Insider Spotlight
Unveiled during the inaugural Scam Ready ASEAN Public-Private Partnership Dialogue in Manila, the platform offers educational modules, interactive learning tools, and scam reporting contacts covering all 11 ASEAN Member States.
Why it matters
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated as artificial intelligence, instant payments, and cross-border digital platforms create new opportunities for fraudsters.
According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, scams caused an estimated $23.6 billion in Southeast Asian losses in 2024.
In the Philippines, 84 percent of adults encountered scam attempts over the past year, compared with 77 percent in 2025. Despite growing awareness, only 4 percent reported incidents to authorities.
Driving digital resilience
The Resource Hub combines a regional anti-scam curriculum developed using insights from the Internet Society and Global Cyber Alliance with localized expertise and Google's interactive Be Scam Ready game.
The initiative forms part of the US$5-million Scam Ready ASEAN program, running from 2025 through 2027, targeting 3 million beneficiaries through training, awareness campaigns, and public-private partnerships.
Since its April 2026 launch in Malaysia, the program has recruited 2,332 Master Trainers, surpassing its 2,000-trainer target, alongside 151 ASEAN Digital GrandPals supporting older communities.
Building regional cooperation
In a statement, ASEAN Foundation executive director Dr. Piti Srisangnam emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening community protection.
Google Global Affairs APAC senior director David Weller said, “No single organization can defeat complex scam networks alone. Building greater digital resilience across Southeast Asia requires strong public-private cooperation, including to help raise public awareness. We’re proud to partner, through Google.org, with the ASEAN Foundation on the Scam Ready ASEAN Resource Hub. This will bring practical tools and localized scam awareness education directly to local communities across the region, to help people build resilience against common scam tactics.”
The Manila gathering begins a series of at least nine regional and national dialogues intended to strengthen coordinated anti-scam initiatives. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
