The Inspiring Leadership of Yoshinobu Matsuzaki: A Pillar of Asia Pacific’s Internet Community

The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) recently spotlighted Yoshinobu Matsuzaki, affectionately known as ‘Maz,’ for his extraordinary contributions to the Internet community in the Asia Pacific region. With over two decades of impactful service in Internet operations, Maz has become a symbol of dedication and visionary leadership. Currently serving as APNIC Executive Council (EC) Treasurer, he has been pivotal in advancing both technical excellence and community engagement, bridging diverse groups to ensure Internet stability and openness.

A Career Shaped by Passion and Community

Maz’s journey in Internet development began in 1998 during an Internet Week event facilitated by JPNIC. However, it was the APRICOT conference in Kyoto in 2005 that solidified his active involvement in APNIC’s initiatives. Since then, as Principal Engineer at Internet Initiative Japan Inc., Maz has steadily driven various technical and policy discussions while fostering regional collaboration. Holding a PhD in Media Design from Keio University, his expertise is rooted in community-based transfer and the development of cutting-edge network operational technologies across Asia Pacific.

Over the years, Maz has taken on influential positions, serving on the APNOG Board since 2011, as well as on the JANOG committee from 2012. His leadership extended to chairing groups like the ICT-ISAC Japan BGP-WG, the APNIC IPv6 SIG, and the APRICOT Technical Committee. Notable achievements include his instrumental role in designing an ‘IPv6-mostly’ conference network for APRICOT 2025, showcasing his innovative problem-solving and consensus-building abilities.

Fostering Leadership Through Collaboration

Maz’s contributions go beyond technical expertise to emphasize strategic oversight and an inclusive approach to leadership. His goal on the APNIC EC is to promote stability, technical excellence, and secure registry services, particularly as the community faces challenges like IPv4 scarcity and the push for IPv6 adoption. He also recognizes increasing regulatory pressures and potential Internet fragmentation as issues that will require resilient guidance aligned with shared community values.

Community engagement is at the heart of Maz’s leadership philosophy. He organizes crucial sessions like the NOG Update and the NOG Organizers Birds of a Feather (BoF) meetings at APRICOT, offering platforms for network operators to collaborate and exchange insights. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of APNIC’s Technical and Policy SIGs for fostering cooperation across diverse stakeholders in the region.

Inspiration for the Next Generation of Internet Leaders

For newcomers aspiring to leadership roles, Maz offers practical advice: start small by attending APNIC workshops, volunteering for tasks, and participating in Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Building credibility, he stresses, relies on consistent contributions, collaboration, and commitment to the community’s needs. His journey exemplifies how perseverance, mentorship, and grassroots participation can culminate in meaningful leadership roles.

Looking ahead, Maz envisions a stable and resilient Internet ecosystem, anchored by collaborative efforts to enhance routing security mechanisms like RPKI and accelerate IPv6 adoption. His leadership reminds us that fostering dialogue, respecting differing perspectives, and consensus-building are vital in navigating a diverse region like Asia Pacific. As Maz continues to serve as a guiding force in Internet operations, his legacy sets a benchmark for the next generation of leaders to follow.

Maz’s journey is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. His standing role in APNIC reflects a broader vision of ensuring the Internet remains a secure, open, and reliable tool for generations to come. For those just starting on their Internet operations journey, Maz’s advice is both a motivation and a roadmap for success: contribute consistently, build trust, and strive to make a difference.