APAN59 Fellowship Reflection, Yokohama, Japan

Planted March 6, 2025

I am deeply honored to have been selected as one of 30 fellows from across the Asia-Pacific region to attend APAN59, held from March 3–7, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan. This fellowship proved to be an invaluable opportunity to engage with leading researchers, engineers, policy makers, and industry experts actively shaping the future of advanced networking, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with a diverse and passionate group.

About the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN)

APAN is a cornerstone of the Asia-Pacific research and education landscape, serving as a non-profit organization that interconnects National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across the region. Beyond simple connectivity, APAN actively fosters collaboration and innovation in crucial areas like advanced network technologies, cutting-edge cybersecurity practices, the transformative impact of AI on networking, and a wide spectrum of other emerging ICT fields. The APAN meetings are truly unique, providing an unparalleled space for in-depth knowledge-sharing, rigorous technical discussions, and impactful research collaborations that aim to strengthen the global internet infrastructure.

🏢 My Experience at APAN59

Day 1: Monday, March 3 - Foundations of Collaboration and Security

This day was dedicated to setting the stage for the week, building connections, and diving into crucial security topics.

📍 APAN Introduction & Fellowship Meeting (414, PACIFICO Yokohama North)

• An enlightening overview of APAN’s core mission and the specific expectations for us, the fellows. We discussed APAN’s role in fostering collaboration across diverse fields and how our participation could contribute to its goals.
• Stimulating discussions centered on the complexities and vast potential of global networking collaborations. We exchanged ideas on how to overcome challenges in international research projects and how to leverage shared resources to drive innovation.

📍 Workshop: You Choose What to Learn in Security (404, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Moderators: Jamie Gillespie

• This was a highly engaging and interactive workshop where the agenda was driven by the participants themselves! We voted on a selection of critical security topics that we were most interested in exploring, fostering a dynamic and relevant learning environment.
• We covered essential aspects of email security, including understanding and mitigating phishing attacks, deciphering SMTP header analysis, and implementing robust authentication protocols like SPF/DMARC/DKIM.
• We also explored the critical field of vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), understanding how these techniques can proactively identify and address security weaknesses in systems and applications. This was particularly hands-on, with discussions on tools and methodologies used by ethical hackers.

📍 Identity Federation Topics (IAM) (417, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Terry Smith

• A deep dive into the intricacies of IAM, focusing on the federation aspects.
• Explored the Orthros A simple authentication proxy system to promote academic acitvities, a system used within Japan.

Day 2: Tuesday, March 4 - Network Innovations and Global Perspectives

This day broadened my horizons with insights into network engineering, medical technologies, and the global vision driving APAN.

📍 SIG: Network Engineering - NRENs Updates (416, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Moderator: Alexander van den Hil

• A comprehensive overview of the latest network infrastructure advancements being implemented by NRENs across the Asia-Pacific region. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the unique challenges and innovative solutions being developed in different countries.
• Speakers: Francis Bu Sung Lee provided a deep-dive into their NREN’s strategies for enhancing network performance, increasing capacity, and ensuring resilience in the face of growing demands.

📍 Medical-Dentistry (419, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Dr Aqsa Sjuhada

• The group talked about Recent Advances in Dental Radiology and the impact on the dental field.

📍 Opening Ceremony (404, PACIFICO Yokohama North)

• Inspirational keynote speeches from prominent leaders like David Wilde (AARNET), Leila Dekkar (GEANT), and Keiko Okawa (SOI-Asia), who shared their visions for the future of global research networking and the critical role of APAN in driving innovation.

Day 3: Wednesday, March 5 - AI, Research & HPC

This day focused on the intersection of AI, HPC, and its potential to transform research and education.

📍 Workshop: AP-GAINED: Asia-Pacific Generative AI for NREN Empowerment and Development (418, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Speakers: Dr. Asitha Bandaranayake

• A highly anticipated and incredibly hands-on session where we explored the practical applications of Generative AI (GenAI) and its potential to dramatically enhance the efficiency and expand the range of services offered by NRENs.
• We discussed innovative GenAI-powered solutions for automating complex tasks, extracting valuable insights from data, and driving innovation across various NREN functions, from technical operations to finance and marketing.
• A key focus was on fostering a vibrant network for knowledge sharing, allowing NREN staff to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other’s experiences in leveraging GenAI technologies.

📍 Panel: The Evolving Role of NRENs in Supporting Educational Services: A Global Perspective (416, PACIFICO Yokohama North)- Moderators: Erik Kikkenborg

• A thought-provoking discussion on how NRENs are adapting to meet the evolving needs of their member institutions.
• Explored the critical role of NRENs in supporting digital learning, enhancing cybersecurity posture, facilitating seamless access to online resources, and promoting secure and efficient research data sharing.

📍 Asia Pacific Research Platform (APRP) WG Session 1 (415, PACIFICO Yokohama North)

• A deep dive into APRP WG’s projects, status, and application research areas.
• There was a discussion on the US (NRP, GRP, etc.) and the current status and future work of 100G networks in the Asian region.

