TikTok Launches “Trusted Creators Lab” to Combat Misinformation in Southeast Asia
Singapore – In a move to bolster factual content creation and combat the rising tide of misinformation in Southeast Asia, TikTok has unveiled the “Trusted Creators Lab,” a comprehensive seven-month program designed to equip content creators with the skills and resources needed to produce engaging and credible content. This initiative, launched in partnership with the non-profit organization Temasek Foundation and creative agency Love Frankie, underscores the growing importance of information integrity in the rapidly expanding digital landscape of the region. The program will focus on providing practical training and mentorship to a select group of creators, emphasizing fact-checking and ethical content creation practices, contributing to a more informed and trustworthy online environment.
The “Trusted Creators Lab” brings together 19 creators from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, representing a diverse range of content creation backgrounds. The program’s curriculum is meticulously crafted to address the challenges of misinformation by focusing on media literacy, fact-checking techniques, and responsible content creation. Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, individualized mentorship, and hands-on training, fostering a deeper understanding of the nuances of information verification and ethical storytelling. Among the participants are six Singapore-based creators: Fauzi Azzhar, Mathilda Huang, Nancy Eva, Carrine Low, Amanda Ang, and Faris Samri, each bringing their unique perspective and influence to the program.
The program’s launch comes at a crucial juncture as Southeast Asia experiences a surge in digital adoption. Recent research by AnyMind Group indicates that the region’s digital economy has ballooned to an estimated $263 billion in Gross Merchandise Value, with revenue reaching $122 billion. Social media platforms have become increasingly ingrained in the lives of Southeast Asians, with close to two-thirds of the population actively engaging with these platforms. Furthermore, over a third of the population relies on social media as a primary source of news, highlighting the significant influence these platforms wield in shaping public perception and understanding. This reliance underscores the urgent need to address the spread of misinformation and equip both creators and consumers with the tools to discern credible information.
However, this rise in digital engagement comes with its own set of challenges, particularly concerning the spread of misinformation. A recent global survey conducted by UNESCO and Bowling Green State University, encompassing 500 digital content creators across 45 countries, revealed a worrying trend: almost two-thirds of creators admitted to not consistently verifying information before sharing it online. This alarming statistic highlights the widespread need for initiatives like the “Trusted Creators Lab” to empower creators with the skills and knowledge required to uphold journalistic integrity in the digital space. The survey also revealed that a significant majority of creators, 73%, express a desire for further guidance on ethical content creation and fact-checking practices, further emphasizing the importance of programs dedicated to enhancing information literacy.
TikTok’s initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing creators with the necessary resources and support to navigate the complexities of online information and produce content grounded in factual accuracy. “We recognize that creators play a vital role in shaping the digital information space,” stated KahnJi Siriprapa Weerachaising, Outreach and Partnerships Manager at TikTok. “Through this program, we’re proud to support and amplify creators who are producing engaging, factual content.” By empowering creators to be responsible stewards of information, TikTok aims to contribute to a more informed and discerning online community within Southeast Asia. The program is expected to foster a network of trusted creators who can serve as role models for others, promoting a culture of accuracy and ethical content creation within the broader digital ecosystem.
Scheduled to conclude in January 2026, the “Trusted Creators Lab” is structured to provide sustained support and mentorship to its participants. The culmination of the program will see the creators sharing their work on TikTok, offering audiences a valuable opportunity to engage with verified information and develop a keener eye for identifying misinformation. This public-facing component of the program serves a dual purpose: it amplifies the reach of factually accurate content while simultaneously educating audiences on the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in the digital age. By showcasing the work of these trained creators, TikTok hopes to foster a more discerning and informed online community, capable of navigating the complex landscape of information and making informed decisions based on credible sources. The program represents a significant commitment to combating misinformation and promoting a healthier digital environment in Southeast Asia.
