My Experience at APIGA 2023 – Qurra Tul Ain Nisar

The youth must decode the Internet’s inner workings for their online safety. Ever thought about who governs the Internet? Intrigued about the role of domain names and the disputes revolving around them? That’s exactly what we talked about at Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) this year!

Imagine a dynamic event uniting like-minded people, creating the perfect opportunity to network and turning complex knowledge into games for a better learning experience—that’s APIGA. 

After hearing about APIGA from multiple speakers on different IG platforms I finally had the honor to facilitate it this year. Despite its intensity, this rollercoaster-like experience was worth the ride!

I kicked off day 1 with an engaging introduction and icebreaker session and had a blast! The participants were incredibly friendly, adding extra fun to the start. Let me share the highlight of the event; APIGA City. This session was an absolute gem. It was a game that aimed on educating participants regarding ALAC GAC AND GNSO and also regarding cyber safety concerns in the most fun way possible. It was hands down my favorite!

The event has enhanced my IG journey by connecting me with knowledgeable and humble individuals like Mary Wong, Justine Chew, Jia-Rong, Yien Chyn, Jennifer Chung, and others from whom I eagerly gathered invaluable insights.

What I loved most about APIGA was the aspect of directly engaging with experts.  This enabled me to make up my mind on how I can make a meaningful impact in the IG space and be part of a community that aligns with my interests.

No doubt the schedule was packed, with quick lunch breaks and rushing back to the conference room from the restaurant for meetings. But exploring Seoul with other participants was like unwrapping a cultural gift. I was amazed by the pristine state of Seoul’s streets, even more so considering that there were no trashcans present.

 A week filled with action and excitement, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it. I do believe that if Netmission Academy were an onsite institution it’d mirror the essence of APIGA.

(Edited by Jenna Manhau Fung on 2023-08-21)