Jia Rong Low, director general of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), has expressed interest in working with Bangladesh to advance IPv6 in the country.
During a recent interview at the APRICOT 2025 & APNIC 59 conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jia Rong explored Bangladesh’s internet expansion, IPv6 adoption, and the increasing participation of non-technical stakeholders in technical forums.
Jia Rong, a veteran in the internet technology sector, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Asia Pacific’s digital landscape.
Prior to joining APNIC, he established the Asia Pacific regional office of ICANN and led its globalisation strategy.
His diplomatic background and tenure at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs further bolster his expertise in international internet governance.
Bangladesh is APNIC’s second-largest membership base and the fastest-growing economy in terms of membership, noted Jia Rong.
“This may come as a surprise, as we count direct members without National Internet Registry (NIR) members such as CNNIC and VNNIC. The rate of growth in Bangladesh is extraordinary,” he said.
Over the past four years, APNIC has conducted 27 training workshops in Bangladesh, a testament to the country’s burgeoning internet operator community.
“The expansion of Bangladesh’s internet sector brings significant spillover effects across the economy. I remain highly optimistic about its future,” Jia Rong added.
Jia Rong emphasised the growing involvement of policymakers, journalists, and civil society in discussions traditionally reserved for technical experts.
“Previously, ICANN struggled with engaging policymakers, but that has changed. APNIC, too, has evolved from a purely technical forum to one where policy discussions attract broader interest.”
Bangladesh’s role in this shift is exemplified by Shaila Sharmin, who serves as co-chair of the APNIC Policy Special Interest Group (SIG).
“This highlights how community members from Bangladesh are engaging in critical policy discussions,” he remarked.
On media engagement, Jia Rong noted that while technology journalists are present at such forums, their participation largely depends on the relevance of the topic.
“For instance, WHOIS policies may seem technical, but when linked to privacy and regulation, they become highly relevant across disciplines.”
APNIC remains actively involved in Bangladesh’s digital development.
“We have been heavily invested in capacity building through training workshops and engagement with Network Operator Groups (NOGs),” Jia Rong said.
He acknowledged that participation in such groups declined during the pandemic but has since recovered.
Looking ahead, APNIC plans to integrate its various engagement platforms, including its blog (which attracts 100,000 monthly views), the "Ping" podcast, mailing lists, conferences, and NOGs, into a unified knowledge exchange space.
“This will facilitate a more cohesive discussion, incorporating regulators, startups, and policymakers,” he explained.
IPv6 deployment has seen notable progress, increasing from 2% to 19%.
“This is an encouraging trajectory, but the key question is what will drive the next phase of IPv6 adoption. Large operators have made the shift, but smaller players are lagging behind. If training is the answer, we will provide more. If another approach is needed, we will find it together,” he said.
Bangladesh’s projected graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027 will impact APNIC’s membership fee structure.
Currently, Bangladeshi members benefit from a 50% discount due to the country’s LDC classification.
“If Bangladesh exits LDC status, the discount will no longer apply, as per APNIC policy. However, we will support affected members on a case-by-case basis, such as adjusting payment schedules where necessary,” Jia Rong assured.
He described the transition as a sign of Bangladesh’s economic progress.
“While the discount will end, we remain committed to ensuring a smooth adjustment for our members.”
Jia Rong expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh’s IPv6 progress but noted that different countries have varying adoption models.
“India, for example, saw a dramatic increase due to Reliance Jio’s full-scale commitment. The same approach may not work in Bangladesh. Our role is to support the community in identifying the most effective adoption strategy.”
He underscored APNIC’s willingness to collaborate on further IPv6 training and awareness programmes.
“Whether it’s technical training, discussions with ISP executives, or other targeted efforts, APNIC is ready to assist.”
On governmental engagement, Jia Rong expressed hope to visit Bangladesh soon, possibly for the Bangladesh Network Operators Group (bdNOG) conference in May.
“This would be an opportunity to meet with government officials and discuss IPv6 deployment in state institutions.”
With global IPv6 adoption expected to surpass 50% this year, Jia Rong sees an opportunity for Bangladesh to further accelerate its transition.
“Most governments in the region are supportive of IPv6. We can leverage these broader developments to encourage adoption in Bangladesh as well.”
As Bangladesh continues its rapid digital transformation, APNIC remains a key partner in strengthening its internet infrastructure and fostering a more inclusive, interconnected online community.
