APNG
APNG is an acronym for Asia Pacific Networking Group. It is an Internet organization, which is committed to the progress of networking infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. It also focuses on research and development of various other technologies related to networking and online services across this region. The countries, which currently participate in APNG, are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and Vietnam.
Organizing structure
APNG functions under the co ordination of Steering Committee and a Secretariat. They hold yearly forums at various places in the Asia-Pacific region. These meetings focus on discussions and seminars on different topics related to Internet and related technologies. The general structure of the Organization is as shown below[1]:
Objectives
APNG’s main mission is to promote various interactions of network and inter-connectivity in the region and promote Internet and related services and infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific Region and thus play a key role in the growth of Internet in the region.
The main goals of the group are as follows:
- To become an organization that acts as a centre for the Internet providers in Asia Pacific region.
- To create adequate resources and funds for promoting the development of Internet technology in the region.
- To promote the participation of next generation in the organization.
- To become aware of the history of each country related to Information Technology and Internet development.
- To educate the next generation and the young members from the experience of the senior members.
- To share related information in the group.
- To promote APNG amongst next generation through APNG camps.
- To create infrastructure and resources, to provide opportunities for Internet growth in the group countries.
- Provide place and opportunity of discussion for developing countries. [1]
Activities
APNG through its various activities and awareness programs has brought forth different organizations in the region such as the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Asia & Pacific Internet Association (APIA), Asia Pacific Top Level Domain Association (APTLD) and Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). [1]
APNG Camp
APNG camp is the camp for the Next Generation leaders of APNG where the seniors and the Next Generation learn and work together. Through these camps, APNG promotes various activities of the Next Generation and serves as a platform to share information, discuss issues, plan opportunities for developing countries. These camps also assist in understanding the Asian view of the Internet and thus create opportunities keeping the perspectives in mind. These camps also focus on researching on various technological as well as non-technological aspects, which may assist in the development of Internet in the Asia-Pacific region. The camps are held regularly at various international locations. [1]
Internet History Museum
The group believes that the Internet history of various countries in the region is important and hence it should be conserved. The Internet history museum will showcases the development and propagation of Internet in the Asia-Pacific region. [2]
At Large
At large is a community of individual Internet users who take part in the development of policies under the assistance of ICANN.[3] APNG supports this community members thereby assisting ICANN in its policy development work. APNG also assists ICANN in the establishment and growth of RALO (Regional At-Large Organization) in Asia-Pacific. [2]