Three years after SOI Asia and the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) began working together to strengthen Internet education in Vietnam, that collaboration reached an important milestone with the Kick-off Event for APIE Camp 2026, held at the VNNIC headquarters in Hanoi on 2 August.
Hosted by VNNIC, the event brought together around 60 participants, including APIE Camp participants from across the Asia-Pacific, Vietnamese university students, Internet experts, and representatives from VNNIC, APNIC, the APNIC Foundation, and Keio University. The event opened with remarks by Nguyen Truong Giang, Acting Director General of VNNIC, followed by an introduction to the VNNIC Internet School for Youth (VISY) Program by Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Cooperation–Resources Management Department. Together, they highlighted VNNIC’s commitment to developing the next generation of Internet professionals in Vietnam.
Designed as an introduction to APIE Camp while welcoming local students into the regional Internet community, the programme demonstrated how collaboration among universities, Internet organizations, and technical communities can create meaningful opportunities for young people.
Marcos Sadao Maekawa, Research & Education Development Project Officer at the APNIC Foundation, reflected on the journey of the SOI Asia–VNNIC collaboration, from its early conversations during the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 to the launch of APIE Camp in Vietnam. His presentation highlighted how long-term partnerships and regional communities can create opportunities for young people to learn, collaborate, and become actively involved in the Internet community.
Makito Lay, Network Analyst and Technical Trainer at APNIC, shared his personal journey from software programmer to Internet engineer, illustrating how continuous learning, curiosity, and community engagement can lead to rewarding careers supporting the global Internet.
Noriatsu Kudo, Project Associate Professor at Keio University and APIE Program Lead, introduced SOI Asia and the Asia Pacific Internet Engineering (APIE) Programme, emphasizing the value of collaborative learning and international cooperation in developing the next generation of Internet professionals. Participants also heard from APIE alumnus Huy Nguyen Nhat, who shared his experiences participating in international training programmes, scholarships, and summer camps, demonstrating how APIE can open pathways toward broader engagement within the regional Internet ecosystem.
The collaboration between SOI Asia and VNNIC has steadily expanded over the past three years. What began as conversations during IGF 2023 about expanding opportunities for Vietnamese students has grown into joint educational activities, student engagement initiatives, and now the first APIE Camp to be hosted in Vietnam.
The active participation of Vietnamese learners throughout this journey has been equally important. Their enthusiasm and continued engagement in APIE activities have helped strengthen the partnership, while many alumni have gone on to participate in fellowships, technical communities, and international Internet events. Their growth demonstrates how investing in young people creates lasting impact—not only for individuals, but for the broader Internet community.
This year’s event also marks another milestone for SOI Asia. For the first time, APIE Camp is being hosted by a national Internet organization rather than a university, reflecting the maturity of this collaboration and the growing capacity of regional partners to lead initiatives that create new opportunities for the next generation of Internet professionals.