Session
Safer Internet Lab
1. Dr Joanna Octavia, Researcher, Safer Internet Lab & Associate Lecturer, UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) (Civil Society/Academia, Asia-Pacific/Europe) 2. Patricia Larasgita, Dissemination Coordinator, Safer Internet Lab (Civil Society, Asia-Pacific, onsite) 3. Raden Ajeng Ignasia Sukma Putri Maharani, Project Research Assistant, Safer Internet Lab (Academia, Asia-Pacific, onsite) In addition to Dr Joanna Octavia (onsite moderator), at least two speakers have confirmed to be onsite. They are outlined in the list of speakers below.
1. Dr Joanna Octavia, Researcher, Safer Internet Lab & Associate Lecturer, UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) (Civil Society/Academia, Asia-Pacific/Europe) 2. Patricia Larasgita, Dissemination Coordinator, Safer Internet Lab (Civil Society, Asia-Pacific, onsite) 3. Raden Ajeng Ignasia Sukma Putri Maharani, Project Research Assistant, Safer Internet Lab (Academia, Asia-Pacific, onsite) In addition to Dr Joanna Octavia (onsite moderator), at least two speakers have confirmed to be onsite. They are outlined in the list of speakers below.
Organization's Website
Speakers
1. Arthur Glenn Maail, Senior Officer – Digital Economy, ASEAN Secretariat, touching on ASEAN-level policies and regional cooperation, including relevant frameworks such as DEFA. (Government, Asia-Pacific, onsite - confirmed)
2. Bahaa El-Taweal, Global Policy Lead, Human Rights, Google, discussing the role of technology companies in tackling online scams and Google’s global approach to addressing this challenge. (Private Sector, North America, onsite - confirmed)
3. Budi Gandasoebrata, Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer, GO-PAY, speaking on the company’s efforts to protect their consumers through fraud prevention strategies. (Private Sector, Asia-Pacific)
4. Frederica Widyasari Dewi, Chief Executive Supervisor of the Financial Services Business Actors’ Behaviour, Education and Consumer Protection, Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK), speaking on the role of regulatory oversight as well as public awareness and education campaigns in addressing online scams. (Government, Asia-Pacific)
5. Dr Joanna Octavia, Researcher, Safer Internet Lab & Associate Lecturer, UCL STEaPP, presenting key findings from recent Safer Internet Lab research on the trends and misuse of technology in online scams in Southeast Asia, and moderating the discussion. (Civil Society, Asia-Pacific/Europe, onsite - confirmed)
Onsite Moderator
Dr Joanna Octavia, Researcher, Safer Internet Lab & Associate Lecturer, UCL Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) (Civil Society/Academia, Asia-Pacific/Europe)
Online Moderator
Raden Ajeng Ignasia Sukma Putri Maharani, Project Research Assistant, Safer Internet Lab (Civil Society, Asia-Pacific, onsite)
Rapporteur
Patricia Larasgita, Dissemination Coordinator, Safer Internet Lab (Civil Society, Asia-Pacific, onsite)
SDGs
9.c
12.6
12.8
16.4
16.6
17.16
Targets: The session aligns with multiple SDGs by promoting secure digital infrastructure, responsible business practices, consumer awareness, crime prevention and global partnerships. SDG 9.c: The rapid digital advancements and increasing internet penetration in many regions around the world are expanding access to online services, but have also exposed users to online scams. This session focuses on the example of Southeast Asia, where stakeholders are currently working together to shape a safer digital ecosystem. SDG 12.6 and 12.8: By bringing in speakers from the private sector, the session will explore how companies are implementing measures to protect users from online scams. The session will also examine how governments, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are supporting users by providing them with public education campaigns and digital literacy programmes to navigate the internet safely. SDG 16.4 and SDG 16.6: Many online scams are linked to cross-border crime networks, making regional cooperation and a cross-sectoral approach essential to tackling them. The session will also touch on the role of institutional mechanisms and adaptive regulatory strategies in addressing online scams. SDG 17.16: The session will touch on collaborative public-private partnership strategies involving governments, financial institutions, technology companies, and civil society to tackle online scams at a regional level.
