APNIC 2025 Fellowship: Building Expertise and Community in the Asia Pacific

The 2025 APNIC Fellowship Program showcased the immense potential that collaboration and knowledge-sharing hold for the Internet community in the Asia Pacific region. Bringing together 41 emerging and experienced professionals, the fellowship provided a unique platform for them to engage in technical workshops, policy discussions, and community-building events. These fellows hailed from diverse economies but were united in their commitment to advancing Internet infrastructure, governance, and security in their local contexts, paving the way for regional and global growth.

Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Connections

The APNIC Fellowship experience proved to be transformative for many participants, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. As noted by Hanis Irfan, he felt compelled to “put away his introverted self for a while and talk with others,” reflecting the program’s focus on fostering meaningful connections among Internet professionals. The hybrid nature of the program included 17 engaging webinars, intensive technical workshops over four days, and a three-day conference at APNIC 60. For many, this opportunity served as a doorway to cultivating a sense of community and camaraderie. Rikash Raamah Chand shared that the cohort, despite its diversity, “gelled almost instantly as though they’d known each other forever.”

While the journey was challenging for some, participants like Marolin Ly emphasized the importance of resilience and support in overcoming obstacles, turning those experiences into personal and professional growth. The program’s merit is not just in its technical content but also in its ability to create a network of like-minded individuals focused on building a better Internet for their respective regions.

Enhancing Technical Expertise with Real-World Applications

A key highlight of the APNIC Fellowship was the development of practical skills that fellows could immediately apply in their respective fields. Nguyen Huy Lam, for instance, expressed his intent to use his newfound IPv6 knowledge to “guide the gradual transition toward IPv6-only adoption in line with best practices.” Others, like Syifani Adillah Salsabila, have already applied technical tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to improve faculty infrastructure and have begun exploring emerging technologies like QUIC.

The Fellowship also addressed advanced networking techniques. Vichet Eoung gained valuable skills in Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), enabling him to enhance traffic engineering and scale iBGP for larger networks. Similarly, Sajidur Rahman Rabby plans to use automation tools like Salt and Ansible to streamline bank branch and ATM infrastructure. These practical takeaways exemplify how the program empowers participants to drive positive changes within their organizations.

Broadening Impact Through Knowledge Sharing

The APNIC Fellowship not only equips participants with technical expertise but also inspires them to share their knowledge widely. Fellows like Vicky Yang plan to mentor younger students, fostering interest in Internet governance, networking, and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, Phailin Phosiphong intends to organize workshops and collaborate with her local Network Operators Group (NOG), bringing valuable insights to her community. This ripple effect ensures the program’s impact extends far beyond the initial cohort, influencing the region’s future leaders and innovators.

Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, or industry professional, the APNIC Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a stronger, more stable Internet for the Asia Pacific region. Applications are open to those eager to experience the power of collaboration and learning within a vibrant international community. For more information, visit the APNIC website to apply as a fellow, become a mentor, or hire a fellow to bring innovative insights to your team.