The 2nd Annual Asian Fact-checkers Network Conference titled: The Battle for Truth – Information Wars and the Struggle for Narrative Control took place on 30 September and 1 October.

In a year where conflicts, protests, and geo-political upheavals collided with the emergence of new and fast-evolving technologies in the information space, fact-checkers from across the region came together to share lessons and new strategies to tackle the threat of disinformation head-on. The 2nd Annual AFCNC marked another significant milestone in our collective fight against disinformation and the strengthening of information integrity across Asia. More than a year after our inaugural conference, the information landscape has continued to evolve at an unprecedented pace. The geopolitical climate remains fragmented and complex, technologies have grown more sophisticated and accessible, and the very notions of “fact-checking” and “disinformation” have shifted in public perception.

AFCNC 2025 was hosted by INCube, the Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University. Their partnership and research expertise enriched the discussions, and the participation of students added fresh perspectives to the ongoing discourse about information integrity. Together, we sought not only to navigate the complex realities of the information space but also to demystify the disinformation struggle and inspire the next generation of truth-seekers.

The AFCNC remains an evolving forum — one that enables fact-checkers to convene, reflect, and reaffirm our shared mission to uphold the truth. As the “Battle for Truth” continues, our collective toolkit is expanding and sharpening. This post-conference report captures the highlights, insights, and outcomes of the 2nd Annual AFCNC — a testament to our ongoing regional efforts to ensure that truth endures, even in the most contested of spaces.