Singapore has officially taken over as chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime, signaling a strengthened commitment to combating maritime crime and addressing broader regional security challenges.
The announcement was made during the ASEAN Regional Forum on Counter-Terrorism held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from March 20 – 21. The event gathered representatives from more than 30 countries, including Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, to share strategies and foster cooperation in fighting terrorism and organized crime across borders.
As chair, Singapore plans to focus the Working Group’s efforts on three core areas: countering violent extremism, preventing and combatting transnational organised crime, and promoting international cooperation on counter-terrorism. These priorities align with Singapore’s consistent approach to enhancing regional safety and its emphasis on strategic partnerships both within and beyond ASEAN.
The leadership role is expected to promote greater maritime security, improved law enforcement coordination, and more robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms among participating countries. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Singapore’s leadership is seen as an opportunity to advance meaningful dialogue and cooperation, contributing to peace and stability in the region.
This development also shows Singapore’s broader diplomatic capability and its continued efforts to drive initiatives that address urgent transnational security concerns.