Conference Abstract

The Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation, and Smears (DRUMS) conference will explore how advancements in technology, global shifts in power dynamics, and ongoing conflicts have influenced the landscape of information manipulation and interference. The panels will highlight policy-oriented perspectives and address a broad spectrum of themes and information environments across various regions

Who Should Attend

Policy-makers, academics, and other experts who are: (a) concerned about DRUMS, (b) focused on their sociopolitical implications, and (c) interested in efforts to counter these threats. 

Confirmed Panels & Speakers (as of 10 October 2025)

Keynote Speech (with Questions and Answer)

• Clint Watts, General Manager, Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre, United States

Panel 1: Trends in Information Landscape (with Question & Answer)

• Dr Carol Soon, Deputy Head and Associate Professor (Practice), Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore
• Prof Sahana Udupa, Professor of Media Anthropology, LMU Munich, Germany and BKC Faculty Associate, Harvard University, United States
• Dr Rumena Filipova, Founder, Institute for Global Analytics, Bulgaria

Panel 2: Use of AI for Strategic Communications (with Questions & Answer)

• Darius Buta, Senior Advisor, National Crisis Management Centre of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania
• Dr Surachanee Sriyai, Visiting Fellow, ISEAS-Yusuf Ishak Institute, Singapore
• Jeremy Au Yong, Associate Editor, The Straits Times, Singapore

Panel 3: Global Case Studies on Information Manipulation and Interference (with Questions & Answer)

• Dr Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, Ambassador of France to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands
• Dr Benjamin YH Loh, Lecturer, Monash University Malaysia
• Summer Chen, Founder, FactLink, Taiwan
• Benjamin Shultz, Lead Researcher, American Sunlight Project, United States

Panel 4: Strategies to Manage Disinformation (with Question & Answer)

• Jacobo Quintanilla, Programme Manager, Social Media & Conflict Mediation, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Switzerland
• Angie D. Holan, Director, International Fact-Checking Network, Poynter Institute, United States
• Dr Chew Han Ei, Head (Governance and Economy), Institute of Policy Studies, Singapore