On 1 May, 2012, the Internet Society (ISOC) through the Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau based in Singapore, became an official member of the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (or APT), a regional multilateral organisation based in Bangkok.
As an associate member of the APT, the Bureau will be able to actively contribute to discussions shaping the region’s agenda and position on areas relating to Internet and ICT development.
The APT represents an important platform for the region as it represents 38 member countries from the Asia-Pacific. Equally important is the fact that the 38 member countries under APT also represent 20% of the 193 countries who are members of the ITU. ITU is a global multilateral body for telecommunications and related international treaties.
APT is an important organisation for the region and the Internet Society looks forward to engaging and providing input where appropriate. One role played by APT has been to assist members (countries) in the preparation of Global conferences such as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), World Radio Communication Conference (WRC), World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), World Conference on Information Technology (WCIT) and the ITU meetings.
APT is also involved in promoting regional harmonization of their programmes and activities in the region. The APT work covers five sectors each managing different aspects of the matter handled by the Telecommunity: Policy and Regulations (PRF), Radiocommunication (RF), Standardization (ASTAP), Human Resource Development (HRD) and ICT Development (APTICT).
The Internet Society is uniquely positioned to provide impartial leadership and advice in the areas of Internet policy and technical development, and looks forward to its engagement with APT and its membership