Singapore (VNA) – Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for Political Security Community Hoang Anh Tuan has called for better efforts to enhance ASEAN’s anti-terrorism capacity in an ongoing symposium in Singapore.
Terrorism has been among the biggest threats to the regional peace, stability and prosperity, Tuan told the 2018 Southeast Asia Counter-Terrorism Symposium, which is taking place on October 4-5.
It is needed to improve the ASEAN nations’ capacity in counter-terrorism against the backdrop of the growing threat of cyber terrorism in Southeast Asia, while not all member states are properly accoutered to fight this threat, he said.
The two-day event is organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, with support from the local Ministries of Culture, Community and Youth; Defence; Foreign Affairs; and Home Affairs; and the National Security Coordination Secretariat.
Anchored on the theme “A Collective Approach”, the symposium brings together senior government officials from the region, practitioners as well as representatives from academia and the private sector to exchange ideas and best practices on issues related to counter-terrorism.
It discusses four key topics: building societal resilience against terrorism, enhancing the region’s ability to tackle the increasingly militarised terror networks, tapping technological advancements for CT, and exploring areas of cooperation to enhance ASEAN’s collective CT capacity.
As part of the symposium, the participants will be visiting the Singapore Armed Forces’ Island Defence Training Institute and the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Resource and Counselling Centre.
It is part of key events hosted by Singapore this year as Chair of ASEAN. –VNA
