Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific
Scholarships
Over the course of a year, the Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific (BCAP) project will accelerate the professional development of up to 300 participants working in the Internet technical sector across 30 economies in the region. The project not only provides detailed career progression pathways to its participants; it is designed to respond to real Internet infrastructure and capacity gaps across the region, while nurturing a diverse and connected technical community. BCAP supports individuals with a technical background in Internet development, security, operations, policy, or research. These professionals are the backbone of the Internet and digital technologies, and they will play a key role in driving innovation in the coming years. Applications are open from February 5 until 26 February, 2026, 11:59 PM (UTC).
- Opening Date
- 2026-02-05
- Closing Date
- 2026-02-26
What is the Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific Project?
Building Capabilities in the Asia Pacific (BCAP) builds on the APNIC Foundation’s long-running Switch! and Digital Leap South Asia initiatives, bringing lessons learned together into a single, scalable project.
BCAP focuses on building competencies – not just knowledge—by supporting Internet professionals through structured learning pathways, globally recognised certifications, and competency-based recognition.
Each year, BCAP supports a cohort of 300 participants, selected from across the Asia Pacific, to develop skills that are directly relevant to their roles and local context.
What sets the project apart?
BCAP is not just a training project, it is intended to accelerate the careers of eligible participants at no cost to them, while strengthening the human talent pipeline of the people running the Internet in the Asia Pacific.
BCAP prepares participants for improved employability and advancement across ISPs, network operators, and IXPs. Globally recognised certifications strengthen participant credibility in both local and international labor markets. The project also helps organisations access a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute immediately.
BCAP combines structured training pathways, certification, and competency badges in a single, integrated project. It focuses on applied, job-relevant skills in three learning pathways of Network Operations, Cybersecurity, and IT/ Technical Support guiding participants through beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks, enabling future progression. These pathways are aligned to real roles Internet professionals occupy across the region, from emerging practitioners to experience technical leaders.
Who should apply?
Applications are open to Internet professionals and practitioners who:
- Are 18 years or older by the project’s start date in March.
- Have a background or interest in Internet operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, or governance.
- Reside in one of the 30 eligible economies: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States), Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Viet Nam
BCAP actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, youth, rural communities, and least developed countries (LDCs), with a strong commitment to building an inclusive, representative cohort.
Pathways
Network Operations pathways
Beginner Track — Start your Network Operations career
Intermediate Track — Grow into a Network Engineer
Advanced Track — Design, automate, and lead networks
Cybersecurity pathways
Beginner Track — Start Your cybersecurity career
Intermediate Track — Move into security operations
Advanced Track — Architect and lead security strategy
Tech Support — Foundation stream for career starters
Key dates
| Applications open | 5 February 2026 |
| Applications close | 26 February 2026 |
| Application review and due diligence | 5 – 13 March 2026 |
| Offer letters and agreements | 16-24 March 2026 |
| Professional development commences | 25 March – 3 April 2026 |
- For more information:
- Link