APAC DNS Forum 2025

Event Overview

The Asia Pacific Domain Name System Forum (APAC DNS Forum) 2025 will take place from 8-9 May 2025 at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Organized by ICANN, with the Viet Nam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) serving as the local host, the theme for this year’s event is “An Inclusive Internet: Connecting People, Empowering Our Future.” The APAC DNS Forum 2025 will convene DNS industry practitioners and experts from the APAC region to learn about essential topics, connect, and share best practices.

As we continue to strengthen the Forum as a networking platform, the event will kickstart with a networking session on 7 May 2025 (Day 0). The 2025 Forum also features sub-events as part of the program in collaboration with regional partners such as the “GoCreate! Domain Innovations” sessions hosted by DotAsia Organization, as well as partnership sessions with industry players such as NetBeacon Institute and CSC. 

This year, the Forum will be co-located with the 2025 Contracted Parties Summit (6-7 May) and the Universal Acceptance Day (8 May, concurrent with the Forum). 

The Forum will be held as a hybrid event, allowing participants to attend either in-person or virtually. Registration will be open till 28 April 2025; 23:59 UTC

Pre-event Webinars

Two pre-event webinars will be conducted between March and April on topics of interest in relation to the Forum. Visit the pre-event webinars page here.

Programme Schedule

(Updated as of 3 Feb 2025)

Day Zero , 7 May 2025 (Wednesday), UTC+7

Event Venue: InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 

09:30-11:30
APAC ccTLDs Session (Closed Session) (TBC)

APAC ccTLDs Session (Closed Session)

Speaker

13:00-16:45
APAC GAC Network Meeting (Closed Session) (TBC)

APAC GAC Network Meeting (Closed Session)

Description

This session is part of APAC GAC network regular meetings to provide GAC members from the APAC region the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on topics of interest. 

17:00-19:00
Networking Reception: Contracted Parties x APAC Community Meetup

Networking Reception: Contracted Parties x APAC Community Meetup

Description

This is a networking social with free flow drinks along with informal “matchmaking games” for participants from various levels of ICANN familiarity and from different regions and countries to get to know each other, especially those from the Asia Pacific. This is the best opportunity for registries. and registrars to meet prospective resellers, registrants, and new gTLD applicants from Asia Pacific. 

Day One, 8 May 2025 (Thursday), UTC+7

Event Venue: InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72

08:00-09:00
Registration

09:00-09:45
APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Ceremony

APAC DNS Forum 2025 – Opening Ceremony

Moderator

Samiran GUPTA

Samiran GUPTA

Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, ICANN

09:45-10:45
APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Plenary

APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Plenary: An Inclusive Internet – Connecting People, Empowering Our Future

Description

How can we build an inclusive Internet together?

This session will discuss the outlook for the future of the Internet and domain name space. Panelists will share current initiatives and upcoming opportunities in bringing the next billion Internet users online. The session will also discuss potential challenges and explore corresponding collaboration opportunities, empowering building of the future Internet we want.

Moderator

Speakers

10:45-11:00
Tea Break

11:00-11:15
UA Day 2025 Opening Remarks

UA Day 2025 Opening Remarks

Speakers

11:15-12:15
UA Day 2025 Plenary:
Enabling Digital Inclusion for the Next Billion Internet Users

UA Day 2025 Plenary: Enabling Digital Inclusion for the Next Billion Internet Users

Synopsis

Moderator

Speakers

12:15-13:30
Lunch

Track A

Track B

13:30-14:30
Session 1A: Domain Names as Critical Infrastructure – Will It Be Replaced By Emerging Technologies?

13:30-14:30
Session 1B: Internationalized Domain Names – A Gateway for Multilingual Internet

14:30-14:45
Tea break

14:45-15:45
Session 2A: [GoCreate! Domain Innovations] New Ways of Using Domains

14:45-15:45
Session 2B: Universal Acceptance – Enabling an Inclusive and Accessible Internet

15:45-16:00
Tea Break

16:00-17:00
Plenary 1: New gTLD Program – Next Round

Plenary 1: New gTLD Program- Next Round

Description

The New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program in 2012 enabled the expansion of the Domain Name System (DNS) through the introduction of new top-level domains. The next round of applications (Next Round) targeted to open in Q2 2026 will further the expansion of the DNS. 

This plenary will discuss the plan for the Next Round  with representation from a variety of languages/scripts as well as geographic and ethnic diversity. The plenary will highlight use cases, featuring successful stories on how different gTLDs are used. Panelists will also share what it looks like to operate a gTLD.

Moderator

Speakers

18:00 (TBC)
Welcome Social (TBC)

Welcome Social (TBC) 

Location

 

Dress Code

Day Two, 9 May 2025 (Friday), UTC+7

Event Venue: InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72

08:30-09:00
Registration

09:00-10:15
Plenary 2: WSIS+20 Review – Preserving Our Inclusive Internet

Plenary 2: WSIS+20 Review – Preserving Our Inclusive Internet

Description

Is the APAC region ready for WSIS+20 Review? What can the APAC community do to help preserve key aspects of WSIS that are critical to the Internet and its inclusivity? 

