The ASEAN Foundation has unveiled ‘Scam Ready ASEAN’, a regional initiative designed to bolster defences against online scams throughout Southeast Asia. Announced at the Google 2026 Online Safety Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, the programme is backed by US$5m from Google.org and aims to enhance scam prevention awareness and digital safety across the region.
Online scams have surged as a significant threat in Southeast Asia, with the region suffering an estimated US$23.6b in financial losses in 2024 alone. In Singapore, 37,308 scam cases were reported in 2025, resulting in financial losses of approximately US$665.5m (S$913.1m). The programme seeks to address these challenges by equipping 3 million people with the skills to recognise and prevent scams.
Scam Ready ASEAN will collaborate with 20 local organisations across 11 ASEAN Member States, employing a Train-the-Trainer model to educate 550,000 beneficiaries. The initiative will also feature localised awareness campaigns and policy dialogues to foster a unified defence against online fraud.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasised the programme’s proactive approach: “Scam Ready ASEAN is about shifting our approach—from reacting to scams, to preventing them and being better prepared.”
The initiative aligns with the ASEAN Anti-Scam Working Group’s efforts and aims to strengthen regional resilience against online fraud by fostering collaboration among governments, industry, and civil society.
