Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Amid the ongoing doomsday debate around AI, it was opportune to share my analysis at a Track 1.5 seminar in Hanoi on 1 Oct 2026 on AI, Strategic Competition, and the Future of Regional Security, organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS)-Vietnam and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV). 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 04/10/2026“Prime Minister Mark Carney admitted last week that he has prepared for a once-unthinkable scenario - a US invasion.” “Coates said he believes an attack by the US on Canada would not begin with an armed assault, but rather with more discreet means like cyberwarfare.” www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comWhy Canada is preparing for a (longshot) US invasionPrime Minister Mark Carney has said the military is running scenarios in the unlikely case the US invades Canada. 002
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 03/10/2026“The Trump administration’s talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine have expanded to include a multibillion-dollar oil deal that would benefit Middle Eastern business executives with ties to US negotiators…” www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...straitstimes.comUS-Russia talks on Ukraine involve multi-billion dollar oil deal, NYT reportsOct 3 - The Trump administration’s talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine have expanded to include a multibillion-dollar oil deal that would benefit Middle Eastern business executives with tie... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 03/10/2026“For the PLA, which has not engaged in major combat operations in decades, training alongside battle-tested Russian forces offers access to crucial operational experience from the Ukraine war, especially drone warfare.” www.scmp.com/news/china/m...?scmp.comChinese troops line up for Russia’s Tsentr-2026 exercise as military ties tightenThe mass drill involved tens of thousands of personnel from SCO countries to apply lessons from Ukraine war, Moscow says. 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 25/09/20261. Europe (understandably) seeks support from Indo-Pacific partners to counter Russia, including by linking European security to Indo-Pacific security. www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-as...straitstimes.comZelensky broke confidentiality with N. Korea POWs disclosure: S. Korea president Lee Jae MyungRead more at straitstimes.com. 101
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 24/09/20261. Often we talked about state and non-state threat actors on cyberspace. Now add AI agents (and perhaps by extension the Tech giants) as potential threat actors. www.bbc.com/news/live/cv...bbc.comAustralia launches urgent review after OpenAI program hacks government health portalExperts believe it's the world's first known AI breach of a government system. 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Newsflash - President Trump at the UN has officially re-named AI as Super Intelligence (SI) www.bbc.com/news/videos/...bbc.comTrump floats rebranding artificial intelligence as super intelligence"The use of the word artificial makes it sound fake," he said told the UN. "It's not fake, it's actually amazing." 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 22/09/2026“The military conflicts in the Middle East and Europe show that geopolitical crises can trigger cyber or physical disruptions to subsea cables,” says Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU). fortune.com/2026/09/22/u...fortune.comThe U.S. is backing a $14 billion cable to keep Southeast Asia's internet out of China's reach | FortuneAs the U.S. and China race to build rival subsea networks, countries "may be faced with accommodating two parallel tech stacks," one analyst says. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 20/09/2026According to OpenAI, “AI has been used in influence campaigns since 2024, when OpenAI first uncovered operations linked to Russia, China, Iran and Israel using its models to generate articles and social media posts.” www.straitstimes.com/tech/how-run...straitstimes.comHow runaway AI agents could pose an existential threat to humanityAI could multiply harm across bioterrorism, cyberwarfare, disinformation and advanced weaponry. Read more at straitstimes.com. 001
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 19/09/2026But the operation was called off after officials determined that an AI chatbot used by an analyst had misidentified the material the ship was carrying. CNN quoted one source as saying the intelligence report was “entirely false” but “almost started a war.” www.straitstimes.com/world/united...straitstimes.comFlawed AI-linked intel almost led US to board China ship: ReportAn analyst had mistakenly identified the material being transported by the ship as components related to nuclear weapons. Read more at straitstimes.com. 001
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Diplomatic language aside. Spheres of influence the reality today: International law insufficient in guaranteeing a nation’s sovereignty. Major powers may demand to allow sovereignty, who would also define what the sovereignty entails. www.channelnewsasia.com/world/us-and...channelnewsasia.comUS and Denmark reach deal on Greenland, Trump says"No US adversary can ever have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval," says US President Donald T... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 12/09/20261. According to Anthropic, the Claude AI model was used by China, Russia, Iran, and proxy actors in Yemen, Mali, UAE and etc for purposes such as cyber operations, conventional weapons development, intelligence, surveillance, disinformation and scams. www.straitstimes.com/world/united...straitstimes.comWeapons, spying and cyber operations: Anthropic exposes Claude misuseAnthropic reveals misuse of Claude AI in weapons development, cyber operations, surveillance, political influence, and scams by various global threat actors. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more a... 111