Panellists will discuss important aspects of the Internet that came out of the WSIS process, such as the multistakeholder model of Internet Governance and the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and examine the potential impact of WSIS+20 Review to the APAC region. The panellists will also discuss ways on how the APAC community can actively participate in the WSIS+20 Review preparatory process. 

This session will include a brief open floor segment for audience input.

Moderator

Speakers

10:15-10:45
Tea Break

10:45-12:00
Plenary 3: A Technical Discussion on the Namespace Evolution

Plenary 3: A Technical Discussion on the Namespace Evolution

Description

This plenary will focus on a technical discussion on emerging identifier technologies. With the expansion of the Domain Name System (DNS) through the New gTLD Program: Next Round, how will these technologies interact with the DNS? Come hear from our experts on how these systems work, and discuss the future of identifiers.

Moderator

Speakers

12:15-13:30
Lunch

Track A

Track B

13:30-14:30
Session 3A: Collective Efforts Towards Strengthening DNS Security

13:30-14:30
Session 3B: Building Next Generation Leaders in the Internet Governance Ecosystem

14:30-14:45
Tea Break

14:45-15:45
Session 4A: Evolving Internet Regulatory Landscape in APAC

14:45-15:45
Session 4B: [GoCreate! Domain Innovations] Getting Hooked on Domains

15:45-16:00
Tea Break

16:00-17:00
Session 5A: Expanding Trusted Notifier Network in APAC

16:00-17:00
Session 5B: A Dialogue on DNS Operational Best Practices

17:00
Event End

Speakers

Samiran Gupta

Sponsorships

Become a Sponsor
Sponsors

Play a part to shape global digital transformation and amplify your brand’s impact at the APAC DNS Forum 2025! The 2025 Forum offers significant opportunities for sponsors to elevate their presence among a broader audience with the co-location of three events this year (the APAC DNS Forum 2025 together with the Contracted Parties (CP) Summit and Universal Acceptance (UA) Day).

Here’s what you’ll gain:

  • Grow Your Network: Forge meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and attendees to inspire collaboration and future opportunities.
  • Enhance Brand Recognition: Establish your company as a prominent player in business ventures and boost your visibility on the regional and international stage.
  • Showcase Your Business: Share your expertise across multiple platforms, including thought leadership discussions, networking sessions, and dynamic interactions with panelists and participants.
  • Engage with Industry Experts: Collaborate with leading policymakers, technical specialists, and business professionals committed to driving economic growth through digital economy initiatives.
    Support the Digital Economy Movement: Play a pivotal role in advancing efforts to foster digital inclusion and innovation, as well as economic progress.

Don’t let this opportunity pass—become a sponsor today by contacting us at apachub@icann.org.

APAC DNS Forum 2025 Sponsorship Benefits

Diamond Sponsor
USD 10,000

One speaker slot*

● One premium exhibition space outside the main ballroom.

● Distinct recognition at APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Ceremony

● Prominent logo placement on event website (large) including sponsors’ showcase: 100 words company profile and short video highlighting products and services

● Logo on event backdrops as diamond sponsor

● Display of four company pull-up banners at event venue

● Opportunity to provide company branded materials to conference participants

*Speaker slots are subject to availability, on a first-come-first served basis.

Platinum Sponsor USD 8,000

One premium exhibition space outside the main ballroom.

● Distinct recognition at APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Ceremony

● Prominent logo placement on event website (large) including sponsors showcase: 100 words company profile and short video highlighting products and services

● Logo on event backdrops as platinum sponsor

● Display of three company pull-up banners at event venue

● Opportunity to provide company branded materials to conference participants

Gold Sponsor USD 5,000

One exhibition space outside the main ballroom

● Recognition as sponsor at APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Ceremony

● Logo display on the event website as gold sponsor

● Logo on event backdrops as gold sponsor

● Display of two company pull-up banners at event venue

● Opportunity to provide company branded materials to conference participants

Community Sponsor USD 2,000

● Recognition as sponsor at APAC DNS Forum 2025 Opening Ceremony

● Logo display on the event website as community sponsor

● Logo on event backdrops as community sponsor

● Display of one company pull-up banner at event venue

● Opportunity to provide company branded materials to conference participants

Sponsorship Package Terms and Conditions:

  • Benefits listed in this sponsorship package apply exclusively to the 2025 APAC DNS Forum and UA Day events scheduled to take place from 8 to 9 May 2025.
  • All materials provided by sponsors, including company branded items intended for distribution to event participants, are subject to approval by the organizing committee.
  • Sponsors must provide their company logos and materials by the stipulated deadline provided by the organizing committee to ensure inclusion in event materials.
  • While we will make every effort to avoid changes, the organizing committee reserves the right to amend the sponsorship package if necessary. Sponsors will be notified of any changes promptly.

