Muhammad Faizal
@mfaizal.bsky.social
Muhammad Faizal is a Research Fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme, Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
Short reflection on the cyberspace/digital defence dimension of Southeast Asia regional security outlook for 2026.
More perspectives from other regional experts and analysts here: lnkd.in/gMsWy5NU
More perspectives from other regional experts and analysts here: lnkd.in/gMsWy5NU
February 1, 2026 at 4:27 AM
Short reflection on the cyberspace/digital defence dimension of Southeast Asia regional security outlook for 2026.
More perspectives from other regional experts and analysts here: lnkd.in/gMsWy5NU
More perspectives from other regional experts and analysts here: lnkd.in/gMsWy5NU
𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS, suggested that “as long as the alliance members continue to share the same perception of China as a strategic threat and the US does not become an actual military threat to its allies, the alliance will continue” although it might be “shaky”.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...?
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...?
As Canada and UK hit refresh on China ties, is this the end of Five Eyes?
The White House’s ‘America first’ strategy is prompting alliance members to take another look at their relationship with Beijing.
www.scmp.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:24 AM
𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS, suggested that “as long as the alliance members continue to share the same perception of China as a strategic threat and the US does not become an actual military threat to its allies, the alliance will continue” although it might be “shaky”.
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...?
www.scmp.com/news/china/d...?
De-risking previously involved Chinese tech; now American tech too. Possible impact of lower trust in transatlantic relations on digital security.
www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...
www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...
No more zoom for French officials: France to use local alternative to US tech
The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
De-risking previously involved Chinese tech; now American tech too. Possible impact of lower trust in transatlantic relations on digital security.
www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...
www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...
“But Indonesia has rejected provisions that would violate its Constitution, including demands for it to buy US-made drones for surveillance in waters near the South China Sea, two senior government officials have told ST on condition of anonymity.”
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Indonesia says no to US demand to buy American drones, but agrees to other terms in trade talks
Indonesia and the US are in the final stages of talks on a so-called reciprocal tariff deal, which will see the US lower tariff rates on South-east Asia’s largest economy from the previously threatene...
www.straitstimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:40 AM
“But Indonesia has rejected provisions that would violate its Constitution, including demands for it to buy US-made drones for surveillance in waters near the South China Sea, two senior government officials have told ST on condition of anonymity.”
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Interesting article:
- American unilateralism may not be new. What is new is that this time, it is America's friends and allies that find themselves on the receiving end of American power.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- American unilateralism may not be new. What is new is that this time, it is America's friends and allies that find themselves on the receiving end of American power.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
As we return to a pre-WW2 order, the middle powers face a challenge
With economic stagnation and extremes of inequality comes corrosion of trust in democratic institutions. So Trump may be a symptom, not a cause, of what Carney called a "rupture" with the post-WW2 ord...
www.bbc.com
January 25, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Interesting article:
- American unilateralism may not be new. What is new is that this time, it is America's friends and allies that find themselves on the receiving end of American power.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- American unilateralism may not be new. What is new is that this time, it is America's friends and allies that find themselves on the receiving end of American power.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
A noteworthy development at ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in 2025 was the release of workplan for the ASEAN Cyber Defence Network (ACDN). Not much publicity on this, but here’s a screenshot of the workplan from ADMM website:
#ASEAN #cyberspace #defence #ADMM
#ASEAN #cyberspace #defence #ADMM
January 23, 2026 at 5:15 AM
A noteworthy development at ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in 2025 was the release of workplan for the ASEAN Cyber Defence Network (ACDN). Not much publicity on this, but here’s a screenshot of the workplan from ADMM website:
#ASEAN #cyberspace #defence #ADMM
#ASEAN #cyberspace #defence #ADMM
1. What is the outlook for China-U.S relations & implications to Southeast Asia? How can countries navigate strategic reality where rules are weakened and the U.S exercising raw power and coercive diplomacy on rivals, but more importantly on allies and partners? @RSIS_NTU
January 21, 2026 at 11:58 PM
1. What is the outlook for China-U.S relations & implications to Southeast Asia? How can countries navigate strategic reality where rules are weakened and the U.S exercising raw power and coercive diplomacy on rivals, but more importantly on allies and partners? @RSIS_NTU
The letter had become an issue not only because of its content but because of the bad press the new ambassador had received, Faizal said.
- more of my comments in this news article.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
- more of my comments in this news article.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
US ambassador to Singapore’s much ‘larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles
In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says.
www.scmp.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM
The letter had become an issue not only because of its content but because of the bad press the new ambassador had received, Faizal said.
- more of my comments in this news article.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
- more of my comments in this news article.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
“But he said the president's comments about the presence of Russian and Chinese warships around Greenland were "not true".”