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 10/09/20261. “In April, Daum for now ruled out purchasing the Maven Smart System, the best-known AI tool of its kind, made by U.S. data analytics and defence software company Palantir.” www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...straitstimes.comGerman military evaluating 30 AI tools for introduction from 2027BERLIN, Sept 10 - The German military is evaluating 30 artificial intelligence tools to speed up battlefield decision-making, aiming to deploy such a system from 2027, a senior military official told ... 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 09/09/2026“US cybersecurity researchers have demonstrated how artificial intelligence could help hijack ..,intensifying concerns about AI-driven cyber threats and prompting renewed calls for bilateral cooperation between the United States and China.” www.scmp.com/tech/article...?scmp.comUS firm shows how AI helped hijack WeChat account with just 1 unanswered callThe flaw allowed for remote account takeovers without user interaction, prompting Tencent to patch the problem after Calif cybersecurity team flagged it. 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 09/09/2026A rather intriguing article by ASPI, positing that AUKUS submarines would help Australia fight a regional military power, in this case, a potentially aggressive Indonesia. www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-has-pu...aspistrategist.org.auAUKUS has put Australia’s submarine effort back on track | The StrategistThe first question to consider when thinking about a major defence program such as AUKUS is this: defence against whom? Australian governments have given two different answers to this question over th... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 05/09/2026“The United States should start preparing for scenarios where extreme measures must be taken to stop China from achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI)… including state-backed espionage and military strikes on Chinese data centres.” www.scmp.com/news/us/arti...scmp.com 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 25/08/2026“One thing I've seen in places like Ukraine is the use of paper maps, or laminated maps, and compasses,"…. "You can't jam that." It's a kind of "analogue resilience", he adds. www.bbc.com/future/artic...bbc.com'Security by antiquity': Why older tech is sometimes safer from hackersThe fear of hacking has made some people turn to other forms of technology ignored by new generations of cyber criminals. 062
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 25/08/2026…Trump’s use of tariffs to influence bilateral trade flows with the aim to balance the US trade deficit is misplaced since the deficit is mainly driven by the country’s own macroeconomic conditions and fiscal policy. www.straitstimes.com/business/us-...straitstimes.comUS calls transshipments a ‘scam’: Why do firms reroute goods, and how does Singapore manage it?Explore how US claims of tariff evasion via transshipments impact Singapore’s role as a key global shipping hub and the evolving trade enforcement landscape. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more a... 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 24/08/2026German prosecutors said in July that the bomb blasts were ordered by the Ukrainian state – an allegation that could complicate relations between Kyiv and a key military backer.Zelensky has always denied his country’s involvement. www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...straitstimes.comZelensky says Ukraine not behind Nord Stream blasts, cooperating with probeGerman prosecutors said in July that the bomb blasts were ordered by the Ukrainian state. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 011
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 22/08/2026Good to see a Middle Power standing up for its interests in the U.S. tariff war. www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comCanada says it will match US tariffs 'dollar for dollar' as trade talks break downNew 50% levy on $20bn of Canadian imports comes into force after last minute breakdown in trade talks. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 19/08/2026This is not the first time that Trump, faced with a foreign policy obstacle, has threatened to annex foreign territory. www.straitstimes.com/world/united...straitstimes.comTrump posts map showing Strait of Hormuz as US territoryThis is not the first time that the US President has threatened to annex foreign territory. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 16/08/2026“Trump says US to scale back military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war.” - the price that allies/partners will pay for not joining the U.S. in wars of choice, which may also contravene international law?? www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comTrump says US scaling back joint military operations with South KoreaHis decision to reduce the partnership came after South Korea recently declined to aid his war effort in Iran. 002
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 16/08/20261. The U.S. may be the predominant military power but even it has its limits. About time for allies & partners in APAC to reassess their defense posture, diplomacy & U.S. role as offshore balancer. abcnews.com/US/wireStory...abcnews.comUS pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on Iran, Western HemispherePresident Donald Trump’s war against Iran is stretching the limits of the nation’s aircraft carriers and leaving the western Pacific without one of the key American warships 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 15/08/2026Well, at least he appears open about his intentions. Let’s see if this officially becomes US policy. www.channelnewsasia.com/world/hormuz...channelnewsasia.comTrump says will 'soon' declare Hormuz strait US territoryUS President Donald Trump said the US has effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “we have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.” 