APNIC and Foundation formalize sponsorship coordination

APNIC and the APNIC Foundation have taken steps to align their sponsorship activities more closely, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reducing overlap and improving clarity for organizations seeking funding or support in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement establishes a framework for joint decision-making and communication, though the exact date of the signing was not disclosed in the announcement.

The MoU is intended to make it easier for community groups—such as Network Operator Groups, cybersecurity forums, and research networks—to navigate sponsorship opportunities. While APNIC and the APNIC Foundation remain legally separate entities, the agreement formalizes their collaborative approach to supporting Internet development initiatives across the region.

Distinct but complementary roles

APNIC serves as the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) for the Asia-Pacific, responsible for allocating IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) to network operators, including ISPs, enterprises, and government agencies. Its work focuses on technical infrastructure and resource management, directly supporting the operational needs of its members.

The APNIC Foundation, established by APNIC as a charitable organization, operates independently with a broader mission. Its programs target digital inclusion, capacity building, and socioeconomic equity, often engaging with civil society, research institutions, and grassroots organizations. Since 2017, the Foundation has administered the Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF Asia), a grants program that has distributed approximately USD 12 million across 34 economies in the region. Other initiatives include the Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific (BCAP) project, the M-root server project in partnership with JPRS, and the SOI Asia project with Keio University.

Streamlining community engagement

Under the new MoU, sponsorship requests to either organization will be evaluated jointly, ensuring a more coordinated response. While the two organizations will maintain their distinct focus areas—APNIC on technical and infrastructure support, the Foundation on capacity building and social impact—they will work together to direct applicants to the most appropriate channel. The agreement also aims to standardize processes, making it clearer for community groups to understand how and where to apply for support.

Raj Singh, CEO of the APNIC Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s role in addressing digital divides. "We contribute to the region’s Internet development by bridging digital divides in the Asia Pacific region, empowering communities and driving socioeconomic equity," he said. Jia Rong Low, APNIC’s Director General, described the organizations as "one family" and expressed hope that the MoU would maximize their collective impact.

The partnership is expected to benefit a range of stakeholders, from technical communities to civil society groups, by reducing administrative friction and improving access to funding and resources. While the MoU does not merge the two organizations, it formalizes their long-standing collaboration and sets the stage for more efficient coordination in the future.