Malaysia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation through a new cross-border memorandum of understanding (MoU). During the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Melaka, Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang highlighted plans to enhance cybersecurity collaboration. Malaysia is in the process of acceding to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and will officially sign the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October. The visit, which includes senior Malaysian and Vietnamese officials, aims to reinforce long-standing ties between the two nations.

Indonesia’s Deputy SOEs Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo has urged stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard the country’s growing digital economy, with banks increasingly targeted by phishing and ransomware. He stressed the need for “cyber troops” and integrated security systems to protect public trust and financial stability.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s recent state visit to Cambodia (Sept 7–9) has brought renewed focus on Southeast Asia’s growing transnational scam hubs. A newly signed memorandum of understanding between the Philippine and Cambodian police expands cooperation against cybercrime, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, marking a rare alignment in security priorities. Analysts see the deal as a critical step toward curbing online fraud syndicates while strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.