Malaysia and across the region, our panel will unpack how technology is reshaping the threat landscape from online extremism and disinformation to digital abuse — and what policy, platform, and community responses are needed to build safer online spaces.

Stay tuned for insights from:👤 Dr. Haezreena Begum, Criminologist & Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya👤 Tamara Yesmin Toma, Research Coordinator, Dismislab, Digitally Right, Bangladesh👤 Harris Zainul, Director of Research, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia💬 Moderated by Suyin Chia, Researcher, Initiative to Promote Tolerance & Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

📅 15 October 2025, Wednesday🕓 2pm – 4pm MYT📍Zoom Platform

Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders and Thinkers
2025-10-25 00:00 - 2025-12-31 23:59
APPLY FOR PEACE LAB FOR MALAYSIAN LEADERS AND THINKERS

⏳ Application Deadline Extended!

We are extending the participant application for the Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders & Thinkers 2025 until 15 October 2025!

INITIATE.MY is delighted to invite you to apply for the Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders and Thinkers, a three-month leadership programme running from October to December 2025.

Peace Lab offers a unique opportunity for Malaysian civil society leaders, community and youth leaders, media practitioners, and legal practitioners to enhance their knowledge, refine their advocacy skills, and contribute to promoting religious freedom and tolerance in Malaysia.

Programme Details•⁠ ⁠Programme Name: Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders and Thinkers•⁠ ⁠Programme Period: October – December 2025•⁠ ⁠Application Link

For more information about the programme:

FAQs about the programme:

Be part of Malaysia’s next generation of changemakers.✨

Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders and Thinkers Workshop
2025-10-25 08:00 - 2025-11-09 17:00
Online, 25 October, 1-2 November 2025; Kuala Lumpur, 7-9 November 2025 – A total of thirty participants from civil society, legal practice, media, academia, youth organisations and universities enrolled into the Peace Lab for Malaysian Leaders and Thinkers , a programme designed to strengthen their capacity in peacebuilding, digital resilience and community leadership. The initiative consisted of three online workshops and a three day in person workshop, covering five core themes: religious freedom and tolerance, radicalisation, peaceful conflict resolution, advocacy tools, and advocacy skills.

In the first online workshop session, participants explored how misinformation and harmful narratives affect public understanding of religious freedom and tolerance. They examined how misleading content distorts issues related to identity and belief, often turning minor disagreements into perceived threats. Participants also learned how false claims about religious communities move rapidly through memes, short videos, and private chats. They discussed how these narratives weaken trust in democratic protections, strain intergroup relations, and undermine efforts to promote respect and coexistence in the analysis of case studies.

In the second online workshop session, the programme then focused on the radicalisation process, emphasising how hate speech, polarising content, and algorithm driven feeds shape individual behaviour. Participants studied how generative artificial intelligence and deepfake materials enable harmful actors to manipulate emotions and reinforce ideological echo chambers. They looked at case studies where false or exaggerated stories pushed individuals toward closed-minded attitudesand encouraged hostility. In these discussions, participants recognised the importance of building digital literacy and community resilience to counter messages that normalise division or violence.

In the third online workshop session, participants examined how distorted narratives escalate tensions within communities and challenge peaceful conflict resolution. They analysed situations where misinformation amplified fear, directed blame and made constructive dialogue more difficult. The participants discussed how algorithms favour sensational content that deepens misunderstanding and accelerates conflict. They also explored how conflict sensitive communication, mediation practices and community based responses can reduce harm. Participants recognised that addressing misinformation requires not only fact correction, but also efforts to build empathy, trust, and practical mechanisms for resolving disputes.

During the in-person workshop, participants took part in panel discussions and dialogue sessions with practitioners serving in peacebuilding, media, community development, and stakeholder engagement. Participants focused on building practical advocacy skills, beginning with a session on effective community and stakeholder engagements. They explored strategies for organising inclusive community initiatives, strengthening networks, and fostering collaboration across different groups. A session on strategic communications then introduced approaches for creating impactful digital content, including podcasts, newsletters, and documentary style storytelling, while emphasising ethical and responsible communication. Participants also learned about effective documentation and reporting practices, which support transparency, accountability, and long-term project learning. These discussions encouraged participants to think critically about how they plan, communicate, and sustain their future Peace Lab initiatives.

On the second day of the in-person workshop, participants turned their attention to project design and practical implementation. They examined tools for constructing advocacy projects, including goal setting, stakeholder mapping, risk management, and monitoring and evaluation. Facilitators guided them through the development of their Peace Lab project concepts, and participants drafted and presented their ideas for feedback and refinement. This provided participants with a deeper understanding of how different actors approach peace and security issues, and how civil society can contribute constructively. Across both days, participants strengthened their skills in responsible communication, project planning, and collaborative engagement. They gained practical tools to design initiatives that promote inclusion, address community needs, and support peaceful interaction. The programme concluded with reflections and closing remarks, allowing participants to consolidate their learning and prepare for continued involvement in peacebuilding efforts.

As the Peace Lab workshop came to a close, participants left with a strengthened foundation in peacebuilding, advocacy, and community leadership. The combination of digital literacy, conflict sensitive communication, and practical project design equipped them to develop initiatives that respond to real community needs while fostering trust, inclusion, and resilience. Participants gained access toresource support to shape their ideas into meaningful actions that contribute to a more cohesive, informed, and peaceful Malaysian society.

Peace Lab participants celebrate the completion of an intensive learning journey, ready to apply their new skills to strengthen inclusion and resilience in Malaysian communities.
