Call for Applications: ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program

The ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program is inviting creators from ASEAN Member States to produce engaging digital content that raises awareness about online scams and promotes safer online communities. Over a four-month campaign, selected participants will create monthly content inspired by real scam scenarios, with top performers receiving cash awards of up to USD 500.

About the ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program

The ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program is a regional digital awareness initiative that empowers content creators to educate the public about online scams through creative storytelling.

The program encourages creators to transform real scam scenarios into engaging videos and social media posts that help audiences recognize common fraud tactics and learn how to stay safe online. By leveraging social media platforms, the initiative aims to strengthen digital literacy and build a community of creators committed to promoting online safety across ASEAN.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Increase public awareness of online scams across ASEAN.
• Promote digital literacy and safe online behaviour.
• Help communities identify and respond to common scam tactics.
• Encourage creator-led storytelling based on real scam scenarios.
• Build a network of digital creators advocating for online safety.
• Drive public engagement with the Be Scam Ready educational game.

Focus Areas

The initiative focuses on:

• Online scam awareness
• Digital literacy
• Online safety
• Cyber fraud prevention
• Community education
• Social media awareness campaigns
• Digital storytelling
• Public engagement
• Scam prevention education

Program Duration

The campaign runs for four months.

Before the campaign begins, all selected participants must attend an online onboarding session organized by the ASEAN Foundation.

Program Activities

Participants will complete several activities throughout the campaign.

These include:

• Attending the mandatory online onboarding session.
• Selecting a different Be Scam Ready game character each month.
• Creating original content based on each character’s scam story.
• Publishing awareness content on their social media platforms.
• Promoting the Be Scam Ready educational game.
• Reporting campaign progress through monthly check-ins.

Content Requirements

Each participant is required to:

• Choose one different Be Scam Ready game character every month.
• Create at least four short videos or carousel posts each month.
• Base each piece of content on the selected character’s scam story.
• Include the official Be Scam Ready link in every post.
• Encourage audiences to play the game and learn about scam prevention.

Monthly Reporting Requirements

Participants must complete a monthly check-in by submitting:

• Links to all published content.
• Basic social media performance statistics.
• Required information through the designated online reporting form.

Regular reporting helps monitor campaign performance and participant engagement.

Awards and Recognition

Outstanding participants will receive the Top Guardian Awards.

Award prizes include:

• First Place: USD 500 and a winner e-certificate.
• Second Place: USD 300 and a winner e-certificate.
• Third Place: USD 200 and a winner e-certificate.

Selection Criteria for Awards

Top Guardian Award winners will be selected based on:

• Creativity in digital storytelling.
• Overall impact of published content.
• Audience engagement.
• Consistency throughout the four-month campaign.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of an ASEAN Member State.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be active social media users.
• Have a passion for digital storytelling.
• Demonstrate an interest in digital literacy, online safety, or community education.

Why This Program Matters

Online scams continue to evolve rapidly, affecting individuals and communities across Southeast Asia.

This program helps:

• Improve public awareness of cyber scams.
• Promote responsible social media engagement.
• Strengthen digital literacy across ASEAN.
• Encourage creators to use their influence for social impact.
• Support safer online communities through educational content.

By combining storytelling with education, the initiative makes scam prevention information more engaging and accessible.

How to Participate

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you:

• Are an ASEAN citizen.
• Are at least 18 years old.
• Actively create content on social media.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Complete the application according to the program guidelines and demonstrate your interest in digital storytelling and online safety.

Step 3: Attend the Onboarding Session

Selected participants must join the mandatory online onboarding session organized by the ASEAN Foundation.

Step 4: Create Monthly Content

Throughout the four-month campaign:

• Select a different Be Scam Ready character each month.
• Produce at least four qualifying posts monthly.
• Include the required educational link.
• Encourage audiences to engage with the Be Scam Ready game.

Step 5: Complete Monthly Reporting

Submit:

• Links to published content.
• Social media performance statistics.
• Required campaign reporting information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the mandatory onboarding session.
• Reusing the same Be Scam Ready character in multiple months.
• Publishing fewer than four required posts per month.
• Forgetting to include the official Be Scam Ready link.
• Missing monthly reporting deadlines.
• Producing content that does not clearly communicate scam awareness messages.

Tips for Success

To maximize your impact:

• Use engaging storytelling techniques.
• Create content that is simple and easy to understand.
• Encourage audience interaction through comments and discussions.
• Use creative visuals and short-form video formats.
• Post consistently throughout the campaign.
• Focus on educating audiences while keeping content engaging and relatable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program?

Citizens of ASEAN Member States who are at least 18 years old, actively use social media, and are interested in digital storytelling and online safety can apply.

How long does the program last?

The campaign runs for four months, beginning with a mandatory online onboarding session.

How much content must participants create?

Participants must publish at least four short videos or carousel posts every month based on the assigned Be Scam Ready character.

What topics should the content cover?

Content should focus on real online scam scenarios, scam awareness, digital literacy, and encouraging audiences to learn through the Be Scam Ready game.

What awards are available?

Top performers can receive:

• First Prize: USD 500
• Second Prize: USD 300
• Third Prize: USD 200

Each winner also receives an official e-certificate.

How are winners selected?

Winners are evaluated based on creativity, storytelling quality, audience engagement, content impact, and consistency throughout the campaign.

Why is this program important?

The initiative helps educate communities about online scams, promotes digital literacy, and empowers creators to contribute to safer online environments across ASEAN.

Conclusion

The ASEAN Guardians Against Scam Program offers creators across ASEAN an opportunity to use digital storytelling to educate the public about online scams while building safer digital communities. Through creative content, consistent engagement, and public education, participants can make a meaningful social impact while competing for recognition and cash awards for their contributions to online safety.