Day 4: Thursday, March 6 - Trust, Identity, and Security in the Spotlight

This day took me deep into the crucial aspects of network security and provided an excellent opportunity to share my own research.

📍 Security Working Group (416, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Jamie Gillespie

• The Security Working Group aimed to increase security and awareness in the APAN community.
• There was a discussion on the rapid advancement in quantum computing pose a significant challenge to current cryptographic systems, necessitating a proactive shift towards quantum-safe security measures.

📍 Introduction to Network Automation (APNIC) (414, PACIFICO Yokohama North) - Speakers: Imtiaz Sajid

• The talk provided an introduction to the Network Automation with theory and practical demonstrations.
• Basic Networking was key and how it improves operational efficiency and minimises human error.

Day 4 Presentation: NetSec Neural Network

Title: NetSec Neural Network Presenter: Rupam Barui, Senior Undergraduate, National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi Campus

Abstract: This project addresses the growing complexity of network attacks by leveraging AI to enhance prediction and prevention of breaches. Traditional methods struggle with real-time anomalies and advanced threats, but AI improves security by learning patterns and automating responses. The system predicts network traffic patterns using neural networks, detects anomalies in real-time, and offers a scalable, automated solution. It features a user-friendly web application and interactive data visualization via Streamlit, aiming to improve traffic management, mitigate threats, and secure critical infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Neural network-based traffic analysis for detecting anomalies.
• AI-powered automated responses to mitigate threats.
• Interactive visualization using Streamlit for real-time monitoring.

Key Discussion Points:

• Model Performance: I presented results showing the accuracy and precision of the neural network in detecting various types of network intrusions. This led to a discussion on the challenges of balancing false positives and false negatives in real-world deployments.
• Deployment Considerations: There was great interest in the scalability and resource requirements of the NetSec Neural Network. I explained our use of cloud-based infrastructure and optimization techniques to minimize the impact on network performance.
• Future Research Directions: The presentation sparked brainstorming on potential future enhancements, including incorporating more advanced AI techniques, integrating with threat intelligence feeds, and developing adaptive security policies based on AI insights.

🎉 Beyond the Conference – Fun in Japan!

After a week of intense learning and collaboration, I took some well-deserved time to explore the vibrant culture and breathtaking landmarks of Yokohama, Tokyo, and beyond! 🇯🇵✨

✅ Minato Mirai 21 & Cosmo World – Strolled through this stunning waterfront district, taking in the dazzling city lights and enjoying rides at Cosmo World, home to the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, offering spectacular night views.

✅ Shibuya & Shinjuku – Witnessed the organized chaos of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest in the world, and explored Shinjuku’s neon-lit skyscrapers, bustling nightlife, and panoramic city views.

✅ Sakuragicho Landmark Plaza & Sky Garden – Took in breathtaking panoramic views of Yokohama from the Sky Garden observatory, capturing the perfect blend of city and sea.

✅ Tokyo Tower & Observatories – Admired Tokyo’s skyline from Tokyo Tower and visited some of the city’s tallest observatories, each offering a unique perspective of the metropolis.

✅ Akihabara – Explored the heart of tech, anime, and gaming culture, indulging in retro arcades, multi-story anime stores, and futuristic gadgets.

✅ Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple – Walked through the vibrant Nakamise-dori shopping street, visited Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and immersed myself in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

✅ Kamakura & The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) – Stepped into history at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine and stood in awe before the Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue over 750 years old.

✅ Enoshima Island – Crossed the iconic bridge to this picturesque island, enjoying the Enoshima Sea Candle Observatory, breathtaking ocean views, and exploring the mystical Iwaya Caves.

✅ Mount Fuji Views – Though I couldn’t climb it this time, catching a perfect glimpse of Mount Fuji from various vantage points was an unforgettable sight. The majestic peak, often surrounded by clouds, truly lives up to its legendary status.

✅ Japanese Food Adventures 🍜🍣 – From rich, flavorful ramen in Shibuya to fresh sushi near Tsukiji, I indulged in some of Japan’s best culinary delights. I also tried Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) in Yokohama, Mochi desserts in Asakusa, and Matcha treats in Kamakura—each bite was a taste of Japanese tradition!

Japan’s blend of innovation, history, nature, and culinary excellence made this journey truly unforgettable! ✨🍣🏯🏔️

Final Thoughts

APAN59 has been an exceptionally enriching and transformative experience, providing an unparalleled global perspective on critical aspects of network security, the transformative potential of AI-driven networking, and the power of international research collaborations. I am excited to return home and share these new insights, invaluable connections, and innovative ideas with my academic and professional community, contributing to advancements in cybersecurity, AI, and research.

A heartfelt thank you to @APANofficial for providing this extraordinary opportunity through the fellowship program! I am deeply grateful for the chance to learn from world-renowned experts, connect with passionate colleagues from across the Asia-Pacific region, and experience the vibrant culture of Japan. I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey of innovation and collaboration, working towards a more secure, connected, and innovative future for the global research and education community.

For more information about APAN, I encourage you to visit: apan59.apan.net

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