Aftab Siddiqui and Rupesh Shrestha are leading the fellowship selection process for APRICOT 2027, Asia Pacific's premier gathering on Internet technologies and operations. The conference runs from 24 February to 4 March 2027 in Hong Kong SAR, and fellowship applications are now being accepted.

The fellowship program aims to bring professionals from developing Asia Pacific economies into direct contact with regional and international specialists. Recipients gain exposure to new technical knowledge, build professional relationships with peers across the Internet sector, and participate in discussions shaping the industry.

Who can apply

Candidates must work actively in Internet technical operations in one or more of these areas:

  • Network engineering and network design
  • Network operations and Network Operations Centres
  • Internet systems engineering and systems operations

To strengthen an application, candidates should demonstrate technical competency in the advanced training topics they select, document their involvement in local Internet community work at a technical or operational level, and show that financial constraints would otherwise prevent their attendance. Prior APRICOT fellows are welcome to apply again, as are professionals from any part of the region.

2027 fellowship package

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support for the event:

  • Full coverage of registration fees for either the APRICOT masterclass or the main conference
  • Full coverage of accommodation for five nights at the designated fellows' hotel
  • 80% reimbursement of approved economy return airfare to Hong Kong, capped at USD 1,000, paid after submission of the fellow's event report

Before you apply

Eligibility is limited to residents of Asian and Pacific developing economies as defined by the Australian Government. Competition for fellowships is intense, so prospective applicants should thoroughly review the website details to understand the requirements for a competitive submission. The deadline for applications is Monday, 12 October 2026 (UTC +8).