- Basically, all major powers use information manipulation (or disinformation) in foreign policy to pressure other states.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- Basically, all major powers use information manipulation (or disinformation) in foreign policy to pressure other states.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Denmark warns of 'fundamental disagreement' with US over Greenland
There was no major breakthrough during the meeting, and President Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the island shortly afterwards.
www.bbc.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:10 AM
“But he said the president's comments about the presence of Russian and Chinese warships around Greenland were "not true".”
- Basically, all major powers use information manipulation (or disinformation) in foreign policy to pressure other states.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- Basically, all major powers use information manipulation (or disinformation) in foreign policy to pressure other states.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict: Restraint in the Digital Information Battlefield
by Muhammad Faizal
An update of my blog post in December, analysing the conflict as an information battlefield #DigitalDefense #InformationWarfare #ASEAN #NarrativeWarfare
moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/14/c...
by Muhammad Faizal
An update of my blog post in December, analysing the conflict as an information battlefield #DigitalDefense #InformationWarfare #ASEAN #NarrativeWarfare
moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/14/c...
Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict: Restraint in the Digital Information Battlefield
Even the shared cultural heritage between Cambodia and Thailand has failed to prevent conflict but instead has become a source of online clashes on social media that fuel nationalism.
moderndiplomacy.eu
January 14, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict: Restraint in the Digital Information Battlefield
by Muhammad Faizal
An update of my blog post in December, analysing the conflict as an information battlefield #DigitalDefense #InformationWarfare #ASEAN #NarrativeWarfare
moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/14/c...
by Muhammad Faizal
An update of my blog post in December, analysing the conflict as an information battlefield #DigitalDefense #InformationWarfare #ASEAN #NarrativeWarfare
moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/14/c...
Estonia: Small State Security and the International Order
Estonia has stood between a rules-based international order that serves the interests of small states and one where powerful states prey on the weak.
By 𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS_NTU
www.e-ir.info/2026/01/13/e...
Estonia has stood between a rules-based international order that serves the interests of small states and one where powerful states prey on the weak.
By 𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS_NTU
www.e-ir.info/2026/01/13/e...
Estonia: Small State Security and the International Order
Estonia has stood between a rules-based international order that serves the interests of small states and one where powerful states prey on the weak.
www.e-ir.info
January 13, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Estonia: Small State Security and the International Order
Estonia has stood between a rules-based international order that serves the interests of small states and one where powerful states prey on the weak.
By 𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS_NTU
www.e-ir.info/2026/01/13/e...
Estonia has stood between a rules-based international order that serves the interests of small states and one where powerful states prey on the weak.
By 𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 @RSIS_NTU
www.e-ir.info/2026/01/13/e...
“Mr (Elon) Musk’s ability to tip the balance in global conflicts was demonstrated when he shut down Starlink as Ukraine retook territory from Russia in 2022, Reuters previously reported.”
www.straitstimes.com/world/middle...
www.straitstimes.com/world/middle...
Iranians tap Musk’s Starlink to skirt internet blackout, sources say
Starlink is still working in some places in Iran, despite being banned by authorities. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:52 PM
“Mr (Elon) Musk’s ability to tip the balance in global conflicts was demonstrated when he shut down Starlink as Ukraine retook territory from Russia in 2022, Reuters previously reported.”
www.straitstimes.com/world/middle...
www.straitstimes.com/world/middle...
Myanmar has denied genocide. Israel denies genocide and lawyers for Israel dismissed South Africa’s case as an abuse of the genocide convention.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Gambia to UN court: Myanmar made Rohingya lives a nightmare
Gambia tells the UN's top court that Myanmar targeted Rohingya for destruction, turning their lives into a nightmare in a landmark genocide case. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstim...
www.straitstimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Myanmar has denied genocide. Israel denies genocide and lawyers for Israel dismissed South Africa’s case as an abuse of the genocide convention.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Sharing an article by a colleague in Malaysian defence institution.
www.sinardaily.my/article/7329...
www.sinardaily.my/article/7329...
The unwavering mandate: Why Malaysia’s Armed Forces must rise above the noise
Beyond controversy and criticism, the Malaysian Armed Forces remain bound by a duty that transcends headlines, politics and public perception.
www.sinardaily.my
January 9, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Sharing an article by a colleague in Malaysian defence institution.
www.sinardaily.my/article/7329...
www.sinardaily.my/article/7329...
Analysts say history has shown that during times of geopolitical tensions or conflicts, lines of communication and energy infrastructure are often targeted.
- Read the article for more of my comments.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
- Read the article for more of my comments.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
Why the Philippines is taking control of undersea cable security
The moves will help strengthen regional stability and prevent Indo-Pacific connectivity from being quietly weaponised, analysts say.
www.scmp.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Analysts say history has shown that during times of geopolitical tensions or conflicts, lines of communication and energy infrastructure are often targeted.
