Special Interest Group (SIG) – Asia Pacific Advanced Network

SIG-Marketing & Communications

The Special Interest Group on Marketing Communications, known as SIG-Marcomms, fosters cooperation among research and education networking organizations within the APAN community and globally within the areas of communications and marketing. Its members exchange insights, concepts, and optimal approaches regarding strategic planning and the effective execution of various initiatives. These include event and service promotion, internal and corporate communications, user outreach, and material production.

SIG-NREN Leaders Forum

The Special Interest Group on NREN Leaders Forum, known as SIG-NREN Leaders Forum is envisioned as an ongoing initiative to bring together decision-makers and executives from the NREN community. Its scope includes high-level discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and future directions for NRENs. The Leaders Forum will serve as a pivotal platform for engaging the leadership of RENs in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. By focusing on strategic discussions and collaborative approaches, the forum can have a significant impact on advancing the goals and vision of the REN community

SIG-Internet Governance

The Special Interest Group on Internet Governance, known as SIG-IG is formed as the need for effective Internet Governance has never been more crucial than it is at the present moment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the internet plays an increasingly central role in shaping our societies, economies, and individual lives. Internet Governance frameworks and policies set by national and international bodies directly impact the regulatory environment within which NRENs operate. Policies related to net neutrality, data protection, privacy, freedom of speech, intermediary liability and content regulation can significantly impact the services and operations of NRENs. Active participation in Internet Governance forums allows NRENs to contribute to the development of policies that support their specific needs and priorities. Considering such impact of Internet Governance on framing

Gerrit Willem Bahlman was the previous Chair of the Asia Pacific Advanced Network and currently advisor to APAN. He was the Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors of the Trans-Eurasia Information Network Cooperation Centre ( TEIN*CC) and a member of the Steering Committee.

Gerrit has served as a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Information Officer in several different organisations and countries. He was the interim CEO of REANNZ in 2018/19, and was the Director of Information Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in Hong Kong for 8 years and the Chief Information Officer at Massey University in New Zealand for 20 years.

He has been the Director and Board member of the Joint Universities Computer Centre ( JUCC ) in Hong Kong and a JUCC Steering Committee Member. He is the inaugural Director of the JUCC Leadership Institute which is residential event with faculty and members from Hong Kong, China, Australia, the United States and New Zealand.