TERMS OF REFERENCE

BACKGROUND

The World Economic Forum has identified viral online misinformation and disinformation as one of the biggest threats to society. ASEAN is also not immune to this threat. There have been instances where information was distorted to provoke violence, sow hate.

Young people are among the most vulnerable groups who are prone to radicalisation, hate speech, false news and intolerance. Based on UNESCO study, 54% of youth respondents didn’t know how to respond to hate and extremist material they encounter online. However, on a more encouraging note, 92% of youth respondents embraced the idea that media and information literacy competencies can help to empower young people to protect themselves from radical and extremist groups and counter hate speech online.

ASEAN is taking a concrete step to prevent misinformation and disinformation. In 2018, the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information adopted the Framework and Joint Statement to Minimise the Harmful Effects of Fake News. ASEAN has also launched its ASEAN Digital Literacy, which aims to promote greater cybersecurity as part of the fight against online disinformation. In addition, 2021 saw ASEAN develop a guideline of Training of Trainers programme that targets secondary school teachers, university tutors and lecturers to improve the digital information literacy of young people.

As a way to contribute to the effort, the ASEAN Foundation and Google will implement a virtual roundtable discussion that discusses topic around misinformation and disinformation in ASEAN on 20 October 2021. Supported by Google, this programme aims to raise awareness of the importance of media and information literacy in combating misinformation and disinformation, and build media literacy capacity of youth, teachers, parents, elderly and community leaders so that they can detect, counter and prevent online hoaxes and fake news.

To provide a platform for the audience to learn on the misinformation and disinformation issue, an electronic comic asset (in colour) titled “Digital Literacy 101” will be developed distributed during the event. Through compelling illustrations as well as credible and accurate step-by-step information, the comic will serve as an easy-to-read guideline for people to understand better about how to detect and counter fake news and hoaxes on the internet.

DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under direct supervision of the Head of Communications of the ASEAN Foundation, the Consultant will be hired to produce the “Digital Literacy 101” comic book of 8 – 15 pages in A5 format.

The role of the Consultant is as follow:

1. Illustration
   1. Cover and back page designs
   2. Layout design
   3. Characters (youth, adult, elderly, male, female)
   4. Relevant objects
   5. Pattern design with suitable use of typography style

1. Story building; using the information prepared by the staff of ASEAN Foundation, the illustrator will develop compelling and informative story flow through characters and their conversations. The story is expected to convey the following topics:
   1. Introduction about misinformation and disinformation: the risks and their impact
   2. The importance of building digital literacy
   3. Top tips to spot, counter and prevent misinformation and disinformation

TIME FRAME

The duration of the consultancy is from 27 September 2021 to 20 October 2021. The estimated timeframe does not reflect the actual number of days worked but the recommended time needed to complete the above tasks and responsibilities. Moreover, it is noted that due to the nature of the assignment, there will be time when no actual work will occur because the Consultant will be waiting for either clearance from the ASEAN Foundation and Google. Below is the timeline for the deliverables:

OUTPUTS

1. A mood board consisting of illustration style, characters, etc
2. Script outline
3. Cover and back cover designs
4. An 8-15-page of comic (in colour)

 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All information pertaining to this project belong to the ASEAN Foundation, which the Consultant may come into contact with in his/her performance. Duties under this assignment shall remain the property of the ASEAN Foundation and Google who shall have exclusive rights over their use. Except for purposes of this assignment, the information shall not be disclosed to the public nor used in whatever without written permission of the ASEAN Foundation in line with the national and International Copyright Laws applicable.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Professional experience in composing and illustrating a comic book or graphic novel scripts and layout
• Understanding of digital literacy development trends would be a plus
• Eye for design and attention to details are essential
• Excellent English skills
• Ability to work in tight deadline
• Possess good flexibility in receiving last minute changes and requests from client

APPLICATION PROCESS

All interested applicants are required to submit their application entries specifically outlining their experiences in hosting webinar and live streaming of national and international events AND proposed price quote with the EMAIL SUBJECT “CONSULTANT FOR DIGITAL LITERACY 101” to [email protected] with CC to [email protected] and [email protected].

Any inquiries pertaining to this opportunity can be addressed to [email protected]

 
DEADLINE

24 September 2021