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8th Asia Pacific Networking Group (APNG) Camp
18th – 20th July 2006 at National University Singapore
Post Camp Report of Ravindra De Silva, Sri Lanka
I was very happy to know that I was selected for the 8th camp and from that day waited impatiently for 18th of July to dawn. When finally I arrived at the venue I was surprised
By the extremely well prepared venue and the committee. From the very first minute I knew I will learn from and enjoy the camp. We (the Sri Lankan fellows) were warmly welcomed at the camp and we attracted special attention as we arrived at the venue straight from the airport looking sleepy and tired. And not so surprisingly that arrival was taken as the theme for several jokes people came up during the camp.
I had three objectives by attending the camp
- Cultural exchange from this diverse, multi cultural group:
I am happy to say I learned a lot about other countries customs and cultures. The costume parties made it possible to officially exchange and explain each and others customs and cultures.
- Technological gain:
There were many interesting speeches as well as fellow presentations and I found links to several subject areas I am interested in or I am new to.
- Tour the commercial hub of Asia, Singapore: We had the opportunity to visit the entertainment park in Singapore and for the first time I experienced a 4D film.
- Social network: I am very happy to say now I know at least one person in Pakistan by name. Other than USA, UK, Australia, ect I rarely knew any one in Asia (other than my country) and now I know around 50. I am a happy man now!
Participation
There were participants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, and Myanmar and of course from Sri Lanka. Strange though, there was no one from the hosting nation. Furthermore I was surprised to hear that 8 fellows did not make it to the camp, they must have had serious problems to forgo an opportunity like this.
Dinner, Dinner and Dinner
We had the opportunity to taste many kinds of food which we don’t find in home countries and all of very good taste, the best dinner for me was the sea food dinner
Mr. Tommy Matsumoto invited us to. Mr. Tommy Matsumoto requested one plate after another and I tried to taste every item as I never had eaten them before. But I finally gave up as Mr. Tommy Matsumoto never stopped ordering food!
Suggestions for Future APNG Camps
- Selection of Fellows should be done more carefully
skills and education in the proposed field should be properly evaluated.
The reason is all the proposals we discuss at the camp are of little or no use unless the participants can implement those at home.
- Presentation, key note speeches should be selected to be balanced in coverage.
- Invite more fellows.
Appreciation
I take this opportunity to thank the great leadership of Prof. Okhwa Lee and the tremendous commitment from our great Grand Pa Mr. Tommy Matsumoto. Then I should not forget APNG secretariat, the camp chair without whom this event would not have happened. Furthermore without the participants this would not have been a camp, so a loud applause goes to all the kind people who attended the camp. Finally I sum up congratulating and wishing all best for the next camp committee to hold the next camp in grand fashion!
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