In the 1st of June 2026, the APIE (Asia Pacific Internet Engineering) Internet Governance (IG) Course completed its first structured hybrid run, helping participants better understand how the Internet evolves through collaboration among communities, organizations, and stakeholders.
Designed as part of the broader APIE learning pathway, the initiative combined Participating in the Internet—a self-paced online course offered through SOI Asia Online—with four synchronous e-Workshop sessions focused on discussion and reflection.
While the APIE Core Course helps learners understand how the Internet works from technical and operational perspectives, the Internet Governance track invited participants to explore a different set of questions: Who helps shape the Internet? How are decisions made? And how can individuals contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient Internet?
The pilot welcomed 25 participants from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam, many of whom had previous experience in APIE as Teaching Assistants (TAs), Network Operations Center (NOC) members, or alumni.
Unlike APIE’s regular technical e-Workshops, the sessions emphasized peer dialogue. Through breakout discussions, learners explored topics such as what makes a healthy Internet, how Internet-related decisions are shaped, and how individuals can engage in Internet communities and policy discussions.
For Mariko Kobayashi, one of the course designers, the initiative was shaped by a desire to create more accessible opportunities for people to engage with Internet governance.
“I always felt that having a course like this would be helpful for many people,” she reflected. “There should be more opportunities for people—including those from non-technical backgrounds—to understand the bigger picture and discover how they can participate in the Internet.”
“There should be more opportunities for people—including those from non-technical backgrounds—to understand the bigger picture and discover how they can participate in the Internet.”
— Mariko Kobayashi
The final session featured APIE alumni sharing experiences from internships and fellowships with organizations and forums such as APNIC, APAN, ICANN, APNG Camp and others, offering practical insight into pathways for participation in the global Internet ecosystem.
Although the first run focused on experienced APIE participants, the broader vision looks toward a wider audience—including non-technical learners—recognizing that the future of the Internet will be shaped by diverse communities working together.
By helping young people better understand and participate in the Internet ecosystem, the initiative also contributes to SOI Asia’s broader vision of designing a resilient future in Asia-Pacific.
Learn more about APIE IG Course first run: https://apie.soi.asia/2026/06/12/from-building-the-internet-to-participating-in-it-reflecting-on-the-apie-internet-governance-course/