On March 4, 2025, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat held a virtual coordinating meeting with representatives from the Indonesia National Police (INP) and the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) to plan the upcoming ASEAN Police Forensic Science Network (APFSN) meeting. Scheduled for April 29-30, 2025, in Myanmar, the event aimed to strengthen forensic science collaboration among ASEANAPOL member countries. The meeting was chaired by Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan and attended by senior officials from the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, INP, and MPF.
The discussions focused on key forensic science topics, particularly Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). The INP presented the proposed agenda, which included member country presentations, an expansion of APFSN’s scope beyond DVI and CSI, and the official handover of the APFSN chairmanship to Brunei for 2026. The Executive Director emphasized the importance of aligning the meeting outcomes with ASEANAPOL’s core focus areas and proposed incorporating APFSN’s expansion plan into the Joint Communique at the next ASEANAPOL Conference.
Recognizing the importance of forensic science in transnational crime investigations, the meeting highlighted APFSN’s role in facilitating the exchange of best practices and forensic advancements among ASEANAPOL member countries. Strengthening forensic collaboration was seen as essential in enhancing investigative capabilities, ensuring the interoperability of forensic data, and improving mutual legal assistance in cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, drug-related offenses, cybercrime, and terrorism. The meeting also aimed to reinforce operational effectiveness by promoting knowledge-sharing on forensic methodologies, including DNA profiling, digital forensics, and biometric analysis.
Structural and logistical arrangements for the APFSN meeting were also discussed. The INP confirmed its role as the chair, with MPF serving as co-chair. While minor modifications were suggested, the agenda remained largely unchanged. Plans were made to move country presentations to the first day to allow more time for discussions and finalizing minutes. A welcome dinner was scheduled for the first day, with its timing contingent on the meeting’s conclusion and a commitment to ensuring halal food for Muslim attendees.
The meeting also explored opportunities for technical collaboration, particularly with Thermo Fisher, to enhance forensic science capabilities. Additionally, the MPF was tasked with ensuring a stable internet connection for virtual presentations, with a contingency plan for recorded video messages in case live participation was not feasible. These initiatives aimed to bolster ASEANAPOL’s forensic science framework, promoting continuous advancements in forensic investigations and fostering stronger regional law enforcement cooperation.
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