12.6
12.8
16.4
16.6
17.16
Targets: The session aligns with multiple SDGs by promoting secure digital infrastructure, responsible business practices, consumer awareness, crime prevention and global partnerships. SDG 9.c: The rapid digital advancements and increasing internet penetration in many regions around the world are expanding access to online services, but have also exposed users to online scams. This session focuses on the example of Southeast Asia, where stakeholders are currently working together to shape a safer digital ecosystem. SDG 12.6 and 12.8: By bringing in speakers from the private sector, the session will explore how companies are implementing measures to protect users from online scams. The session will also examine how governments, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are supporting users by providing them with public education campaigns and digital literacy programmes to navigate the internet safely. SDG 16.4 and SDG 16.6: Many online scams are linked to cross-border crime networks, making regional cooperation and a cross-sectoral approach essential to tackling them. The session will also touch on the role of institutional mechanisms and adaptive regulatory strategies in addressing online scams. SDG 17.16: The session will touch on collaborative public-private partnership strategies involving governments, financial institutions, technology companies, and civil society to tackle online scams at a regional level.
Format
Theater
The session will feature a hybrid panel discussion with individual presentations, moderator-led Q&A, and audience Q&A. A theatre room layout is most suitable for this format, as it allows both onsite and online audiences to have a clear visual focus on each speaker and any visuals they use during the presentation. Opening: The moderator will open the session by briefly introducing the topic and the panelists (name, organisation and expertise). An interactive poll using Slido will kickstart the session, asking both onsite and online audiences the following questions: - Which region are you from? (word cloud) - Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by an online scam? (multiple choice) - In one word, what is the biggest challenge in fighting online scams in your region? (word-cloud) Individual Presentations: The moderator will then present Safer Internet Lab’s key research findings on online scams in Southeast Asia for 10 minutes. Following the presentation, the moderator will invite each speaker to present insights from their respective domains for 10 minutes each. Moderator and Audience Q&A: The moderator will then ask one key question to each of the speakers based on their presentations before opening up the floor to audience questions. Questions from both onsite and online audiences will be taken, with the moderator distributing them equally. At the end of the audience Q&A, the moderator will invite onsite and online audiences to answer another poll: What key lesson from Southeast Asia’s approach to fighting online scams would you like to see implemented in your region (open text)? Closing: In the final 5 minutes, the moderator will summarise the key takeaways from the session and invite speakers to share their final thoughts. The moderator will then close the session, thank the audience, and signpost resources for further engagement.
The session will feature a hybrid panel discussion with individual presentations, moderator-led Q&A, and audience Q&A. A theatre room layout is most suitable for this format, as it allows both onsite and online audiences to have a clear visual focus on each speaker and any visuals they use during the presentation. Opening: The moderator will open the session by briefly introducing the topic and the panelists (name, organisation and expertise). An interactive poll using Slido will kickstart the session, asking both onsite and online audiences the following questions: - Which region are you from? (word cloud) - Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by an online scam? (multiple choice) - In one word, what is the biggest challenge in fighting online scams in your region? (word-cloud) Individual Presentations: The moderator will then present Safer Internet Lab’s key research findings on online scams in Southeast Asia for 10 minutes. Following the presentation, the moderator will invite each speaker to present insights from their respective domains for 10 minutes each. Moderator and Audience Q&A: The moderator will then ask one key question to each of the speakers based on their presentations before opening up the floor to audience questions. Questions from both onsite and online audiences will be taken, with the moderator distributing them equally. At the end of the audience Q&A, the moderator will invite onsite and online audiences to answer another poll: What key lesson from Southeast Asia’s approach to fighting online scams would you like to see implemented in your region (open text)? Closing: In the final 5 minutes, the moderator will summarise the key takeaways from the session and invite speakers to share their final thoughts. The moderator will then close the session, thank the audience, and signpost resources for further engagement.
