
CNA Correspondent - Connecting the ASEAN Community
22:41 Min
ASEAN member countries seek to enhance their connectivity in Southeast Asia in the next 20 years, for the region to integrate economically and socially.
CNA Correspondent
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They're your eyes and ears around the globe. CNA's network of correspondents shines a light on stories from their corners of the world, from groundbreaking events to up-and-coming trends.
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In the devastating wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed more than 200,000 lives across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mr Anwar Abdullah and his colleagues from the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management moved swiftly into action. To strengthen regional cooperation on disaster prevention, preparation, response and recovery, they spearheaded the creation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). As he helped manage the intense discussions and negotiations among all 10 ASEAN member nations, Mr Anwar drew on skills he first developed during his undergraduate studies at the University of Newcastle, Australia, from which he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours). Ranked among the world's top 40 institutions according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the University of Newcastle established its Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore in 2006. The Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education partners local and regional organisations and institutions to deliver high-quality academic programmes and drive transformative research. 'The university's focus on global citizenship, critical thinking and inclusive leadership gave me the intellectual foundation and interpersonal skills that shaped my work with ASEAN and on the international stage, particularly during the negotiation and eventual ratification of AADMER in 2009,' Mr Anwar shared. Mr Anwar's contributions to AADMER are just one example of how Newcastle graduates are making a difference across borders and industries. As the University of Newcastle celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025 – alongside SG60 and six decades of strong ties between Australia and Singapore – its alumni continue to push boundaries, creating new opportunities that advance excellence, sustainability and equity at home and around the world. LEARNING TO LEAD IN THE REAL WORLD Mr Anwar, who is currently CEO of credits his leadership learning at the University of Newcastle for his successful career as deputy commissioner in the Singapore Civil Defence Force and chief executive of the Home Team Academy (HTA), a position he held until early this year. 'The University of Newcastle nurtured in me a sense of responsibility to lead with integrity, serve with empathy and remain courageous in the face of uncertainty,' said the former president of the university's Singapore Students Association. 'The university's encouragement of innovative thinking also greatly influenced my leadership style and has driven many initiatives at HTA, such as adopting new training technologies and reimagining curriculum frameworks.' Under Mr Anwar's leadership, HTA forged strategic alliances, nurtured public-private partnerships and established four Centres of Excellence in a boost to its global public safety and security training reputation. Exposure to diverse worldviews and wide-scale challenges during his undergraduate education was also key to Mr Anwar's tenure at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs from 2012 to 2021, where he served as a co-chair of the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group Guidelines Review Committee. Tasked to lead the revision of international search and rescue protocols, Mr Anwar recounted collaborating with global partners, drawing on operational insights and cultural intelligence to improve global disaster response frameworks. 'My time at the University of Newcastle prepared me well for a career and a purpose-driven journey in service and innovation. Whether it's protecting a nation, supporting students or shaping international humanitarian standards, service transcends borders.' For Dr Sunny Johar, the University of Newcastle offered a springboard to a global career. Drawn by the university's academic reputation and its emphasis on equipping students with real-world skills, Dr Johar pursued her Bachelor of Business degree there. 'The University of Newcastle stood out for its strong academic programmes, global recognition and commitment to equipping students with the skills to lead in an interconnected world,' she explained. 'Its focus on combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience aligned with my aspirations.' Since graduating in 2014, Dr Johar has risen to become managing director of Southeast Asia and group head of digital strategy at KRDS Digital. She credits her ability to thrive in fast-evolving environments to the foundation built during her time at Newcastle. 'The knowledge I gained about strategic operations and running a business has directly contributed to my career progression, helping me to lead teams with purpose and clarity,' she shared. Dr Johar aims to expand KRDS Digital's reach by driving continued innovation in digital marketing, advertising and technology, while nurturing a high-performing team. She draws inspiration from the faculty at the University of Newcastle, who encouraged students to think critically about complex global challenges. Those lessons have shaped her journey as a business leader. 'The faculty emphasised the importance of being humble, curious and striving to be better every day. As a leader, I strive to instil a culture of learning and continuous improvement, empowering my team to adapt quickly and make data-driven decisions while retaining their creativity, curiosity and strategic thinking.' Mr Anwar is also a firm believer in the value of continuous learning. After earning his Master of Science in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management from the University of Leicester in United Kingdom in 2005, he has remained committed to personal and professional growth. He said: 'By continually acquiring new skills and knowledge, lifelong learners become more innovative, resilient and better equipped to make meaningful contributions to their professions, communities and society.' As the University of Newcastle marks its 60th anniversary, Dr Johar hopes that graduates across Australia, Singapore and the region will embrace the opportunities ahead. 'The world is changing rapidly, and with the right blend of academic excellence, practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, Newcastle graduates are poised to make a significant impact in their fields,' she noted. 'I hope they will apply the lessons learned at the university to create a future that is not only successful, but meaningful.'


