The Memo: February 10—23, 2025

News Roundup:

Issues of Concern

1. Singapore Detains Far-Right Radicalised Teen
2. Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Exposed: The Case of “BK” in Malaysia
3. Russian State-Aligned Threat Actors Target Signal Messenger

Terrorism, Extremism and Insurgency

1. Singapore Detains Far-Right Radicalised Teen

Threat Level: Minimal

Overview:
An 18-year-old Singaporean student, Nick Lee Xing Qiu, was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) after being radicalised by far-right extremist content online. He idolised the Christchurch mosque attacker and aspired to start a "race war" between Chinese and Malays in Singapore.

Key Details:

• Impact: The Internal Security Department (ISD) confirmed no imminent threats from Lee but continues to monitor online extremist activities.
• Implications: Lee is the third Singaporean youth detained for far-right extremist ideologies, reflecting a global rise in such radicalisation.

Crime

2. Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Exposed: The Case of “BK” in Malaysia

Threat Level: Significant

Overview:
An anonymous wildlife dealer, known as “BK,” has been operating in Malaysia for over a decade, trafficking rare and endangered animals via social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Despite efforts to conceal their identity, investigative work by Bellingcat linked BK to a specific individual and location in Klang, Malaysia.

Key Details:

• Impact: BK’s ability to evade platform bans underscores the challenges of moderating illegal wildlife trade on social media. Despite strict Malaysian laws prohibiting the unlicensed sale of wildlife, enforcement remains weak, allowing traffickers like BK to operate with impunity.
• Implications: BK’s operations are centered in Klang, Malaysia, but their online reach extends across Southeast Asia. The investigation revealed connections to customers in Thailand, indicating cross-border trafficking.

Cybersecurity

3. Russian State-Aligned Threat Actors Target Signal Messenger

Threat Level: Significant

Overview:
Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has observed increased efforts by Russian state-aligned threat actors to compromise Signal Messenger accounts used by individuals of interest to Russia’s intelligence services. This interest likely stems from wartime demands to access sensitive government and military communications related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The tactics used to target Signal are expected to grow in prevalence and spread beyond Ukraine.

Key Details:

• Impact: The focus on Signal is part of a broader effort to compromise secure communications, with WhatsApp and Telegram also at risk.
• Scope: Other encrypted communication platforms may become targets for state-sponsored cyber operations.

Our Assessment Guide

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THE MERIDIAN: Southeast Asia’s Pivot to BRICS: A Pragmatic Hedge or a Geopolitical Gamble?

Southeast Asian nations join BRICS for pragmatic reasons, not solely to oppose the West. De-dollarisation is a key goal, but faces challenges. Risks include association with a China-Russia axis and limited concrete benefits.

The Deep DiveMunira Mustaffa

THE MERIDIAN: Trump’s Return to the White House and What to Expect

Trump’s projected return sparks Chinese business exodus to Southeast Asia, while Washington’s silence over attacks on Malaysian peacekeepers signals deeper shifts. Both trends push Malaysia and its neighbours to recalibrate relations as American reliability wanes.

The Deep DiveMunira Mustaffa

FLASHPOINT: DNS Detour: Malaysia’s Contentious Venture into Digital Governance

Malaysia’s DNS redirection mandate sparked controversy over internet freedom and security. The policy risked cybersecurity vulnerabilities and internet fragmentation. Though rescinded, it highlights the challenge of balancing security with open internet access.

The Deep DiveMunira Mustaffa

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