On December 5, 2024, I had the privilege of delivering a training workshop for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in Batam City, Indonesia (the closest part of Indonesia to Singapore, at a minimum distance of 5.8 km across the Singapore Strait). Invited by the AHA Centre, this was a unique opportunity to bring my expertise to a region where disaster management is critical.

The one-day workshop was attended by an incredible group of 50 professionals from the ten ASEAN Member States—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These participants represented a variety of roles, including logistics, disaster preparedness and response, ICT, finance, knowledge management, and senior management.

Delivering Impactful Training

I have always enjoyed delivering training workshops like this one because of the human connection it fosters with individuals who are at the forefront of critical work. It is both humbling and inspiring to meet and collaborate with people who are dedicated to making a tangible difference in disaster management.

For this workshop, I had the honor of leading the first two sessions:

1. Current Trends and Developments in Social Media – We discussed the evolving social media landscape, from real-time communication tools to the growing role of artificial intelligence, and how these trends can be leveraged to enhance disaster response.
2. Creating Engaging Social Media Content during Crises – This hands-on session focused on practical strategies for crafting impactful content, whether to raise awareness, mobilize resources, or engage with diverse audiences.

A Human-Centered Approach

What I love most about these workshops is how they connect research with practice in such a meaningful way. My academic work on social media and crisis communication directly informed the training materials, allowing me to bridge the gap between theoretical insights and real-world application. It’s amazing to see how these tools and strategies can empower individuals on the ground to save lives and build resilience in their communities.

Gratitude and Reflection

I am deeply grateful to the AHA Centre for inviting me to lead this training and to all the participants for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day. The opportunity to bring my expertise all the way from Ohio University to Indonesia and to collaborate with staff working at the forefront of disaster management was both professionally and personally fulfilling.

This workshop is one of many I have delivered over the years, and each one leaves me inspired by the dedication and passion of the people I meet. It is a privilege to contribute to their work, knowing that these conversations and strategies can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.

Thank you again to the AHA Centre team and the Monash Data Democracy Hub for making this workshop such a rewarding experience. I look forward to continuing to engage with this vital work in the future!