About the Symposium

Following its defeat in Iraq and Syria in 2017, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) has expanded its reach to other parts of the world – including Southeast Asia – by making links with local militant groups in the real-world or through ideological influence. This strategic confluence of IS propaganda, funds, and returning foreign fighters ensures that the magnitude and complexity of the terror threat in the region will continue to grow.  In the next phase, IS and its sympathisers – whom have already demonstrated an affinity for social media and modern technology – will employ ever more sophisticated weapons and tools in the name of their cause. Besides causing casualties through attacks, the IS creed, if left unchecked, can undermine cohesion and resilience in our societies.

This two-day Symposium, titled “The 2018 Southeast Asia Counter-Terrorism Symposium: A collective approach” will examine four important threads to help ASEAN member states counter the evolving threat of terrorism: build strong ASEAN societies; recognise and apply appropriate  counter-measures against the region’s increasingly militarized terror networks; employ advanced technologies and collaborate with technologists in the industry; and finally, consider ASEAN-wide collective solutions and programmes in Counter-Terrorism (CT).  Attended by key decision makers, this Symposium aims to foster greater CT cooperation in the region.

Please click here for more information: Programme as of 20 September 2018

For enquiries, please contact the following:

SEA.CTS Secretariat

Email: [email protected]

This event is organised by S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies with the support of MCCY, MFA, MHA, MINDEF and NSCS