Happening August 26-28, DRAPAC25 is only weeks away. Meet the powerhouse organisations behind this year’s Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific assembly. Each co-host contributes specialised expertise to drive diverse conversations that will shape our region’s digital future. Check out what each organisation is leading at DRAPAC25 below:
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
A feminist NGO that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek and impart information. CIJ, in collaboration with Sinar Project, will introduce their Digital Rights Curriculum for Civil Society, designed to equip civil society with a deeper understanding of emerging technologies, internet infrastructure, and their intersection with law and policy. Following this, the closed-door multistakeholder meeting on online safety regulation in Malaysia will address online harms examining how government measures like proposed social media licensing might risk freedom of expression and advocating for a proactive, human-rights multi-stakeholder approach. Lastly, the workshop session “Scroll, Post, Delete… But Who’s Responsible? Modalities for platform accountability”, will explore modalities for holding platforms accountable amidst the limitations in addressing harms.
Architects of Diversity (AOD)
A Malaysian youth-led non-profit organisation working to build a peaceful, equitable and inclusive nation. They do this by building an ecosystem of youth, thought leaders, partners, policymakers and institutions for racial and religious inclusion and cohesion. AOD will be co-leading a co-learning workshop on co-designing alternative economic models amidst the current funding and resource landscape, which aims to bring heads together to better finance our work. AOD youth alumni will be speaking in the Opening Plenary, representing a new generation of activism that connects offline and online advocacy. AOD is the logistic muscle of DRAPAC25 and will be supporting co-hosts and speakers to make the assembly an excellent one.
Sinar Project
A civic tech initiative that uses open technology, open data, and policy analysis to systematically make important information public and more accessible. Sinar Project will be hosting a roundtable discussion Understand your rights starts with measuring what’s wrong together with Internet Society, which will touch on using internet measurements to empower consumer rights. Related to their work in internet measurements, they are taking part in APNIC Foundation’s panel discussion Empowering Digital Futures: How Diversity in Leadership Shapes Power and Drives Change. Sinar Project will also be organising an ideation workshop to develop a curriculum for civil society to deal with emerging tech issues, specifically in data governance. For those interested in a hands-on technical session, they have a workshop to analyse on Deep Inspection Packet (DPI) censorship
Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)
A data-driven initiative based in Malaysia with the aim of promoting tolerance and preventing violence through research and development, capacity-building training, consultations and more. Since 2020, INITIATE.MY has increasingly focused on security policies and has actively engaged with law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and youth stakeholders. INITIATE.MY will host two parallel sessions. The panel discussion ‘Tech-Facilitated Abuse and Its Threats to Democracy and Human Security in Southeast Asia’ will examine how malign actors exploit the internet, social media, and AI to spread disinformation, interfere with elections, and target vulnerable groups, and explore strategies for multi-stakeholder cooperation and accountability. The workshop session ‘Risk Assessment and Resource Sharing to Protect CSOs and HRDs from Tech-Facilitated Abuse Threats’ offers practical, scenario-based training for civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) on risk assessment, resource acquisition and protection strategies. ring collaboration across sectors.
Freedom Film Network (FFN)
An initiative that supports and develops social documentary filmmaking within the context of freedom of expression and values in Malaysia. FFN aims to develop a sustainable model for social filmmaking, through a network that supports, inspires and produces powerful and relevant films at the boundaries of our constraints. Freedom Film Network, together with EngageMedia, will be leading a Southeast Asian showcase of short films “Cinemata Big Screen” designed to ignite conversations around the themes of identity, resistance, and self-expression. Beyond the screening, FFN will also be integral to a crucial roundtable discussion on “Archiving as Resistance: Memory of Marginalised Histories and Human Rights”. This session delves into how digital archiving serves as a profound form of resistance for marginalised communities, directly confronting historical erasure, structural injustice, and cultural dispossession.
EngageMedia
In line with our commitment to fostering meaningful participation in AI policymaking, EngageMedia (EM) will lead the panel discussion diving into lessons learned, explore barriers to public consultation, and emphasise civil society’s involvement. EM is also co-convening the closed-door multi-stakeholder discussion for the Development of Public Interest AI Governance in SEA to provide expert feedback – uniting domestic and international expertise – fostering collaboration among relevant stakeholders. EM will take part in the ‘Consultation on Cybersecurity, Digital Economy, and Artificial Intelligence‘ roundtable, as part of a briefing paper aimed at shaping rights-based digital governance frameworks within ASEAN. We will also facilitate a panel discussion discussing the strategic use of human rights litigation as a mechanism for tech accountability. EM is the proud host of ‘Open Tech Camp Kuala Lumpur 2025,’ an unconference dedicated for collaborative learning on open technology for social good.
Join Us for DRAPAC25
These session highlights represent just a taste of the 40+ activities planned across the three days. Log in to your DRAPAC25 account to explore the complete programme. With over 500 registrants already confirmed, hurry and secure your spot before registration closes at the end of business today August 8, 2025.
We’re thrilled to welcome you in Kuala Lumpur!