The Korea–ASEAN Police Cooperation Forum, hosted by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), took place from November 25 to 29, 2024. The event was attended by distinguished officials from various ASEANAPOL member countries, including: H.E. Police Major General Sok Nithya, Director of the Anti-Cyber Crime Department, Cambodian National Police; H.E. Police Inspector General Krishna Murti, Head of the International Relations Division, Indonesian National Police; H.E. Police Lieutenant Colonel Bounpheng Inthavong, Deputy Director of the Counter Narcotic Police Department, Lao Police Force; H.E. Dato’ Sri Ayob Khan bin Mydin Pitchay, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Malaysia Police; H.E. Assistant Commissioner of Police William Koh, Director of the International Cooperation Department, Singapore Police Force; H.E. Police Major General Westrimundo D. Obinque, Director for Intelligence, Philippine National Police; H.E. Police Major General Surapan Thaiprasert, Head of INTERPOL NCB Bangkok and Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division, Royal Thai Police; H.E. Nguyen Van Long, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam; and Mr. Neal Jetton, Director of Cybercrime at INTERPOL IGCI. The delegations were accompanied by officers from their respective countries/organizations.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat were represented by Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan and Assistant Superintendent of Police Engku Nurul ‘Aini binti Engku Malek, Plans and Programmes Officer II.
The forum featured two key panel discussions: one on International Cooperation and Official Development Assistance (ODA) and another on Effective Response Strategies Against Cross-Border Fraud. These discussions aimed to enhance the knowledge of ASEANAPOL Member Countries in international police cooperation and mutual assistance in combatting transnational crimes. The sessions were enriched by lectures and expert insights from distinguished speakers from the Korean National Police University (KNPU), including Professor Gang Ook (Chairperson) and Mr. Byeon Gyu-Taek from KNPA’s International Cooperation Development Section. Executive Director Vinluan participated as a panelist in the first session, along with Mr. Kim Youngchan from UNDP Seoul. The second panel discussion featured Professor Seo Jun-bae as Chairperson, Mr. Oh Young-hoon from KNPA’s Phishing Crime Investigation Department as a speaker, and contributions from the Cambodian National Police and Mr. Yoo Ji-hoon from KNPA’s Financial Crime Investigation Department.
During his address, Executive Director Vinluan emphasized a statement by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable development. Without security, people cannot achieve their potential, and without development, lasting peace cannot be sustained.” He further highlighted the importance of investing in ASEANAPOL Member Countries to safeguard the critical value chains of trade, tourism, and economic ties that drive ASEAN-Korea relations, particularly in the fight against transnational crimes. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of investing in the capacity building and training of ASEAN police personnel. He noted that enhancing the human capital within police organizations is essential to ensuring that law enforcement agencies become highly capable, effective, and credible, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for people to live, work, and conduct business for generations to come.
The forum was highly regarded by the participants, as the topics presented stimulated significant interest and generated fruitful discussions. The program successfully broadened understanding of international cooperation and ODA, with a focus on infrastructure building and the prevention of transnational crimes.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat extends its appreciation to KNPA for organizing this impactful program, which will enhance intelligence sharing, joint investigation efforts, and operational coordination among ASEANAPOL member countries. This forum further strengthens the partnership between ASEANAPOL and KNPA, ensuring continued collaboration in addressing transnational crimes and enhancing regional security.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"