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You're shopping online when you come across an irresistible deal. The price seems too good to be true – and unfortunately, it is. Without realising it, you've landed on a phishing site. Eager to secure the bargain, you enter your card details to make a payment. Soon after, an SMS message arrives, prompting you to add your card to your mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Without a second thought, you enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to you. Everything appears normal – until you notice unauthorised transactions on your card. This scenario is playing out daily for hundreds of Singaporeans, who are falling prey to increasingly sophisticated mobile wallet scams. According to the Singapore Police Force, mobile wallet scammers made off with over S$1.2 million in just three months. In many of these cases, scammers trick victims into handing over OTPs, allowing them to link stolen card details to mobile wallets. Once the card is added, scammers immediately start making purchases, leaving the victim with fraudulent charges. As part of its efforts to counter the growing threat of mobile wallet phishing, DBS has introduced a new feature in its digibank app. To add a DBS or POSB card to a mobile wallet, customers must first enable the new Mobile Wallets toggle under the app's Payment Controls section. This toggle is switched off by default to block unauthorised additions and create a deliberate pause so users can verify the transaction before proceeding. For added security, the toggle can only be enabled for 10 minutes and will automatically switch off after. Mr Calvin Ong, head of consumer banking at DBS, said that the new feature encourages customers to stay vigilant when managing their digital transactions. SET MULTIPLE SAFEGUARDS WITH DBS PAYMENT CONTROLS DBS' digibank app lets customers take charge of their security with just a few taps. With Payment Controls, customers can protect themselves from unauthorised transactions if their card is misplaced, stolen or compromised. They can selectively disable e-commerce, cash advances, contactless payments, overseas in-store transactions or their card's overseas magnetic stripe when needed. Customers can temporarily lock a card if they suspect phishing activity or misplace their card. They can also set monthly spending limits for themselves and supplementary card holders to minimise risk. 'DBS is the first and only bank in Singapore to introduce comprehensive self-managed security features such as payment controls and security checkup in our digibank app,' said Mr Ong. 'These tools empower customers with multiple layers of protection, giving them greater control over their finances.' COMBATING SCAMS WITH BUILT-IN COGNITIVE BREAKS To help customers assess whether their credit card is being legitimately added to a mobile wallet, DBS has also introduced cognitive breaks into the user journey. These are intentional pauses in the transaction process that prompt users to slow down and review their actions, giving them a moment to consider whether the request is genuine. Cognitive breaks are part of DBS' broader anti-scam strategy, which includes self-managed tools such as customised alerts on the digibank app. Customers can choose to receive notifications for transactions above a specified amount – even as low as S$0.01 (excluding recurring charges like streaming subscriptions). DBS' ANTI-SCAM DEFENCE IN REAL TIME Beyond app-based features, DBS deploys real-time fraud surveillance, advanced security infrastructure and works closely with the Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Centre through embedded personnel who monitor and act on suspicious transactions in real time. The bank also drives public awareness of scams, while its Bank Safely Hub provides timely scam alerts and tips to help customers stay protected. 'As scams grow more sophisticated, joint vigilance with our customers is essential,' said Mr Ong. 'We will continue to expand our suite of self-managed security features, anti-scam educational resources and community outreach, to empower customers to take control of their own security.'