By Roshan Ragel, CEO/LEARN, Board Member/APAN
When I stood at the podium to deliver the closing remarks of APAN60 in Hong Kong, it struck me that this was more than the end of a meeting. It was the continuation of a movement.
Over the past five days, we witnessed the power of networks, not only the cables and routers that make up our technical foundations, but the people, ideas, and partnerships that breathe life into them. APAN has always been a community of connection, but APAN60 reminded me that our future lies in being bigger, bolder, and more inclusive.
APAN: More Than a Meeting
Since its beginnings, APAN has been about creating a platform where research and education networks (NRENs) across the Asia-Pacific can collaborate, share expertise, and grow together. In Hong Kong, we saw that vision renewed in powerful ways: through workshops on emerging technologies, conversations about AI and HPC, the NREN Leaders Forum, and the signing of new collaborations.
But APAN is no longer just about sharing technical knowledge. It is increasingly a space where policy meets practice, where science meets society, and where collaboration drives change.
As I looked around the closing plenary, I saw this shift reflected: from engineers to educators, from industry leaders to early-career fellows, all bound by the same purpose – to ensure no one in our region is left behind in the digital future.
The Three Pillars for Our Road Ahead
In my closing message, I highlighted three pillars that will guide APAN into its next chapter. These are not abstract ideas; they are actionable paths that we, as a community, can collectively build upon.
1. Deepen Collaboration
APAN has thrived on collaboration, but now we must go further. Collaboration should not be confined to working groups or occasional partnerships. It must become the DNA of everything we do.
We need to bridge silos – between disciplines, between nations, and even between regions. APAN must open more doors to industry, governments, and global science programs. This is how we turn technical infrastructure into social impact.
As I said in my closing:
“If we want to move fast, we go alone. If we want to go far, we go together.”
Our choice is clear. We choose to go far.
2. Amplify Our Voice
For years, APAN has been respected in technical circles. But in a world where connectivity and digital equity are national priorities, our voice must be louder.
We have the credibility; now it’s time to build visibility. That means engaging with ministries of education, science councils, regional funders, and industry players—not as observers, but as partners.
When APAN speaks with one clear voice, policymakers will listen, funders will take notice, and industries will see us as trusted collaborators.
“We have the credibility. Let’s now build the visibility.”
3. Build the Next Generation
No movement can thrive if it relies only on today’s leaders. APAN’s sustainability depends on empowering the next generation: younger voices, new leaders, and diverse perspectives from across our region.
The fellowship programs, student engagement, and early-career opportunities we create today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
As I put it:
“Our future cannot be an echo of our past. It must be louder, bolder, and more inclusive.”
This is how we ensure APAN’s vision endures: not just for the next meeting, but for the next decades.
A Unified Future: APAN and Asi@Connect
One of the bold ideas I shared at APAN60 is the vision of APAN and the Asi@Connect project evolving into a single, unified entity.
Today, APAN provides the community, structure, and mission. Asi@Connect brings reach, strategy, and funding strength. Together, they could form a powerful, coherent platform for research and education networking across the Asia-Pacific.
Imagine:
- One governance model with shared accountability.
- One funding and sustainability framework with long-term security.
- One strong regional voice in global internet governance, research collaborations, and digital equity debates.
The MoUs signed at APAN60 are small steps toward this vision. But the intention is clear: a future where APAN doesn’t just connect networks, but becomes the network of networks.
Why APAN60 Was Different
For me, APAN60 stood out not only for the high-level dialogues but also for the energy in the corridors, the fellows sharing their first APAN experience, the industry partners asking how to contribute, and the policymakers eager to listen.
This is what makes APAN unique. It is not just about cables, code, or protocols. It is about people. About ideas that matter. About ensuring that connectivity translates into opportunity.
From Closing to Beginning
As I concluded my remarks in Hong Kong, I didn’t view APAN60 as a final point. I saw it as momentum. Momentum is building toward deeper collaboration, a stronger voice, and future leadership. Momentum toward a unified APAN-Asi@Connect future.
So my message to the community is simple: this is not the end of a meeting—it’s the beginning of a movement.
The question now is: what role will each of us play in carrying this forward?
A Call to the Community
APAN Pulse is built on sharing stories. This is mine, from the closing session of APAN60. But I hope it sparks new ones: from fellows, researchers, engineers, and leaders across the region.
Tell us:
- What does collaboration look like in your context?
- How can we amplify our voice in your country?
- What steps can you take to build the next generation?
Together, these stories will shape the APAN of tomorrow.
