Motivated by a strong commitment to combating transnational organized crime within the Southeast Asian region, Ashwini has joined the Border and Migration Management team as an intern for a six-month term, where she will contribute to research and analytical initiatives, as well as support the development and coordination of relevant programmes and events.

Originally hailing from Singapore, Ashwini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of New South Wales (Sydney) and is presently undertaking a Specialist Diploma in Security Consultancy at Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore). Her academic and professional interests are anchored in the nexus of crime, border security and regional policy, with a specific focus on the evolving dynamics of trafficking networks and the pivotal role of intergovernmental cooperation in tackling them.
In addition to her engagement with policy and research, Ashwini has developed a growing interest in the field of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and has gained investigative experience through previous work in wildlife crime cases. She aspires to further explore the intersection of intelligence, technology, and governance in shaping effective responses to cross-border criminal activity.

Recommended book: Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Ronnlund – A compelling entry-level book for individuals seeking to pursue a clearer and more rational thinking in an increasingly complex world. While the book adopts a simplified optimistic approach, it offers an accessible and thought-provoking starting point for understanding global development trends through a data-driven perspective. Drawing on statistical insights, Factfulness challenges widespread misconceptions of certain global issues to encourage readers to embrace a fact-based worldview grounded in nuance and context.

Email: Ashwini.Muruganandam@rso.baliprocess.net