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U.S. Funds Youth Workshop to Combat Southeast Asian Online Scams
Phnom Penh/Jakarta to Host CyberSafe ASEAN Initiative Targeting Young Leaders
/ CyberScam Crisis Tackled by Youth Initiative
The “CyberSafe ASEAN: Equipping Young Leaders to Outsmart Scammers” program, funded by the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, aims to educate and empower approximately 60 young individuals from all ten ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste. The workshop addresses the alarming rise in transnational cybercrime originating from Southeast Asia, which has cost Americans an estimated $3.5 billion in 2023 alone, according to CSIS.
These scams frequently ensnare young people, not only leading to financial ruin but also potential exploitation, including forced participation in scam operations. The initiative recognizes that digitally engaged youth are both vulnerable and possess the potential to become powerful advocates for cybersecurity awareness within their communities.
/ Workshop Aims and Reach
The intensive three-to-five-day workshop is slated to take place in either Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville, Cambodia, or Jakarta, Indonesia. It will focus on educating participants about the tactics used by scammers, emphasizing the personal and societal costs of these fraudulent activities, and fostering cross-border collaboration to counter this growing menace.
Participants will engage in classroom sessions covering cybersecurity, digital forensics, and the psychology of scams. Experiential learning through site visits to relevant organizations and hands-on demonstrations, including how AI is used in scams and cryptocurrency money laundering, are also planned.
The program seeks to build a network of “Digital Shields” among YSEALI alumni and young leaders, empowering them to become effective communicators and educators. The ultimate goal is to strengthen digital resilience across the region, safeguard individuals, and promote economic stability that can benefit U.S. investments.
/ Eligibility and Application Details
Eligible applicants for the grant to run this workshop include U.S. and international non-profit organizations and educational institutions. The total funding available is $200,000, with awards expected to range from $100,000 to $200,000.
Applications are due by September 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM Jakarta time. All application materials must be submitted via email to sugandai@state.gov. Organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov.
Review criteria will assess the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability.
/ Addressing a Critical Threat
The U.S. Department of State highlights that the scam industry operating from Southeast Asia poses a direct threat to Americans and regional stability. Beyond financial losses, these operations have been linked to human trafficking and the funding of criminal organizations. By investing in youth leadership, the U.S. aims to dismantle these networks from within and foster a more secure digital environment for all.
“The United States and the ASEAN Secretariat acknowledge online scam centers are one of ASEAN’s biggest challenges, and we are committed to working together to address the issue,” a program summary states, underscoring the collaborative nature of this effort.
The U.S. Department of State is launching a significant regional workshop to equip young leaders across Southeast Asia with the knowledge to combat sophisticated online scams, a growing threat with billions in financial losses and human trafficking implications.