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 10/08/2026“It says Australia could hold joint exercises with ASEAN and individual partners in South-east Asia to improve monitoring of cables and practise responding to attacks.” - Something for ADMM to consider?? www.straitstimes.com/asia/submari...straitstimes.comSubmarine cables in Australia, Indo-Pacific face growing attack risk: ReportA new report warns Australia and the Indo-Pacific face escalating threats to submarine cables, urging urgent action to improve monitoring and repair capabilities. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read m... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 06/08/2026Fresh off the press. ASEAN Regional Cyber Exercise: Navigating Cyberspace, Preserving ASEAN Centrality By Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publica... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Well. It is war after all. Expectedly, Iran would use asymmetric tactics, including cyber ops, to match U.S. attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure. www.straitstimes.com/world/united...straitstimes.comScope of hacks on US water supply widens as evidence points to IranMinnesota first publicly reported the attacks, and now Michigan says its systems have also been targeted. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Alongside the demonstrators, Southeast Asian migrants walked in support of Greenland’s sovereignty too www.channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-...channelnewsasia.com‘It's enough already’: Trump’s Greenland push leaves Southeast Asian migrants fearing for their futureAs United States President Donald Trump seeks control of Greenland, the island’s growing Southeast Asian migrant community faces uncertainty. In part one of this series, CNA looks at how Filipino and ... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 01/08/2026Visuals suggest US dropped 2,000-pound bomb on home in Iran, killing 3 www.straitstimes.com/world/middle...straitstimes.comUS dropped 2,000-pound bomb on home in IranAnalysis suggests a US 2,000-pound bomb strike on Iran's Qeshm island killed three civilians, raising questions about the target and munition used. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitst... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Catch my latest podcast with Elliot Danker on AsiaPulse on Spotify. As geopolitical competition intensifies, resilience is no longer defined solely by military capability. Increasingly, it encompasses economic security, strategic partnerships etc. open.spotify.com/episode/0Nzu... 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 26/07/2026“ASEAN should expect to see a new, hard-nosed side of the United States in the near term as the Trump administration deepens its implementation of a pragmatic “America First” brand of foreign policy.” www.straitstimes.com/world/united...straitstimes.comBeyond tariffs, Trump’s pragmatic playbook champions US solutions for ASEAN needsUS priorities are being realigned around national security interests, highlighting geo-economic realities. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 23/07/2026U.S. imposes 12.5% tariffs on Singapore. Continual use of economic coercion to influence the policies of other states. www.newsweek.com/new-tariffs-...newsweek.comFull list: See which countries are hit as Trump’s global duties expireTrump imposes 10%-12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners as temporary global duties expire, citing forced labor concerns. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 17/07/2026I provided some views for this Straits Times article about fake/suspicious think tanks reaching out to govt officials and researchers in the field of international security and defence. A digital security risk. #digitalsecurity #digitaldefence www.straitstimes.com/singapore/th...straitstimes.comThink-tank claiming to be S’pore-based used AI-generated profilesA think-tank claiming to be Singapore-based used AI-generated profiles to target security analysts and intelligence community members. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 15/07/2026“Trump’s defence strategy uses allied military spending to create jobs, sustain production lines and reinforce the US’ weapons industry.” www.straitstimes.com/opinion/why-...straitstimes.comWhy America keeps pressing its allies and partners to spend more on defenceDefence exports are a core part of US foreign policy strategy. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 05/07/2026U.S.-Israel War against Iran has a Strategic Impact on ASEAN Regional Security By Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman Short paper based on my analysis during a roundtable with Rabdan Security & Defence Institute (RSDI) in April 2026. rsdi.ae/en/publicati...rsdi.aeU.S.-Israel War against Iran has a Strategic Impact on ASEAN Regional SecurityRSDI - Rabdan Security and Defence Institute 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Better coordination between civilian and military cyber defenders – through regional initiatives, the implementation of cyber norms, and the optimisation of existing regional initiatives – is important to move this forward. By Muhammad Faizal #ASEAN #Cybersecurity rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publica...rsis.edu.sgIP26074 | Securing ASEAN Cyberspace: A Case for Advanced Persistent DefenceKEY TAKEAWAYS • Cyber threats could undermine ASEAN’s digital economic integration goals, which are crucial to regional peace and stability in the digital era. • ASEAN needs to adopt an Advanced Persi... 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 16/06/2026Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, concurred that the declaration’s broad scope was likely deliberate, aimed at achieving consensus in a region with diverse maritime concerns. www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?scmp.comWhat is Marcos’ diplomatic end game? Inside Philippines’ South China Sea shiftBy making undersea cables and fisheries the issue, analysts say Manila is trying to give all Asean members ‘skin in the game’. 110
