Unlocking Connectivity: Insights from APAN57 Meeting

5 Mar 2024 1:30 PM

The recently concluded 57th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN57)  meeting continued to serve as a platform for agencies and institutions across the Asia Pacific Region, both private and public, to share their experiences and initiatives related to network connectivity.  

Held in Bangkok, Thailand, the participants and attendees engaged in a series of masterclasses focused on Disaster Mitigation, Open Data Sharing, and Agricultural Working Groups, as well as collaborative sessions within separate working groups.  

Director Franz A. De Leon, Mr. Bani Lara, and Ms. Neyzielle Ronnicque Cadiz actively contributed to the diverse working groups within the Asia Pacific Network (APAN).  

During the meeting, Director De Leon and Ms. Cadiz attended the Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG) masterclass, while Mr. Lara participated in sessions focused on IPv6, 5G, and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)-- all of which are relevant to PREGINET, further strengthening DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s international engagement and collaboration on network infrastructure. 

Dr. De Leon was also appointed as Chair for the DMWG, which showcased the agency’s commitment to advancing disaster resilience.  Also part of the DMWG Masterclass, Ms. Cadiz presented the Department of Science and Technology’s efforts on DRRM.  

Valuable discussions ensued, addressing the Philippine’s efforts on disaster risk management using agency-developed tools and other earth observation data. 

APAN57 represented a continuation of ongoing projects like the Deeper Understanding of Natural Disasters (UND) and Disaster Mitigation Competence Centre Plus (DMCC+), fostering technology diffusion and knowledge exchange in disaster research domains. DOST-ASTI played a significant role in sharing insights and use cases, contributing to the broader dialogue on disaster management and technological innovation. 

 Active participation in APAN meetings enables us to provide constructive feedback on National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), driving continuous improvement and growth. Insights gained by DOST-ASTI participants can be applied locally to improve government and education network services, enhancing connectivity and resilience in our communities. 

About APAN57 

The APAN57 meetings feature carefully selected speakers who are highly knowledgeable in their respective fields. It serves as a platform for subject matter experts, thought leaders from academia and industry, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere conducive to open sharing of ideas. This environment encourages meaningful discussions and enables participants to gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives, ultimately contributing to the advancement of research and innovation in the Asia Pacific region.