Sumon Ahmed Sabir: Leading the Way in Internet Development and Governance

Sumon Ahmed Sabir has been a pivotal figure in the Asia Pacific Internet community for over two decades, contributing extensively to Internet operations, governance, and connectivity in the region. As an APNIC Executive Council (EC) member serving until March 2026, Sumon’s journey exemplifies a life dedicated to technological advancement and community engagement. His expertise as Chief Information Officer of Fibre@Home Limited and his leadership roles in organizations such as the Bangladesh Internet Exchange (BDIX) and South Asia Network Operators Group (SANOG) illustrate his broad commitment to developing a robust Internet infrastructure.

A Lifelong Commitment to Internet Operations

Sumon’s involvement with APNIC extends back to 1998, with regular participation in APNIC conferences since 2005. His tenure as Policy SIG Chair from 2017 to 2020 underscored his deep technical skills and leadership in Internet operations. Alongside his work with APNIC, Sumon has significantly influenced Bangladesh’s digital landscape. During his tenure at BDCOM as Managing Director and CTO, he played a vital role in shaping the early Internet ecosystem in the country. His leadership in establishing BDIX in 2004 was not just a technical milestone but also a unifying endeavor for Internet service providers, who came together despite differing business interests to create a foundational infrastructure for the nation.

The Philosophy of Leadership and Service

For Sumon, leadership is defined by service and a commitment to helping others. Reflecting on his early career, he recalls the challenge of establishing Bangladesh’s first offline email service in 1996, a time when the Internet was still in its infancy in the region. This formative experience shaped his dedication to overcoming obstacles with persistence and collaboration. Sumon’s ability to navigate diverse perspectives, build consensus, and foster trust among stakeholders has been a hallmark of his leadership style. His advice to aspiring leaders in the Internet community is clear: embody patience, a hunger for learning, and a willingness to share knowledge to help others succeed.

Addressing Key Challenges in Internet Development

As a member of APNIC’s Finance, Risk & Audit Committee (FRAC), Sumon’s focus includes financial oversight and addressing broader regulatory challenges. He is deeply aware of the hurdles faced by the Internet community, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, state-level internet control, censorship, and data sovereignty. In addition, IPv6 deployment remains a critical issue. While IPv6 adoption has made progress, the dominance of IPv4 underscores a systemic challenge that requires collaborative action. Sumon emphasizes the need for governments and the community to prioritize IPv6 transition with clear, time-bound goals to ensure the Internet remains scalable and future-proof.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Digital Leaders

Building a sustainable future for the Internet involves nurturing new leaders, a concern Sumon passionately advocates for. While the Internet industry has grown immensely, he notes a decline in young individuals stepping into leadership roles with the same level of passion and patience as earlier generations. Through initiatives like APNIC and SANOG, Sumon continues to work toward fostering emerging talent and passing on crucial knowledge about Internet governance and technology. His dedication to mentoring the next generation ensures the continuity of leadership critical to tackling global Internet challenges.

Sumon Ahmed Sabir’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to advancing Internet infrastructure, fostering community collaboration, and promoting sustainable digital innovation. Through his work with APNIC and his broader contributions to the Asia Pacific Internet ecosystem, Sumon continues to lead by example, inspiring others to make a meaningful impact in the field of Internet development.