Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism

30/08/2026

24/08/2026

[CALL FOR PAPERS]: SEARCCT SELECTION OF ARTICLES

Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) invites researchers, academicians, practitioners, and experts to submit articles for the upcoming SEARCCT Selection of Articles 2026.

Submit your article to: [email protected] by Sunday, 11 October 2026

For submission guidelines, please visit our website: www.searcct.gov.my

23/07/2026

As part of Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening the efforts against terrorism financing, Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully organised the Counter Terrorism Financing Investigation & Cryptocurrency Course at Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The programme brought together 30 participants from various enforcement and regulatory agencies across Malaysia to enhance knowledge and practical skills in terrorism financing investigations, cryptocurrency analysis and financial intelligence. The course also aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and understanding of Malaysia’s AML/CFT framework.

The programme featured expert speakers from the Royal Malaysian Police, Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia and Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Sessions included terrorism financing trends, money laundering investigations, blockchain tracing and tabletop exercises to enhance operational readiness.

The opening and closing ceremonies were officiated by Datin Paduka Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity building in addressing evolving terrorism financing threats. The course concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony and reflected Malaysia’s continued commitment towards strengthening national and regional counter-terrorism efforts.

20/07/2026

Workshop on Youth Participation in and Exposure to Nihilistic Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (NVE)

The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), in collaboration with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), hosted a regional workshop on “Youth Participation in and Exposure to Nihilistic Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism (NVE)” from June 24–25, 2026. Held at the Grand Mercure Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this timely event brought together over 70 international practitioners, law enforcement officials, and researchers to analyze how NVE impacts young people and to establish an operationally effective framework to counter this growing threat. Throughout the intensive two-day programme, global experts evaluated current research, identified critical knowledge gaps, and explored preventative strategies to curb the spread of extremist content across online networks and gaming platforms.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Robert Rushby, Director of CT Asia at the Counter-Terrorism Branch of DFAT Australia, and Datin Paduka Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib, Director General of SEARCCT. Day 1 focused on establishing a baseline understanding of NVE, its memetic nature, regional trends within Southeast Asia, and how digital spaces and gaming ecosystems are exploited to groom and radicalise youth. SEARCCT hosted a networking dinner following the general sessions, giving local agency representatives and international speakers a dedicated space to exchange strategic insights and build partnerships.

Day 2 turned to practical and operational solutions. Sessions focused on enhancing international cooperation, strengthening legal listing frameworks, and establishing coordinated early-intervention pathways involving schools, families, and mental health providers. Participants also outlined future research priorities and addressed the unique challenges NVE poses to frontline law enforcement and the judiciary. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Robert Rushby and Mr. Asrul Daniel Ahmed, Director of the Digital Strategic Communications Division at SEARCCT.

09/07/2026

SEARCCT'S PARTICIPATION AT THE FOURTH UNITED NATIONS COUNTER-TERRORISM WEEK

NEW YORK – The Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) co organised a side event entitled "Localized and Whole-of-Society Approaches in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE): Strengthening Youth Resilience, Community Partnerships, and Reintegration – Lessons from Malaysia and Iraq," together with the Republic of Iraq, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

SEARCCT was represented by Mr. Kennimrod Sariburaja, Director of the Research and Publication Division, who presented Malaysia's experience in implementing localised Whole of-Government and Whole-of-Society approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism. The session brought together approximately 30 international participants and served as a valuable platform for exchanging practical experiences, sharing best practices, and discussing innovative approaches to strengthening youth resilience, community partnerships, and rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. It also provided opportunities to strengthen professional networks and explore future collaboration among participating organisations.

As part of the Malaysian delegation to the Fourth United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, SEARCCT participated alongside officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs in showcasing Malaysia's comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism and preventing and countering violent extremism. The side event highlighted Malaysia's Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) 2024–2028, which adopts a localised Whole-of Government and Whole-of-Society approach by strengthening collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, communities, youth, the private sector, and international partners to build resilience against violent extremism.

Moving forward, SEARCCT remains committed to strengthening international partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing evidence-based approaches through research, capacity-building, and strategic collaboration. By working closely with regional and international partners, SEARCCT will continue to support Malaysia's efforts in implementing MyPCVE 2024–2028 while contributing to sustainable peace, security, and resilience against terrorism and violent extremism.