Call for Applications for APTLD-Sponsored Fellowship for APIGA 2025

Application Deadline: [11 May] 2025, 23:59 Bangkok time (UTC+7)

Overview

The Asia Pacific Top Level Domain Association (APTLD) is pleased to announce the call for applications for its sponsored fellowship to the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) 2025. This program is a unique capacity-development opportunity focused on Internet governance for youths in the Asia Pacific region. APIGA 2025 is co-hosted by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), with collaboration from regional organizations such as APTLD, APNIC, DotAsia, and ISOC.

Program Details

• Dates: Between 18th to 22nd August 2025  
• Location: Busan, South Korea
• Format: In-person, 5-day immersive program
• Organizers: ICANN and KISA, with support from regional partners

Fellowship Coverage

The APTLD-sponsored fellowship will cover:

• Round-trip economy class airfare
• Accommodation and meals during the program
• Entry visa fee to South Korea (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 35 by the start of APIGA 2025
• Be currently enrolled in a university program(undergraduate or graduate) or employed by an APTLD member in good standing
• Have a strong interest in Internet governance issues
• Be able to meet South Korea’s entry requirements(e.g., visa)
• Be proficient in English, as the program is conducted entirely in English

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a single PDF file containing:

1. A brief bionote(up to 200 words)
2. A letter of reference from their employer or academic institution
3. A motivation statement(up to 300 words) addressing: What they aim to gain from attending APIGA; How APIGA will support their professional or academic growth; How they plan to apply this experience in their home community or institution
4. A record of previous involvement in Internet governance(optional but preferred)
5. Individuals who have been awarded APTLD Fellowships in or after April 2022, or those who have received a Fellowship within the past three years, are not eligible to apply.

Selection Process

• Application Submission: Send the application to Phavanhna Douangboupha, General Manager of APTLD, at phavanhna@aptld.org and cc APTLD secretariate: sec@aptld.org by the deadline.
• Review and Interviews: The GM and an APTLD Board representative will review applications and conduct interviews
• Fellow Announcement: The successful Fellow will be announced on 06th of June 2025 
• Logistical Coordination: APTLD will begin logistical coordination immediately following the announcement

Program Components

• Pre-requisite Online Learning: Selected participants must complete online courses from ISOC, ICANN Learn, and APNIC Academy prior to attending APIGA
• Interactive Sessions: Topics include Internet governance history, infrastructure fundamentals, multistakeholder policy making, and emerging issues such as AI and cybersecurity
• Mock ICANN Meeting: Participants will engage in a role-playing segment to gain first-hand experience of ICANN meetings
• Group Projects: Participants may be asked to form groups to discuss projects and prepare presentations during the program

🛰️ Upholding “Internet for All” Principles

As part of its broader mission, APTLD reaffirms its commitment to the “Internet for All” vision. This initiative advocates for an open, resilient, and universally accessible Internet across the Asia Pacific. The APIGA 2025 Fellowship is more than a learning opportunity — it is a step towards ensuring:

• Universal digital inclusion and capacity buildingamong emerging leaders
• Equity in access and participationin Internet governance
• Support for multistakeholder, human rights-based governance models
• Stronger DNS integrity and technical literacyas a foundation for a secure digital society

Fellows are expected to carry forward these values and contribute to building a future where everyone, regardless of geography or background, can benefit from and help shape the Internet.

Post-Program Expectations

Upon completion of APIGA 2025, Fellows are expected to:

• Share their experience and insightswith their local communities
• Submit a testimonial(up to 300 words) to APTLD
• Stay involved in regional Internet governance initiatives

Contact Information

For more details on APIGA 2025, please visit the official program page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/GSEAPAC/pages/114304956/APIGA+2025

For inquiries, contact:

Phavanhna Douangboupha
General Manager, APTLD
📧 phavanhna@aptld.org

APTLD secretariat: sec@aptld.org

Force Majeure

As a condition of this Call for Fellowships, if an unforeseen force majeure event occurs which affects APTLD’s ability to proceed with the Fellowships, such as but not limited to lockdowns caused by the pandemic, APTLD may be forced to cancel Fellowships even after announcement of successful applicants. In which event APTLD will not be liable for any claims or loss which may arise.