6th International Conference on Cyber Conflict
Tallinn, Estonia, 3-6 Jun 2014

The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCD COE) brought over 450 experts together from 35 countries to discuss "Active Cyber Defence" for four days at is annual international conference on cyber conflict - CyCon 2014. The risks and benefits as well as the technical, strategic, and legal implications of applying active cyber defence were discussed by participants and speakers.

H.E. President Ilves of the Republic of Estonia gave the opening address and Dr. Jamie Shea, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges discussed NATO's future challenges in cyber defence. This conference aimed to analyse the issues, models and solutions of active cyber defence from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The papers discussed were spread across the legal, policy, strategic and technical disciplines. Caitríona Heinl (Research Fellow) was invited to present on "Artificial (Intelligent) Agents and Active Cyber Defence: Policy Implications". She was also invited to participate in a panel moderated by Rain Ottis on "The Use of Active Cyber Defence: Concepts, Policy and Strategy Aspects" with Irving Lachow, David Dittrich, Robert Dewar, and Jason Rivera.

There’s an app for that Human traffickers go mobile
Anne Summers Reports, Jun 2014

With the explosion of internet users among Southeast Asia’s 600 million people, human traffickers now exploit social media, mobile phones and other online technologies to conduct their evil trade. But, as Alistair D. B. Cook & Caitríona H. Heinl (Research Fellow) report, the fight against them is also going online.

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Lim Chin Siong and that Beauty World Speech: A Closer Look
IPS Commons, 4 Jun 2014

Writing for the IPS Commons online forum, Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) pointed out that few historical figures in Singapore’s post-war history excite as much controversy as does Lim Chin Siong (1933-96). Emerging from a humble background, Lim quickly rose in the 1950s to become an exceptional trade union leader and organiser. He joined the People’s Action Party (PAP) as a founder member in 1954, and won a seat in the Legislative Assembly the following year as a PAP candidate. He proved himself an absolutely first-rate Chinese-language orator, able to move large crowds with his folksy anti-colonial speeches.

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It’s about politics, not faith
The New Paper, 22 May 2014

Commenting on the Syrian conflict. Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) said it was due to religious extremist ideologues. They argue that the Syrian conflict is the start of the end-times, the apocalyptic struggle between the forces of good and evil. Defeating the Assad regime is seen as victory for Islam, so “It is a political message couched in religious terms - and it could have potent emotional appeal.”

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Beef up security for major sports events
The Straits Times, 17 May 2014

Sulastri Osman (Research Fellow) and Joseph Franco (Associate Research Fellows) highlighted the double-edged sword of Singapore’s aspiration to be a key centre for international sporting events such as the SEA swimming championships. Highlighting the recent trend of terrorism targeting sporting events, the writers explained that the potent reason behind the choice of such events by terrorists is the availability of a captive audience for their violent spectacle. Moving forward in establishing Singapore as a popular sporting venue, it was recommended that the nation balance security with preparedness through risk mitigation by subtly incorporating physical infrastructure security during the design process of new venues and facilities.

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Bishan SMRT depot vandalism may have wider security implications, say observers
Channel NewsAsia, 12 May 2014

More must be done to strengthen security at Singapore's key installations, said observers following the recent case of vandalism at Bishan SMRT depot that may have wider security implications. Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) said hypothetically, if they find out that the person is responsible is indeed from within, then that certainly calls for more stringent background checks. One of the potential scenarios from a homeland security point of view is that of self-radicalised individuals, which cannot be entirely ruled out.

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Indonesia’s Next President: Will Jokowi Prevail?
The Nation (Thailand), 6 May 2014

Bilveer Singh (Adjunct Senior Fellow) commented that Indonesia's parliamentary elections on April 9 were significant in fortifying its democracy but they produced unexpected results that belied poll predictions. While forecasters were correct in predicting that the leading parties were likely to be the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Golkar and Gerindra, they were way off in respect of the margins of victory.

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World Continuity Congress Singapore 2014
Singapore, 22 Apr 2014

Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) was invited by World Continuity Congress Singapore to present on "The Threat of Transnational Terrorism to Singapore and Southeast Asia: Implications for Business Resilience".

For community spirit to thrive, the Ugly Singaporean must go
Commentary by Damien D. Cheong
TODAY, 18 Apr 2014

Singaporeans have been asked to reflect on their behaviour and attitude toward their fellow human beings once again. Being gracious and considerate, as the author argues, is not simply about being pleasant as an individual, but such a disposition enhances national cohesiveness as well.

