Global collaboration: Singapore's technology arm, GovTech, joins an international effort to exchange instant anti-scam details
At the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025, Singapore took significant strides in its fight against scams. The event marked the unveiling of several new initiatives aimed at bolstering the city-state's anti-scam infrastructure.
One of the key announcements was the partnership between GovTech Singapore and the Singapore Police Force to utilise the Global Signal Exchange. This platform equips Singapore with real-time intelligence on various scam threats, such as phishing and fraudulent websites. The collaboration allows for the sharing of such intelligence in Singapore, aiming to protect its citizens from potential scams.
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How emphasised the evolving sophistication of international scam networks. He underscored the need for multi-sector collaboration and highlighted that the evolution of these networks outpaces solo government efforts.
In a bid to expand scam prevention outreach, Google.org has donated US$5 million to the ASEAN Foundation. This donation aims to reach three million individuals across Southeast Asia. The funds will be used to enhance awareness and education about scams, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
The Anti-Scam Centre in Singapore, part of the country's robust anti-scam infrastructure, was also acknowledged as a model for other countries to emulate. The GASA report, based on surveys of 6,000 adults in the region, estimates scam losses in Southeast Asia at approximately US$23.6 billion over the past year.
The Global Signal Exchange, launched in partnership with Oxford Information Labs, Google, and GASA, connects more than 100 organisations to enable rapid threat disruption. The platform collects over 400 million scam-related signals, providing valuable data for the detection and prevention of scams.
The alarming statistic that nearly two-thirds of Southeast Asian adults have fallen victim to scams recently underscores the urgency of these initiatives. Singaporeans have the highest average loss per person at US$2,132 due to scams.
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How reiterated the importance of international cooperation in combating these transnational threats. This is the first time any government agency has committed to sharing live scam signals internationally, setting a precedent for global collaboration in the fight against scams.
The Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025 marked a significant step forward in Singapore's ongoing efforts to protect its citizens from scams and contribute to a safer digital environment across Southeast Asia.
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