MakeITSafe

Thailand,Laos,Philippines,Myanmar,Malaysia, 2022

MakeITSafe is an initiative to empower youth across ASEAN to address cybercrime issues by enhancing digital literacy and building preventive measures. The founders of the initiative are a passionate new generation of police officers who received degrees from abroad in cybercrime prevention and seek to solve the problem in their homeland. In practice, the project challenges youth across the ASEAN community to develop ‘Gamified-projects’ using a ‘Design thinking framework’ and ‘Transnational Hackathon’ to address rising cybercrime issues in the region, including Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), Online Fraud, and Disinformation Campaign.

MakeITSafe A Journey of Youth Empowerment in Cybersecurity Across ASEAN

In a world where digital landscapes are constantly evolving, the threats that lurk within them are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat; it’s a reality that affects millions, especially the youth. Enter MakeITSafe, a groundbreaking initiative based in Thailand, designed to arm ASEAN youth with the tools and knowledge to combat cybercrime. But this isn’t just another cybersecurity program; it’s a movement that’s reshaping how young people perceive and tackle online threats.

The Heart of MakeITSafe

MakeITSafe was born out of a pressing need to address the rising tide of cybercrime in the ASEAN region. Its founders, a group of passionate young police officers with international degrees in cybercrime prevention, saw firsthand the devastating impact of cyber threats. They realized that traditional methods were not enough. The mission was clear: empower the youth to become digital defenders through enhanced digital literacy and innovative solutions.

The project focuses on some of the most severe cybercrime issues, including Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), online fraud, and disinformation campaigns. These are not just statistics; they are real threats with real victims. The founders knew that to make a difference, they needed to engage the youth in a way that was both educational and empowering.

A Unique Approach to Cybersecurity Education

What sets MakeITSafe apart is its innovative approach. The project challenges young minds across ASEAN to develop ‘Gamified-projects’ using a ‘Design thinking framework’ and participate in a ‘Transnational Hackathon’. This isn’t just about learning; it’s about creating. By encouraging youth to think outside the box, MakeITSafe is fostering a new generation of cybercrime fighters who are equipped with the skills to develop social innovation tools.

The impact has been profound. Since its inception, MakeITSafe has brought together over 15 teams from countries like Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Malaysia for a two-day workshop. These workshops are more than just training sessions; they are a melting pot of ideas and cultures, where young people collaborate to tackle borderless cybercrime issues. Through online training, participants have significantly increased their awareness of cybercrime, particularly OCSEA, and have developed digital capabilities using platforms like Gather.Town.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Communication barriers, especially when dealing with technical terms, posed a significant hurdle. The team learned to simplify their language and explain project details carefully to each stakeholder. Marketing the project was another challenge. Reaching the right audience required creative advertising campaigns and visual posters, which eventually led to successful outreach across ASEAN institutions.

One of the standout success stories from MakeITSafe is the innovative use of Gather.Town, a metaverse-like platform. Recognizing that discussing topics like OCSEA could be tedious, the team created an engaging virtual environment called ‘MakeITSafe Town’. This space, complete with national symbols and interactive features, transformed the learning experience, making it both fun and informative. However, the use of advanced platforms also brought technical difficulties, which the team overcame by providing detailed instructions and technical support.

Looking to the Future

MakeITSafe is not just a project; it’s a vision for the future. The team is committed to continuing their work, raising awareness of cybercrime issues, and developing educational tools tailored for ASEAN youth. They envision a future where the project’s outcomes are implemented in educational institutions and the marketplace, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

The support from YSEALI Seeds has been instrumental in this journey. Beyond financial assistance, the collaboration and volunteer efforts from across the region have been invaluable. The networking opportunities provided by YSEALI Seeds have helped the team refine their marketing strategies and expand their reach.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For youth leaders and future applicants, MakeITSafe is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. It’s a reminder that young people have the potential to drive change and tackle even the most daunting challenges. The project’s success lies not just in its achievements but in its ability to inspire others to join the fight against cybercrime.

As MakeITSafe continues to grow, it invites young minds across ASEAN to be part of this transformative journey. Together, they can create a safer digital world, one innovative solution at a time.

Join the Movement

Are you passionate about creating innovative solutions to combat cybercrime in Southeast Asia? Join the movement that MakeITSafe has ignited and become a part of the positive change. Apply for YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2025 and channel your creativity and skills into real-world impact. Just like MakeITSafe, you'll have the chance to unite with fellow youth leaders across ASEAN, develop ground-breaking projects, and raise digital literacy for a safer online environment. Your ideas can lead the change. By applying to YSEALI Seeds, you will have access not only to financial support but also to a wealth of collaboration and networking opportunities that push your projects to the next level. Equip yourself with the tools and guidance to address crucial issues like Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA). Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impact—apply today and transform your vision into reality!