[Workshop] Countering Digital Hate and Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia

In an era defined by digital connectivity, our online spaces have become a fertile ground for both progress and peril. Hate speech, disinformation, and violent extremist narratives are spreading at an unprecedented rate, threatening social cohesion and peace, particularly within the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia. How can we, as community leaders, researchers, and digital citizens, effectively fight back?

Announcing a pivotal workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to tackle this challenge head-on. From August 12th to 15th, 2025, we invite you to an exclusive 3.5-day event dedicated to Countering Digital Hate and Violent Extremism right in Bandung, Indonesia. Organised by SEAN-CSO, this is more than just a conference; it’s an interactive, hands-on training experience designed to forge a new generation of digital peacebuilders.

About SEAN-CSO

Founded in 2016, the Southeast Asian Network of Civil Society Organisations (SEAN-CSO) unites member organisations from Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia, all committed to a shared mission: preventing violent extremism across Southeast Asia.

SEAN-CSO acts as a collaborative platform where civil society organisations exchange knowledge, strengthen each other’s capabilities, and launch joint initiatives, from securing grants to evaluating peacebuilding efforts.

Our strategy is grounded in a simple principle: Inform. Equip. Empower. By building strong foundations today, we help civil society across the region lead sustainable, life-saving efforts against violent extremism and make a lasting impact where it matters most.

This year, we have the opportunity to bring that mission to life through a regional workshop that directly responds to the urgent challenges of our digital age. As hate-fueled narratives and extremist content continue to evolve, the need for collaborative, creative, and context-aware solutions has never been more pressing.

This workshop is designed to guide participants through the latest trends shaping digital hate and violent extremism in Southeast Asia, helping them understand not only what is happening but why it is happening, and how we can respond with purpose.

Why This Workshop is More Important Than Ever

The battle against online radicalisation cannot be won in silos. It requires a united front. The core objective of this workshop is to instil a deep understanding of the importance of multi-stakeholder roles in tackling hate speech and violent extremism. We will delve into the crucial interplay between communities, technology companies, and government bodies, exploring how collaborative action is the key to preventing digital radicalisation and building resilient societies.

This workshop is tailored for CSOs, peacebuilding practitioners, researchers, tech professionals, and government representatives who are committed to creating a safer online environment.

Learn from World-Renowned Experts

We are honoured to feature two of the most respected minds in the field from Deakin University, Australia. Their extensive research and real-world experience in Southeast Asia offer an unparalleled learning opportunity.

• Greg Barton (Deakin University, Australia): A leading scholar in the study of terrorism and countering violent extremism, Professor Barton brings decades of in-depth research on extremist movements in Southeast Asia, offering profound insights into their evolution and digital strategies.
• Matteo Vergani (Deakin University, Australia): An expert in social cohesion, preventing violent extremism (PVE), and the social-psychological impacts of diversity, Dr. Vergani’s work provides the critical frameworks needed to understand and measure the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives.

What You Will Gain: A Transformative Learning Experience

By participating, you will not only listen to lectures but also actively engage in building solutions. Here’s what you can expect to gain:

• Deepen Your Understanding: Move beyond the headlines and gain a nuanced understanding of online hate speech and violent extremism specific to Southeast Asia. Our sessions are packed with insights from leading national and international experts.
• Acquire Practical Tools: You won’t leave empty-handed. Receive practical tools and exclusive digital toolkits to effectively identify, respond to, and prevent the spread of hate speech and extremist content within your community or organisation.
• Master Hands-On Skills: Theory Meets Practice in Our Interactive Sessions. Learn cutting-edge techniques through hands-on training in gamification for peacebuilding, AI-powered hate speech monitoring, and creative media strategies that change hearts and minds.
• Expand Your Professional Network: Connect with a diverse cohort of professionals from across the region. This is your chance to build lasting, cross-country connections with fellow peacebuilders, CSO members, academics, and digital practitioners who share your mission.
• Showcase Your Work & Innovate: Engage in expert-led discussions where you can showcase your work and contribute to a growing body of regional knowledge. Be part of the innovation that is shaping the future of digital peace.
• Explore a Seed Funding Opportunity: Do you have an idea for a project? This workshop offers a unique seed funding opportunity to support innovative follow-up initiatives that are developed during or after our sessions. Turn your ideas into impactful action.

An Unforgettable All-Inclusive Experience

A conducive learning environment is essential. All participants will enjoy full workshop support, including delicious lunches, snacks during two daily coffee breaks, an exclusive participant kit with valuable resources, and an official e-certificate in English to validate your new skills.

This is an exclusive, high-impact event, and to ensure quality interaction and in-depth learning, we have capped attendance. We have already confirmed 30+ invited participants, including an open partial scholarship in collaboration with PeaceGeneration Indonesia that you can access on Instagram 

These final spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from world-class experts, gain career-defining skills, and join a powerful network of peacebuilders.