Opening the workshop, representatives of VNU-USSH and KAS Vietnam emphasized that cyber-enabled fraud has emerged as a significant non-traditional security challenge in today’s digitalized world, affecting individuals, businesses, and public institutions across borders. They highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue, knowledge sharing, academic exchange, and international cooperation to enhance understanding of emerging security issues and support evidence-based policymaking.
A key focus were the research findings on policy and security responses to cross-border cybercrime in Southeast Asia. The study examined how emerging forms of cybercrime are increasingly viewed through the lens of non-traditional security, with implications for economic security, digital governance, and regional cooperation. The research also analyzed evolving trends in the region, including the growing sophistication of online fraud schemes and the transnational nature of criminal networks operating across digital platforms.
Participants discussed the risks of cyber-enabled fraud to public trust, financial security, and digital transformation. Researchers noted that cybercrime extends beyond individual financial losses and intersects with broader concerns, including transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and forced labor. These developments underscore the need for comprehensive responses that combine law enforcement efforts, public awareness, victim protection measures, and international cooperation.
The workshop also provided a platform for exchanging perspectives on governance challenges related to combating online fraud and other transnational cybercrime threats. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, improving information sharing and fostering collaboration among governments, academia, financial institutions and technology stakeholders.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, KAS Vietnam continues to support evidence-based research, academic exchange and policy dialogue on issues of contemporary relevance, contributing to a deeper understanding of non-traditional security challenges and strengthening regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.