Duration (minutes)
90
Description
The nature of online scams is deeply influenced by regional contexts, shaped by cultural norms, economic conditions, and governance structures. Addressing them effectively requires region specific approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. While regions such as the European Union tackle scams through institutional mechanisms that cascade from regional agreements to national implementation, this model is less applicable to Southeast Asia, where institutional maturity varies, and flexible responses take priority.
Southeast Asia’s approach, centred around working creatively within existing constraints, offers valuable insights for other regions also undergoing rapid digital transformation, such as Africa, Latin America, South Asia and the Gulf. By exploring how Southeast Asian countries adopt adaptive regulatory strategies, leverage informal networks, and implement practical solutions, the session will identify best practices for other regions facing similar governance challenges related to the rise of online scams. This presents a compelling alternative to traditional institutional approaches, making it especially relevant to regions that also lack binding regulations and centralised institutions.
This session will present key findings from recent Safer Internet Lab research on the trends and misuse of technology in online scams in Southeast Asia, providing valuable insights into the current landscape. Additionally, the session will also serve as a platform for meaningful discussions with international cross-sectoral counterparts on collaborative solutions. Aligned with SDG 9, 16, 12, 17 and WSIS action lines C5, C9 and C10, the discussion seeks to offer actionable solutions that could strengthen the region’s digital trust, build up a resilient Internet, and promote greater global cooperation.
The session will be hybrid-friendly to ensure seamless interaction and equal participation for both onsite and online speakers and attendees. Onsite and online speakers will be given equal time to present, and the onsite moderator will ensure smooth transitions between them. The online moderator will engage the online participants throughout the session by encouraging them to post questions through Slido using the live chat. The online participants may also have the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the speakers via live video. In addition to regularly acknowledging online attendees to keep them engaged throughout the session, the onsite moderator will also direct questions to both onsite and online speakers through a structured turn-taking approach so that all speakers have equal opportunity to share their views. To ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants, we have designed the session using a structured format that starts with a brief introduction, followed by individual presentations, moderator-led Q&A, audience Q&A, and a concluding summary. A structured format provides speakers with clear expectations of when they need to present, engage in discussions, and answer questions, thus allowing them to focus on delivering their content. Similarly, a structured format interspersed with interactive polls allows attendees to share their thoughts directly with the speakers. We will also incorporate clear visuals and slides to help all participants follow the content effectively. We will use Zoom and Slido to increase participation and interaction during the session. The online moderator will oversee Slido, while the onsite moderator will guide participants with clear instructions. We will test the tools and AV equipment in advance to ensure smooth and effective time management.
The session will be hybrid-friendly to ensure seamless interaction and equal participation for both onsite and online speakers and attendees. Onsite and online speakers will be given equal time to present, and the onsite moderator will ensure smooth transitions between them. The online moderator will engage the online participants throughout the session by encouraging them to post questions through Slido using the live chat. The online participants may also have the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the speakers via live video. In addition to regularly acknowledging online attendees to keep them engaged throughout the session, the onsite moderator will also direct questions to both onsite and online speakers through a structured turn-taking approach so that all speakers have equal opportunity to share their views. To ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants, we have designed the session using a structured format that starts with a brief introduction, followed by individual presentations, moderator-led Q&A, audience Q&A, and a concluding summary. A structured format provides speakers with clear expectations of when they need to present, engage in discussions, and answer questions, thus allowing them to focus on delivering their content. Similarly, a structured format interspersed with interactive polls allows attendees to share their thoughts directly with the speakers. We will also incorporate clear visuals and slides to help all participants follow the content effectively. We will use Zoom and Slido to increase participation and interaction during the session. The online moderator will oversee Slido, while the onsite moderator will guide participants with clear instructions. We will test the tools and AV equipment in advance to ensure smooth and effective time management.