Introduction: What is APAN?

The Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) is a collaborative platform that brings together researchers, educators, and technologists from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. It plays a vital role in supporting high-performance network infrastructure and promoting knowledge exchange in fields such as networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, telemedicine, digital humanities, and more.

APAN’s biannual meetings are dynamic gatherings that include keynote speeches, technical sessions, working group discussions, hands-on workshops, research presentations, fellowship programs, and cultural exchanges. It’s where innovation meets collaboration, and where emerging voices can connect with global experts.

My First Encounter with APAN

As a recent undergraduate student, I had never imagined being part of such a prestigious international community. I first learned about APAN through my lecturer, Dr. Ling, who introduced me to the APAN Fellowship Program. With his encouragement, I applied—without any high expectations. To my surprise and excitement, I was selected!

Being awarded the APAN Fellowship was a dream come true. The program generously covered my conference registration, accommodation, and meals, removing all financial barriers and allowing me to fully focus on learning and connecting.

A Week of Learning, Connecting, and Discovering

The APAN conference lasted five full days, and each day was packed with insightful sessions, workshops, and interactions. I met peers and professionals from countries like India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Taiwan, Bangladesh and many others. It was truly a global experience.

I particularly enjoyed the technical sessions on topics such as:

• Segment Routing – which expanded my understanding of modern networking architecture.

• Network Automation – a session that really captured my interest and showed me practical tools and real-world use cases.

These sessions were eye-opening, especially for someone coming straight from a university environment. I realized how much innovation is happening in the world of networking, and how important automation and programmability are becoming in the industry.

Workgroup Sessions: Real Collaboration in Action

One of the most valuable experiences was participating in Working Group (WG) sessions, such as the Cloud WG and Security WG. These were not just lectures—they were real discussions, with experts from various institutions sharing ongoing projects, collaborating on future work, and even welcoming input from fellows like myself.

It gave me a glimpse into how cross-border, real-world collaboration happens in the research and education networking (REN) community. I felt like I was no longer just a student, but a contributor to a larger ecosystem.

A Cultural and Social Exchange

Beyond the technical knowledge, the APAN experience also provided a platform for cultural exchange and friendship. I shared meals and conversations with students and professionals from different countries, discussing everything from tech trends to food and culture. These human connections made the experience all the more meaningful.

Ironically, in the midst of all the excitement and activities, I completely forgot to snap a photo of myself at the event venue! Looking back, I wish I had taken a moment to capture those memories visually—but I guess that just shows how immersed I was in the moment. Still, the experience is firmly etched in my mind, and the friendships and lessons I gained are far more valuable than any selfie could capture.

Paying It Forward

Since returning from APAN, I’ve been sharing my experiences with juniors and peers at my university. Many of them were unaware that opportunities like the APAN Fellowship exist. I now actively encourage them to apply, assuring them that such international exposure can be life-changing, just as it was for me.

Looking Ahead

I am deeply grateful to APAN, the Fellowship Committee, and my mentor Dr. Ling for opening this door for me. This experience has inspired me to explore further studies or career paths in networking and cloud technology, and I hope to attend future APAN meetings—perhaps even as a speaker or contributor next time.

The APAN community is not just about technology. It’s about people coming together to share knowledge, solve problems, and build a better-connected world. I’m honored to have been a small part of it and hope to continue growing within this incredible network.

Tang Jia Yang
APAN Fellow & Undergraduate Student
Universiti Malaya