ASEAN-IPR Comparative Study Visit to Institute For National Security Strategy (INSS)

2-3 September 2024

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Pursuant to one of its functions to establish linkages/network, as well as collaborate with like-minded institutions, the ASEAN Institute for Peace & Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) conducted a Comparative Study Visit to the Institute for National Security and Strategy (INSS) on 2-3 September 2024 in Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK). The Visit was part and parcel of the “ASEAN-IPR Regional Conference on Cybersecurity: The Role of Information Technology in Fostering a Culture of Peace in ASEAN”, as part of a series of activities leading up to the Conference. The Regional Conference, including its preceding activities such as the Study Visit, is supported by the ROK through ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).

Preceding the visit, a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) with a group of Regional Experts from Southeast Asia and ROK was convened in July – exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and peacebuilding, understanding how technological advancements and cyber challenges could support as well as threaten peace efforts. Accordingly, the Study Visit aimed to (1) facilitate knowledge exchange on cybersecurity best practices between ASEAN-IPR delegates and their ROK counterparts; (2) explore/learn from ROK’s cybersecurity strategies, policies and technologies; and (3) enhance ASEAN’s capacity to address cybersecurity challenges within the context of peacebuilding. Thus, the amongst the visit’s main outtake is to explore a comprehensive definition of cyber peacebuilding in ASEAN context, addressing the limitations and/or gaps of cyber policies in ASEAN, as well as underscoring importance and exploring cooperation on cybersecurity between the ROK and ASEAN Member States.

The ASEAN-IPR Delegation was led by Executive Director (ED) of ASEAN-IPR, with Regional Experts and ASEAN-IPR Team, where they exchanged with Experts from INSS and ROK-based academic institution as well as tech-corporations. A total of approximately twenty (20) participants – joining in-person and virtually – were present during exchanges in the Study Visit. 

The visit was officiated by the ED of ASEAN-IPR and Dr. Sukhee HAN, President of INSS, who also delivered a Keynote on ROK’s cybersecurity strategy and landscape. He highlighted the ROK’s new National Cybersecurity Strategy – which aimed to establish a national-level integrated response system that connects and coordinates the roles and responsibilities of individuals, business sector and the government in a closely organised manner. Moreover, he underlined how the strategy aims to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with like-minded nations that shares their values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, contributing to the overall peace and prosperity in the international community.

Throughout the two-day visit, exchanges were done in the scope of – among others – (i) cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies (mainly from ROK experiences), including their role in enhancing national security and facilitating peace; (ii) the role of cybersecurity in peacebuilding, featuring case studies on digital peace-making and conflict prevention; (iii) cybersecurity solutions for peacebuilding – exploring practical cybersecurity applications in peace-making scenarios; (iv) gender and cybersecurity – emphasising importance of incorporating gender perspectives in cybersecurity strategies; as well as (v) collaborative session discussing actionable strategies for integrating gender sensitivity into cybersecurity policies, operations and culture – focusing on creating inclusive environments and addressing the unique cybersecurity needs of women and marginalised groups. 

On the side-lines of the visit, the ASEAN-IPR Delegation also had the opportunity to visit and engage with the Korea Internet Self-Governance Organization (KISO) – an organisation aimed to promote users’ freedom of expression and responsibilities, while also implementing social responsibility of internet intermediaries; and an introductory meeting with the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) – to introduce the work of the Institute to the Centre.

For more information on the ASEAN-IPR Cybersecurity Conference (scheduled for February 2025) – including how you could be a participant or resource person at the Conference – be sure to check out our website at www.asean-aipr.org or connect through our social media platforms. 

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