For as long as I can remember, I admired my friends who applied for international scholarships and programs. I was proud of them, yet deep down I wished for an opportunity of my own, a chance to step beyond borders, experience new cultures, and prove to myself that I could represent Pakistan on a global stage. That opportunity finally came in the summer of 2025, when a friend told me about the upcoming APAN60 Fellowship in Hong Kong.

At first, I applied with little expectation. After all, I had sent out countless applications before. But weeks later, while working in my Final Year Project lab, I opened my email to find the words I had dreamed of: “Congratulations, you have been selected as a Fellow for APAN60.” For a moment, I was numb with disbelief. Then came the joy, the pride, and the realization that this was going to be the beginning of something unforgettable.

Soon after, I was packing my bags for my very first international flight. From Lahore to Bangkok, and then onward to Hong Kong. The journey itself was surreal, but what awaited me in Hong Kong was even more extraordinary. From the very first step outside the airport, I was struck by how deeply technology was woven into everyday life. It was a glimpse into a future that developing countries like mine aspire to reach.

The APAN60 Experience

At the conference, I learned that APAN is not just an event, but a hub connecting National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across more than 15 Asia-Pacific economies. It is a space where researchers, educators, and technologists gather every six months to exchange knowledge and drive collaborative projects on internet technologies, digital transformation, and societal challenges.

I had the chance to attend the Agriculture Working Group session, where I was introduced to cutting-edge discussions on vertical farming and its potential to revolutionize food security. I also participated in Security Working Group Workshops, where I learned about DDoS attacks, email-based threats, and preventive strategies to strengthen digital resilience. These sessions expanded my technical perspective and showed me how different economies are working together to tackle challenges that affect us all.

As fellows, our role went beyond attending sessions. We were entrusted with the technical setup for online participation. Each pair of fellows was assigned to a conference room, responsible for managing the Zoom sessions and ensuring a seamless experience for remote attendees. It was a big responsibility, and it taught us the importance of collaboration and precision.

Outside the sessions, networking happened naturally. Over dinners and cultural evenings, I bonded with fellows, professors, researchers, and industrial experts. We didn’t just share stories, we exchanged pieces of ourselves. At one dinner, we even wrote each other’s names in our respective languages, a small gesture that carried immense respect and warmth. The performances by the Hong Kong Tourism Group and the local cuisine added a cultural richness that made the whole experience unforgettable.

Lessons Beyond the Conference

What I brought back from Hong Kong was more than just the knowledge gained in workshops and working groups. APAN60 gave me self-confidence, it proved to me that I could thrive in a completely new country, far from home, with no relatives or friends nearby. It taught me resilience, as I navigated challenges on my own. And above all, it reminded me that I was not just there as Mujtaba Shafqat, I was representing Pakistan, my university, and all those who dream of being part of global conversations.

Final Reflections

Leaving Hong Kong, I realized that APAN60 was not just a fellowship, it was a turning point in how I see myself and the world around me. It showed me that opportunities are not confined by borders, and that when you step outside your comfort zone, you discover strengths you never knew you had.

What stays with me most are the moments of connection, conversations with fellows from across continents, laughter shared over dinners, and the collective drive to solve problems that affect us all. And through it all, I wore Pakistan’s flag badge on my chest, a constant reminder that I was carrying my country with me. In the end, I brought back not only my luggage, but also the immense pride of having represented Pakistan on a global platform.

For anyone who dreams of such an experience: don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Take the leap. The world is bigger, kinder, and more connected than you imagine. And sometimes, saying yes to one opportunity can change your entire path.

APAN60 was just a week, but it will stay with me for a lifetime.