Scams and fraud continue to affect millions across Southeast Asia, with losses estimated at $23.6 billion in 2024. In response, a $5 million fund from Google.org has been announced to support The ASEAN Foundation in expanding online scam prevention resources to three million people across the region.
A key component of this effort is the scaling of “Be Scam Ready” (formerly ShieldUp!), an interactive educational game that equips users with practical knowledge and strategies to recognize and resist online scams in a safe, simulated environment. This initiative aims to strengthen digital resilience and reduce the impact of fraudulent schemes on individuals and communities.
The program also marked a milestone with GovTech Singapore joining the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) as the first government agency member. By tracking over 400 million threat signals in real time, GSE members can quickly share information and disrupt fraudulent activities across borders.
As a founding member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), the initiative will further share best practices with emerging local chapters in Indonesia and the Philippines, reinforcing a regional network dedicated to combating online scams and protecting digital users.
