Info Sessions on Proposal Writing and Fundraising
2025-08-08 08:00 - 2025-08-22 17:00 (Asia/Shanghai)
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.