Visitor Information

Visa & Travel
Health & Safety
Hotel Booking

Entry Requirements

Please verify Viet Nam’s visa requirements for your passport on the official Viet Nam government website and apply for an e-visa if needed at: https://evisa.gov.vn

Noi Bai International Airport and Transportation

Noi Bai International Airport is the gateway to Hanoi with its International Terminal located at Terminal 2 (Map of Terminal 2). The distance between the airport to our event venue at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is about 30km and will take approximately 40 – 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. 

Recommended options for airport transfer include:

  • Airport Taxis are available at the airport taxi stands located at Terminal 2, Column No.5
  • Ride Hailing Apps such as Grab and Gojek are available in Hanoi
  • Private Car Service/ Hotel Transfer can be booked via your hotel concierge

Weather

May in Hanoi marks the beginning of the summer season with lush greenery thriving in the early summer rains. Daytime temperatures typically range between 32–34°C (90–94°F) and nights are around 24–25°C (75–77°F). Expect also increased rainfall which is usually short and intense.

To prepare for your visit, pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to keep you cool and comfortable. A compact umbrella will also be handy for the sudden showers. 

Power Plugs and Voltages

Viet Nam uses Type A, Type C, and Type F plugs:

  • Type A: Two flat parallel pins 
  • Type C: Two round pins
  • Type F: Two round pins with two grounding clips on the side

Voltage: 220V

Frequency: 50Hz

Currency and Payments

The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available. However, carry cash for convenience as some places, especially local stores will only accept cash.  

Safety and Security in Hanoi

Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere. However, like any major city, it is important to stay vigilant regarding petty crime, public health concerns, and new regulations in effect.

  • Traffic Safety: Road traffic in major cities, including Hanoi, can be heavy, especially during peak hours. This may pose safety risks for those unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Travellers are strongly encouraged to use reliable taxi services available at the hotel, airport, or through ride-hailing apps rather than driving themselves.
  • Methanol Poisoning: Recently, there have been growing concerns across Southeast Asia, including in Viet Nam, regarding methanol poisoning, primarily from illicit alcohol production. This presents a significant health risk. Travellers are advised to consume alcohol only at reputable, licensed establishments and avoid homemade alcoholic beverages.
  • Ban on E-Cigarettes: Please be aware that a new law, effective from the beginning of this year, prohibits the possession and use of e-cigarettes in Viet Nam. Violators may face fines of up to 2 million VND (approximately USD 78).

Nearest Medical Services

If you are feeling unwell during the event, we recommend limiting in-person participation and opting for virtual attendance from your hotel room. Should you choose to attend any in-person activities while unwell or after exposure to someone who is ill, we strongly advise wearing a properly fitted mask to minimise the risk to others.

For medical assistance with minor-to-moderate illness or injury during the event, local staff will be available to guide you to the nearest medical services: the Hong Ngoc General Clinic, which operates daily from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. This clinic is located on the 10th floor of the Landmark 72 Tower, the same building as the convention centre. For more details about the services offered at Hong Ngoc, please visit this link.

In case of a medical emergency, please dial 1900-636-555 (24-hour hotline) from a local phone to access Hong Ngoc’s private ambulance services, which will take you to the 24-hour Hong Ngoc Hospital, a short drive from the convention centre.

Hotel Booking

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 (Event Venue)

Situated at the heart of Hanoi’s new Central Business District, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is the highest luxury hotel in Hanoi, atop the iconic Landmark72 Tower. The conference centre on Level 5 of the building is also the event venue for the APAC DNS Forum 2025.

To book a room using our events’ preferential rate, please visit the official hotel reservation link and enter the Group Code “K54” under “Rate Preference”. Room rates start at US$200++ for a King Classic room. Kindly note that rooms are subject to availability and on a first-come-first-serve basis.

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 (Event Venue)

Situated at the heart of Hanoi’s new Central Business District, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is the highest luxury hotel in Hanoi, atop the iconic Landmark72 Tower. The conference centre on Level 5 of the building is also the event venue for the APAC DNS Forum 2025.

To book a room using our events’ preferential rate, please visit the official hotel reservation link and enter the Group Code “K54” under “Rate Preference”. Room rates start at US$200++ for a King Classic room. Kindly note that rooms are subject to availability and on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Other Suggested Hotels 

About ICANN

ICANN’s mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world.

ICANN Website

About VNNIC

Viet Nam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), with the vision of “Internet for All”, manage and promote essential services based on critical Internet infrastructures and Internet resources (ccTLD, NIR, DNS, Internet Exchange, WHOIS…) in line with the development trend of the next generation Internet; orient community to provide reliable information and new services using Internet resources; promote the safe and sustainable Internet development.

VNNIC Website