- Read the article for more of my comments.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
- Read the article for more of my comments.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
1. “A 25-member People’s Action Party (PAP) delegation, led by Party Chairman Desmond Lee, is visiting China on a study trip at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).”
www.pap.org.sg/events/desmo...
www.pap.org.sg/events/desmo...
Desmond Lee leads PAP delegation on a study trip to China
A 25-member People’s Action Party (PAP) delegation, led by Party Chairman Desmond Lee, is visiting China on a study trip at...
www.pap.org.sg
January 6, 2026 at 12:51 PM
1. “A 25-member People’s Action Party (PAP) delegation, led by Party Chairman Desmond Lee, is visiting China on a study trip at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).”
www.pap.org.sg/events/desmo...
www.pap.org.sg/events/desmo...
In this media interview with @SCMPNews , I provided a brief analysis of countries’ response to U.S military attack on Venezuela and clear violation of international law.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
US’ Asian allies reluctant to slam Trump’s ‘cowboy tactics’ against Venezuela
These countries fear the consequences of criticising the US, particularly given Trump’s willingness to use the tariff threat in trade talks.
www.scmp.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:09 AM
In this media interview with @SCMPNews , I provided a brief analysis of countries’ response to U.S military attack on Venezuela and clear violation of international law.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?
- “America's record of achieving regime change by force in the last 30 years is disastrous.”
- “He (Trump) makes no secret of the way he covets the mineral wealth of other countries.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- “He (Trump) makes no secret of the way he covets the mineral wealth of other countries.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Trump's Maduro raid could set precedent for authoritarian powers across globe
Trump seems to believe he makes the rules and others cannot have the same privileges.
www.bbc.com
January 4, 2026 at 9:39 PM
- “America's record of achieving regime change by force in the last 30 years is disastrous.”
- “He (Trump) makes no secret of the way he covets the mineral wealth of other countries.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
- “He (Trump) makes no secret of the way he covets the mineral wealth of other countries.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
1. The U.S has arguably violated international law and essentially imposed its sphere of influence through its military operations (complemented by cyber ops targeting critical infrastructure) targeting Venezuela.
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
Trump suggests US used cyberattacks to turn off lights in Venezuela during strikes
U.S. Cyber Command was involved in setting the stage for the operation.
www.politico.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:59 AM
1. The U.S has arguably violated international law and essentially imposed its sphere of influence through its military operations (complemented by cyber ops targeting critical infrastructure) targeting Venezuela.
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
www.politico.com/news/2026/01...
1. An alternative (or rather realist) view of the U.S military attack on Venuzuela and the U.S running Venezuela.
I.e. I read from this that the emphasis on international law (and its principles) or legality is impractical. What matters is power, in reality.
I.e. I read from this that the emphasis on international law (and its principles) or legality is impractical. What matters is power, in reality.
January 4, 2026 at 2:40 AM
1. An alternative (or rather realist) view of the U.S military attack on Venuzuela and the U.S running Venezuela.
I.e. I read from this that the emphasis on international law (and its principles) or legality is impractical. What matters is power, in reality.
I.e. I read from this that the emphasis on international law (and its principles) or legality is impractical. What matters is power, in reality.
Useful lessons on application of indirect strategy and military power for exerting law of the jungle by major powers; for use in other strategic theaters: China vis-a-vis Taiwan, and Russia vis-a-vis Ukraine and Europe.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela as Trump escalates pressure on Maduro regime, sources say
Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities, U.S. officials told CBS News, ratcheting up pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
www.cbsnews.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Useful lessons on application of indirect strategy and military power for exerting law of the jungle by major powers; for use in other strategic theaters: China vis-a-vis Taiwan, and Russia vis-a-vis Ukraine and Europe.
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
www.cbsnews.com/live-updates...
“Russia will support China if a Taiwan contingency flares up, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the country’s Tass news agency, as Beijing’s tensions with Japan continue to escalate over the issue.”
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-as...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-as...
Russia vows to support China if Taiwan contingency flares up: Top diplomat
China and Russia have conducted joint bomber flights repeatedly over the years. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 28, 2025 at 11:01 AM
“Russia will support China if a Taiwan contingency flares up, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the country’s Tass news agency, as Beijing’s tensions with Japan continue to escalate over the issue.”
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-as...
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-as...
My latest chapter in the book “Wiring The Domains” by RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Adapted from my earlier paper.
December 23, 2025 at 5:14 AM
My latest chapter in the book “Wiring The Domains” by RSIS | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Adapted from my earlier paper.
My personal views as an external observer of the digital dimension of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. A brief piece on the digital warfare tactics and not taking any sides.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/digita...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/digita...
Digital Domain in Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict
A constant feature of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict over the past several months is the hybridity of operations including in the digital information space. It maintains its momentum even durin...
www.linkedin.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:59 AM
My personal views as an external observer of the digital dimension of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. A brief piece on the digital warfare tactics and not taking any sides.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/digita...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/digita...