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This commentary also re-published in The Malaysian Insider as "The Ugly Singaporean must go" on 21 Apr 2014

Beware of ‘lone wolf’ terrorists
The Sun Daily (Malaysia), 15 Apr 2014

Terrorism is mutating and constantly evolving in this age and time, says Kumar Ramakrishna (Head). He noted that there are terrorist cells which do not recruit people, but are self-radicalised individuals who (adopt) the ideas of the terrorist groups and carry out their plans. "There is a rise in 'lone wolves', where these self-radicalised individuals log on to YouTube and the internet and view information about these terrorist groups," Dr Kumar said at the ‘Putrajaya Forum 2014: Defence and Security Forum for Peace’ at the Putra World Trade Centre.

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Jihadists in Syria: Indonesian Extremists Giving Support?
Eurasia Review, 10 Apr 2014

Navhat Nuraniyah (Associate Research Fellow) commented that the emergence of overt supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) in Indonesia has raised concerns regarding links between local and global jihadi groups. This overt support does not necessarily mean ISIS may take root in Indonesia.

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Terror threats: Private sector, public 'must play their part'
The Straits Times, page B2, 8 Apr 2014

When dealing with the threats of today - such as terrorism, cyber warfare and epidemics - government efforts alone are not enough, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S. Iswaran said yesterday. The private sector and general public must play their part, he added, while governments also need to talk to one another. Speaking at the opening of the eighth annual Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO) yesterday, Mr Iswaran said today's threats have three things in common - they cross borders, can develop quickly, and are difficult to resolve. Mr Barry Desker, dean of RSIS which is organising the five-day event, called for "a mindset shift" and an acknowledgment by stakeholders that today's complicated threats cannot be eliminated totally, but "managed and maintained at acceptable levels". More than 80 senior national security practitioners, policymakers and academics from 26 countries will exchange ideas through panels and lectures.

‘Iswaran: government and people should work together for national security’
Lianhe Zaobao, page 5, 8 Apr 2014

When dealing with the threats of today - such as terrorism, cyber warfare and epidemics - government efforts alone are not enough, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S. Iswaran said yesterday, at the eighth annual Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO) organised by NTU’s RSIS. Barry Desker, dean of RSIS called for “a mindset shift” and an acknowledgment by stakeholders that today's complicated threats cannot be eliminated totally, but "managed and maintained at acceptable levels".

Changi Airport’s security measures enhanced following MH370's disappearance
Channel NewsAsia, 24 Mar 2014

Following the recent disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370, security has been further raised at Singapore's Changi Airport as a precautionary measure. In 2013, some 53.7 million passengers passed through Changi Airport -- that is about 147,000 passengers each day. Not only that, more than 6,900 flights either landed at or departed from Changi Airport that year. Kumar Ramakrishna (head) said airport security is something that simply cannot be taken for granted. The challenge is always to ensure a balance between security and efficiency. It's not just about security, security is paramount, but at the same time because Singapore and other countries are part of the global economy, the relative efficient flow of passengers is also very important.

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Cyber Security
Channel NewsAsia, 11 Mar 2014

Damien D. Cheong (Research Fellow) was a discussant on a recent episode of SG+ in which he discussed cybersecurity in Singapore. 11 March 2014

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Singapore and the MH370 Saga: A Friend in Need
Lianhe Zaobao, 24 Mar 2014

Bilveer Singh (Adjunct Senior Fellow) mentioned that if and when the MH370 saga is resolved, the consequences and knock-on effects will reverberate not just through the aviation industry but also the political, military and diplomatic domains. He also commented that being a proximate neighbour of Malaysia with a complex web of close relationships, Singapore could not avoid the ripple-effects of the episode; even though there were no Singaporeans on the missing aircraft, Singapore’s involvement in the search for MH370 stood out in a number of ways.

Days of Rage - Episode 4: Laju Hijack
Channel NewsAsia, 10 Mar 2014

Damien D. Cheong (Research Fellow) was featured in Episode 4 of the CNA documentary series “Days of Rage: Laju Hijacking”. He talked about some of the issues relating to terrorist group collaboration in the 1970s.

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Malaysia airport security spotlighted over missing plane
Channel NewsAsia, 10 Mar 2014

Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) commented that it may not be fair to finger the whole system in place there (at Kuala Lumpur International Airport). The key thing is that countries should make it a point to be electronically linked to the Interpol database -- as an added and important layer in the range of border controls to detect false travel documentation used by drug mules or terrorists."

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Myanmar at ASEAN Helm: We Must Push for National Reconciliation
The Nation (Thailand), 8 Mar 2014

Eliane Coates (Senior Analyst) noted that Myanmar’s 2014 ASEAN Chairmanship will boost Naypyidaw’s courting of world opinion in favour of its reforms. However, Myanmar’s road to reform remains long and winding. ASEAN should nudge Naypyidaw towards greater national reconciliation.

