The APNIC Foundation’s Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific (BCAP) project has won the 2026 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize in the Capacity Building category at the WSIS Forum in Geneva.
Presented annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the WSIS Prizes recognize digital development initiatives that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development worldwide. APNIC Foundation’s BCAP project was selected through a competitive process that combined expert evaluation and public voting. The project joins a group of leading global initiatives addressing critical digital development challenges.
The award highlights the need to invest in technical skills and workforce development as economies across the Asia Pacific region expand digital infrastructure and adopt emerging technologies.
Investing in the people behind the Internet
The APNIC Foundation built upon its long history of capability building initiatives and established the BCAP project to address a persistent challenge across many Asia Pacific economies: a shortage of skilled technical professionals who can build, operate, and secure Internet infrastructure that supports digital growth.
The program goes beyond delivering training. It supports structured capability development in network operations, cybersecurity, and IT and technical support. Participants follow competency-based learning pathways that include internationally recognized certifications, skills recognition, and opportunities for career progression. This in turn supports a consistent pipeline of talent for industry and governments across the region.
BCAP also builds on the APNIC Foundation’s previous capability development initiatives, Switch! and Digital Leap South Asia (DLSA), by expanding partnerships and reusing proven training models in a broader regional framework. BCAP built on the Foundation’s efforts in nine economies covered by Switch! and DLSA. Today, BCAP supports technical professionals across 30 economies in the Asia Pacific.
Recognition for a regional effort
The WSIS Prize recognizes not only the outcomes of BCAP, but also the broader value of investing in local talent and strengthening technical communities as the foundation of sustainable digital development.
The APNIC Foundation stated the award reflects the collective efforts of participants, partners, employers, and technical communities throughout the region. It also acknowledged the support received during the public voting phase and the recognition of BCAP’s impact by the ITU expert evaluation panel.
Commenting on the award, APNIC Foundation CEO Raj Singh said the organization remains committed to advancing collaborative digital development across the Asia Pacific.
The APNIC Foundation remains deeply committed to bringing together digital development efforts throughout the Asia Pacific. We will continue to champion stronger technical skills and infrastructure, ensuring that those who build and operate the Internet have the tools, knowledge, and capabilities to shape the region’s digital future.
APNIC Foundation CEO Raj Singh
The award provides further momentum for the APNIC Foundation’s efforts to strengthen digital capabilities across the region. These efforts focus on developing the skilled workforce needed to support a secure, resilient, and inclusive Internet for future generations. Learn more about how APNIC Foundation partnerships empower people and communities.
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