Malaysia Outreach Counter-Terrorism Course
22 – 26 May 2006
Objectives. The objectives of the Malaysia Outreach Counter-Terrorism Course were to (1) assess current trends in terrorism in SE Asia; (2) understand how terrorist ideologies are transmitted via the Internet or other types of communication technology; (3) understand the linkage between information technology and critical infrastructure protection, (4) understand the importance of networks in the context of terrorism and the information revolution; and (5) understand how the information revolution can facilitate interagency cooperation.
Purpose. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the impact on attendees at the Malaysia Outreach as well as the courses’ effectiveness in achieving its stated objectives.
Results. This course resulted in participants gaining valuable insights and knowledge on cyber terrorism, countering cyber terrorism, and critical infrastructure protection. Participants intend to use the insight gained into strategic communication to better manage consequences and expectations; and the knowledge gained to analyze issues and events to help counter terrorism in SE Asia.
v Knowledge of Cyber Terrorism. The vast majority of participants (81%) stated that they gained valuable insights and knowledge on cyber terrorism and countering cyber terrorism. They now realize cyber terrorism is “a new frontier” and “a real threat.” They felt the course “addressed the three [major] elements [of countering terrorism]: motivation, capability and opportunity of the terrorist.” Additionally, they obtained critical information on the “method of operation of cyber terrorism.” The course brought to the forefront the need for “operational assessments and planning [to] counter cyber-terrorism.”
v Cooperation. A number of participants stated that the course provided them insight into “the need for international, regional, national as well as multilateral cooperation to counter terrorism.” They emphasized “that international cooperation [would be] very much needed to mitigate the effects of terrorism, if not totally eradicate it.” They now fully realize that one country “cannot fight terrorism alone.”
v Critical Infrastructure Protection. Participants also responded that the course provided them with key insights into “critical infrastructure protection.” They now understand that special emphasis should be placed “on the prevention and mitigation [of terrorism] on critical infrastructure.”
v Strategic Communication. Another key insight mentioned by participants was the “importance of strategic communications.” They now clearly see “the need for strategic communication [and] managing consequences and expectations.”
USE OF KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS GAINED:
v Use of Knowledge/Skills Gained: Almost half of the participants stated that they would use their “additional knowledge [to] analyze issues and events” and “to counter terror[ism] especially [in] cyber space.” The course provided them with “a good solid set of analytical tools and concepts on how we see and realize the implications of cyber terrorism” which can “be applied in any line of work.” One participant even stated that he would be using his newfound knowledge/skills “in preparation for a forthcoming important international activity.”
v Harmonizing Views: Over a third of the participants stated that they would “adapt [the knowledge and skills gained] to their organization” by “initiating policy and operational recommendations,” training, and sharing their experience and knowledge with other officials in their nation. A Singapore official in the Security and Intelligence Department of the Ministry of Defence declared that he was going “to put up a red team (simulated terrorist group during a course exercise) in [his] department within a month.”
v Networking/Cooperation: Participants also stated that they would use their knowledge/skills to “better network for regional and U.S. cooperation.” They would “participate with other countries’ officers” and increase efforts “towards bilateral collaborations.”
v Recommend Intra-Country. 90% of the participants would strongly recommend this type of event to other officials within their nation.
v Recommend Inter-Country. 87% of the participants would strongly recommend this type of event to officials of another nation.
v Attend Event Again. 85% of the participants responded that they would attend this type of event again in the future based on their experience with this course.
v Quality of Capabilities and Facilities. 85% of the participants agreed the facilities, information-technology, and audio-visual support capabilities supporting this event were high-quality and contributed to making this an enjoyable and productive event.
v Logistics Support. 79% of participants agreed the pre-, during-, and post-event support related to notification, travel, billeting, read-ahead materials, supplies, and services were professionally accomplished and contributed to making this a productive and enjoyable event.
Survey Methodology. The Outreach Survey was administered to 100% of attendees. This course consisted of 27 attendees from 7 countries. The course survey was comprised of 10 questions and an additional comment section. The first 5 questions were written responses to measure the outcomes of the course. The last 5 questions were data range questions evaluating their experience with the basic support functions and their overall opinion of the course. This report analyzed the fellows’ responses to those last 5 questions.
Contact Information. For more information, please contact the Strategic Initiative Group at (808) 971-8911 or email email@example.com.