12 Nov 2012
6th Asia-Pacific Security Forum & Exhibition will cover various security issues in 24 educational sessions

ASIS International, the world’s premier association for security professionals, has announced that Max Boon, a victim of the 2009 Marriott Jakarta terrorist bomb attack, will be the closing keynote speaker at the ASIS 6th Asia-Pacific Security Forum & Exhibition.

The event will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong on 3-5 December 2012. In July 2009, the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotels were hit by separate bombings. The blasts were caused by suicide bombers, killing seven and injuring more than 50 people. Mr. Boon was a victim of the attacks where he lost both his legs.

Since his recovery, Mr. Boon, an Associate Fellow of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), is working on the ICCT's Victims' Voices Project. The project has been created following the growing realisation; among policymakers, that counter-terrorism efforts should include the stories of victims of terrorism as well. It is the first big international effort that attempts to actively and structurally involve victims' voices in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.

The project started in July 2012 in Indonesia. It recognises that telling the stories of victims of terrorism in a constructive and positive way could be of crucial importance in the further prevention of radicalisation and de-radicalisation efforts. It could also help in the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of convicted terrorists into society.

As a keynote speaker Max Boon will speak about Victims' Voices and Their Potential in Countering Violent Extremism.

The ASIS 6th Asia-Pacific Security Forum & Exhibition will cover a wide range of security issues in 24 high-level educational sessions delivered by industry leaders.

The conference will also feature:

  • 3 keynote presentations
  • Sessions for Chief Security Officers (CSOs) organised by the CSO
  • Roundtable of ASIS International;
  • A trade exhibition featuring the latest in security technology and services;
  • Unrivalled networking opportunities at the President’s Reception, business lunches and networking breaks.