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 14/06/2026𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻, a security analyst at @RSIS_NTU in Singapore, noted that the regional norms of cooperation Asean had spent decades building were coming under pressure from a new logic. www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...?scmp.comAsean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysisNon-interference bought decades of stability, but now breeds inaction. Is Asean due an overhaul? 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 12/06/2026It raises the question of whether the U.S. and Southeast Asia, except perhaps the Philippines, have diverging perspectives on regional security. By Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman #SLD2026 moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/12/2...moderndiplomacy.eu23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue: Can Southeast Asia still be a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality?It raises the question of whether the U.S. and Southeast Asia, have diverging perspectives on regional security. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Digital Foreign Interference. Influencing local politics around the world to dominate narratives of Middle East politics. Israeli firm BlackCore suspected of meddling in New York and Scotland votes, France says www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...straitstimes.comIsraeli firm BlackCore suspected of meddling in New York and Scotland votes, France saysThe Israeli embassy in Paris said it has no intention to interfere in French political processes. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. 010
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 05/06/2026Read this @ChannelNewsAsia article for my views and other Southeast Asian experts on U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth for ASEAN countries to raise military spending to 3.5%. www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/us-asia...channelnewsasia.com'Unrealistic' for Southeast Asia to meet Hegseth's defence spending demand amid Sino-US rivalryWashington’s call for Asian allies to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence is untenable given competing needs in infrastructure, healthcare and education, analysts say. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 31/05/2026Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, an expert on regional security, told the BBC it would be "uncertain if [Hegseth's] language of war will resonate well with Asian countries" that favour peace and neutrality. #sld2026 www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comUS not 'turning back' on Asia allies, but expects them to boost defence - HegsethThe US defense secretary is questioned about US commitment, including further arms deals, at an Asian security summit in Singapore. 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Brief analysis in #SLD2026 Keynote Speech by Vietnam President To Lam. “In an interview, Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University… For more, read www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/s...zaobao.com.sg苏林呼吁亚太国家化被动为主动 挺身为全球危机找方案全球正面临国际秩序逐渐崩解、发展模式陷入困顿和战略互信日益削弱三大危机,亚太地区是这三大危机的汇聚之地,因此也必须是解决方案之源。 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Brief analysis in #SLD2026 Keynote Speech by Vietnam President To Lam. “In an interview, Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University… For more, read www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/s...zaobao.com.sg苏林呼吁亚太国家化被动为主动 挺身为全球危机找方案全球正面临国际秩序逐渐崩解、发展模式陷入困顿和战略互信日益削弱三大危机,亚太地区是这三大危机的汇聚之地,因此也必须是解决方案之源。 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Growing Russian community presence in Southeast Asia - Phuket and Bali - and its socioeconomic impact via-a-vis locals. www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/ru...businesstimes.com.sgRussians are thriving on Phuket, but the scene feels fleetingThousands who fled Russia after the invasion of Ukraine have built an enclave there. An air of impermanence hangs over their community Read more at The Business Times. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Donald Trump has threatened to “blow up” Oman if it fails to “behave” in a casual aside during a cabinet meeting, as the US scrambles to reopen the strait of Hormuz. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...theguardian.comTrump threatens to ‘blow up’ Oman amid talks over strait of HormuzUS president calls on US ally to ‘behave … or else we’ll have to blow them up’ in casual aside during cabinet meeting 100
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Israeli edge-computing firm Maris-Tech has received its first serial production order from a defense customer in Singapore, signaling a transition from product trials to active procurement. thedefensepost.com/2026/05/26/m...thedefensepost.comIsrael's Maris-Tech Cracks Singapore Defense Market With First Production OrderIsraeli edge-computing firm Maris-Tech has received its first serial production order from a defense customer in Singapore. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 27/05/2026“Tusk said beyond defence a significant part of the treaty focused on cybersecurity. Poland says its role as a hub for military aid to Ukraine has made it a key target for Russian espionage, cyberattacks and disinformation.” www.straitstimes.com/world/europe...straitstimes.comUK, Poland set to sign defence treaty to tackle hostile threats across EuropeLONDON, May 26 - Britain will sign a new defence and security treaty with Poland on Wednesday to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of increasing hostile threats across Europe, the government ... 021
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 24/05/2026The formalities and meetings suggest ASEAN’s efforts to maintain balanced relations with China and the U.S. on AI-related developments including cybersecurity and digitalization. 000
Muhammad Faizal @mfaizal.bsky.social · 23/05/2026S’pore-China ties based on mutual benefit, with opportunities in AI, ageing: SM Lee www.straitstimes.com/asia/spore-c...straitstimes.comS’pore-China ties based on mutual benefit: SM LeeSenior Minister Lee Hsien Loong discusses Singapore-China relations, emphasising mutual benefit and exploring opportunities in AI and ageing populations. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at st... 000