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This commentary also re-published in East Asia Forum as "Will Myanmar’s ASEAN chairmanship lead to national reconciliation?" on 15 Feb 2014 and in Eurasia Review as “Myanmar’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Will It Lead To National Reconciliation?” on 21 Jan 2014

Syrian Conflict Fallout: Time to Contain Hate Speech in Indonesia
Jakarta Post, 1 Mar 2014

Navhat Nuraniyah (Associate Research Fellow) commented that Jihadi groups propagate an anti-Shia narrative to mobilise Indonesian militants to fight in Syria. This has spread the seeds of sectarian conflict in Indonesia which could have wider repercussions.

Peace in Mindanao: The Challenge of Disarming Rebels
Eurasia Review, 27 Feb 2014 

Joseph Franco (Associate Research Fellow) commented that a military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) reduced the threat of “spoilers” to rekindle violence. However, failing to reintegrate BIFF communities can lead to the emergence of a new generation of violent militants, posing a threat to the wider region.

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Revising the revisionists: Operation Coldstore in history
IPS Commons, 20 Feb 2014

Writing for the IPS Commons online forum, Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) argues that the recent controversy over the naming of the Indonesian navy vessel after two Indonesian marines convicted of the March 1965 MacDonald House bombing, suggests that the current Singaporean zeitgeist is receptive to revisionist and not always accurate reassessments of our history. He examines one such defining historical episode Operation Coldstore, showing that recent revisionist retellings are flawed.

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Enhancing Cybersecurity: Improving Technical and Analytical Expertise
Eurasia Review, 5 Feb 2014

Damien D. Cheong (Research Fellow) pointed out that Singapore’s recent initiatives to increase cybersecurity expertise through specialist training and education are timely and necessary. In addition to enhancing such skills, the strategic analytical skills of existing and potential cybersecurity practitioners must be honed as well.

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Battling cosmic wars in the minds of terrorists
The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2014

This story is a feature on the work done by religious extremism export Professor Mark Juergensmeyer who was in Singapore recently as a CENS Distinguished Visiting Fellow at a seminar on religious extremism and violence, organised by the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS). Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) was also quoted in the story saying that religious extremist leaders like Myanmar's Wirathu and Indonesia's Abu Bakar Bashir exploit nationalist sentiments to get their followers to commit violent acts.

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Don't fall for a terrorist's bait
The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2014

What happened on Sept 11, 2001, when Al-Qaeda suicide terrorists crashed aircraft into New York's World Trade Centre, was tragic. But the United States' response the following day created a new set of problems, says Professor Mark Juergensmeyer (CENS Distinguished Visiting Fellow), an expert on religious violence. That was the day the US described the attack as "an act of war". "It bit the bait Osama bin Laden had laid for the US. I thought to myself, 'Why on earth are we promoting the ideology of Osama bin Laden?'. "By going for the military solution, we validated bin Laden's view with our own rhetoric and actions," he says.

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Countering The Self-Radicalised Lone Wolf: A New Paradigm?
Eurasia Review, 28 Jan 2014

Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) noted that Internet-driven self-radicalisation of the lone wolf is an increasing cause of concern for governments and societies everywhere. A new paradigm for countering self-radicalisation is suggested, comprising the five dimensions of Sender, Message, Recipient, Mechanism and Context.

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Defusing Terror Threats from Sheik Google
The Straits Times, 24 Jan 2014

Kumar Ramakrishna (Head) says that with the spread of Al-Qaeda ideology via the Internet, "the threat of terrorism has metastasised". "Some military strategists even talk of so-called Fifth Generation Warfare in which 'super-empowered' lone wolves may in the coming decade exploit digital technology to mount crippling cyber attacks on national infrastructure. They may even deploy small radiological devices against cities," he says. It is important to have effective counter-ideological campaigns aimed at undermining the violent extremist ideology that sustains them, he adds.

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Innovation opportunities for CT policing in Indonesia
New Straits Time, 15 Jan 2014

Sulastri Osman (Research Fellow) and Navhat Nuraniyah (Associate Research Fellow) observed that Indonesia has seen more terrorism-related activities online and in the social media in recent years. While they pose new challenges for counterterrorism policing, they also offer opportunities for innovation.

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This commentary also re-published in Jakarta Post as “Innovation opportunities for CT policing in Indonesia” on 8 Jan 2014 and in Eurasia Review as “Indonesia’s Cyber Counter-Terrorism: Innovation Opportunities for CT Policing ” on 6 Jan 2014.