Across the Asia Pacific, APIE alumni are taking their learning beyond the classroom, participating in international forums, building regional connections, and becoming active members of the Internet community.
One example is Huy Nguyen Nhat, an APIE alumnus from Duy Tan University (DTU), Viet Nam, who joined the 17th Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF 2026) in Kathmandu, Nepal, as a fellow.
At APrIGF, Huy had the opportunity to exchange perspectives with participants from across the Asia Pacific. Through discussions on digital inclusion, Internet policy, emerging technologies, online safety, and youth participation, he gained a deeper understanding of how Internet governance issues are being addressed in different parts of the region.
Beyond the sessions, one of his highlights was meeting people from different backgrounds and reconnecting with friends from previous Internet community activities, including fellow APIE alumni. The experience reinforced his understanding that Internet governance is not only about technology and policy, but also about people, collaboration, and building a regional community.
These connections are particularly meaningful as Nepal hosts its first APIE Camp this October. Some of the alumni Huy reunited with at APrIGF, whom he had met during previous APIE Camps, are now playing important roles in organizing and supporting the camp. Their continued engagement illustrates how relationships built through APIE can extend beyond the program, bringing learners together again in new activities and roles.
Huy’s involvement in Internet governance also extends to ICANN. Earlier in 2026, he participated in NextGen@ICANN85 in Mumbai, India, and more recently joined ICANN87 in Bali, Indonesia, as a fellow, alongside fellow APIE alumni Wisnu Duoglide and Syifani Adilllah Salsabila from Indonesia. Another APIE alumna, Anuja Gyawali from Nepal, participated in NextGen@ICANN87.
For Huy, participating in SOI Asia and APIE activities has opened opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, exchange perspectives, and build connections across the region. His message to other students is simple:
“Don’t be afraid to apply and get involved, even if you feel that you are still new to Internet governance.”
Huy Nguyen Nhat
As more APIE alumni explore opportunities in the Internet community, the program continues to introduce new learners to Internet governance. Following its first pilot earlier this year, the second APIE Internet Governance (IG) Core Course will begin in late November 2026, offering students from SOI Asia partner institutions an opportunity to develop foundational knowledge and explore issues shaping the Internet’s future.
From learning opportunities to international forums and alumni-led activities, APIE continues to connect students across the Asia Pacific, encouraging them to grow from learners into active contributors to the Internet community.
