Data & Democracy Dialogue 2025
The Data & Democracy Dialogue 2025 builds on the growing urgency to address the complex interplay between digital transformation and democratic governance in the ASEAN region. Amid rapid technological advancements, democracy today stands at a crossroads—benefiting from the opportunities presented by digital connectivity, yet increasingly vulnerable to the threats posed by disinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and declining public trust in democratic institutions.
- Type
- Research and knowledge generation
- Status
- Implementation
Sep 30, 2025 to Oct 01, 2025 (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur / UTC800)
Monash University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
In 2024, the Monash Data & Democracy Research Hub (MDDRH) convened a regional dialogue to critically examine the theme of “Information Disorder during Election Period.” The event successfully brought together scholars, civil society actors, and policy experts to unpack the disruptive influence of data-driven technologies on electoral processes and civic engagement.
Participants emphasised the need for evidence-based strategies to navigate
the emerging challenges of governance in the digital age. Building on the insights of this initial dialogue, the 2025 forum will anchor its discussion on
findings from an ongoing research project to develop a Disinformation Index tailored to the ASEAN context. Existing global indices often overlook regional political, cultural, and technological dynamics. This project seeks to fill that gap by quantifying how disinformation affects democracy indicators such as electoral integrity, political participation, and civil liberties in Southeast Asia. By doing so, it aims to inform both academic discourse and practical policy interventions in the region.
The 2025 Dialogue will therefore serve as a critical platform to connect research evidence with multi-stakeholder dialogue. It will explore actionable pathways to build digital resilience, deepen public trust, and strengthen democratic values through inclusive, data-informed governance. This initiative aligns with Monash University’s regional mission to foster collaborative solutions to pressing societal challenges through innovative research and public engagement.
Partners
