On August 2, 2026, one day before APIE Camp 2026 officially began, the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) hosted a Kick-off Event in Hanoi, bringing together around 60 students for an afternoon of learning, networking, and exchange.
The audience included APIE Camp participants from across the Asia-Pacific alongside students from Vietnamese universities interested in information technology, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and related fields. Representatives from VNNIC, APNIC, the APNIC Foundation, SOI Asia – Keio University, and the Vietnamese Internet community also joined the event.
The program opened with remarks from Nguyen Minh Thang, Deputy Director General of VNNIC, welcoming participants and marking the first time VNNIC hosted APIE Camp in Vietnam.
Exploring opportunities in the Internet community
Through presentations and discussions, the Kick-off introduced students to different pathways for learning, professional development, and engagement with the Internet community.
Marcos Sadao Maekawa, Research & Education Development Project Officer at the APNIC Foundation, reflected on the collaboration between VNNIC and SOI Asia, from its beginnings at IGF 2023 to the first APIE Camp in Vietnam. Highlighting the importance of partnerships and communities in creating opportunities for young people, his message to students was simple: say yes to opportunities to learn, connect, and explore—and see APIE Camp not as a destination, but as the beginning of what may come next.
Makito Lay, Network Analyst and Technical Trainer at APNIC, shared his journey from programmer to APNIC trainer and network analyst, offering students a personal perspective on career development in the Internet field.
Noriatsu Kudo, Associate Professor at Keio University and APIE Lead, introduced SOI Asia and the APIE Program, highlighting how collaborative learning connects learners from different institutions and economies.
Participants also heard from APIE alumnus Huy Nguyen Nhat, who shared his experiences pursuing opportunities beyond APIE through international programs and activities, providing an example of where continued learning and engagement can lead.
Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Head of Cooperation – Resources Management Department of VNNIC, introduced their Internet School for Youth (VISY), and the afternoon concluded with an Ask-Me-Anything and networking session focused on learning, research, and career opportunities in the Internet industry.
The beginning of APIE Camp 2026
The Kick-off set the stage for the five-day APIE Camp 2026, held from 3 to 7 August in Hanoi, where participants continued through technical learning, hands-on activities, multinational teamwork, and cultural exchange.
By bringing camp participants and Vietnamese university students together, the event provided an opportunity to make new connections, exchange experiences, and discover new pathways into the wider Internet community—setting the tone for the week ahead.
