Many Islamic State militants from South East Asia are fleeing the Middle East, and are likely to return to their home countries, posing a threat to regional security.

As a result, Malaysia has taken steps to tighten its own national security to counter dozens of returning Malaysian IS fighters, including closer defense cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia.

We explore the Saudi’s plans to open a counter terrorism center in Malaysia, and implications of their soft power approach to fighting IS in South East Asia and beyond.

This is a report by Jason Lim.