From 8 – 9 May 2025, the Asia-Pacific Domain Name System Forum (APAC DNS Forum 2025) took place in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The event was co-organized by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), serving as the local host, in collaboration with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). With the theme “An Inclusive Internet: Connecting People – Shaping the Future,” the Forum affirmed the role of national domain names and the Domain Name System (DNS), focusing discussions on the directions for developing an inclusive, safe, and accessible Internet ecosystem for all.

This was the fourth time the Forum had been held in the Asia-Pacific region. Still, this year’s edition carried special significance, as it was the first time organized concurrently with the Universal Acceptance Day sessions. The joint event created opportunities for meeting, networking, and fostering deeper cooperation within the regional and global Internet community. As the host organization, VNNIC reaffirmed Viet Nam’s strong commitment to developing digital infrastructure, promoting the popularization of the national domain name “.vn”, and actively contributing to the expansion of global cyberspace in line with the vision “Internet For All.”

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam Bui Hoang Phuong stated that the world is entering a new era — an era of comprehensive innovation and deep digital transformation. Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on “Breakthrough Development in Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation,” with orientations toward 2030, identifies the development of digital infrastructure as a foundational pillar of digital transformation.  Internet infrastructure, including DNS infrastructure, is an essential component of this foundation. The management and assurance of the security and reliability of the national DNS system, as well as the promotion and widespread adoption of the national domain name “.vn” to drive the digital economy and digital society, are key national priorities.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong delivered the Opening Remarks

In his welcome remarks, VNNIC Director General Nguyen Hong Thang affirmed that the Internet is the most critical infrastructure enabling the comprehensive shift toward the digital environment. Within that ecosystem, national domain names, Internet registration systems (domain names, IP addresses), and the DNS server system are core Internet resources and infrastructure components, playing an indispensable role in the development of digital infrastructure, the digital economy, and the digital society.

In the digital era, the role of top-level domain (TLD) management organizations in general, and country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and DNS server systems in particular, is increasingly important. The DNS is the heart of the Internet, and ensuring DNS security and stability is a critical requirement in the coming period. Domain names, especially national domain names, affirm the online presence of organizations and businesses in cyberspace; therefore, there must be innovative development strategies and effective management policies to ensure security and trustworthiness.

Viet Nam has set a national goal to popularize the “.vn” domain name among enterprises, business households, citizens, and students. The Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced special incentive policies to develop the domain name space and associated digital services, with the target of reaching one million domain names, thereby accelerating digital transformation, digital economy, and digital society progress. Along with the growth in the number of domain names and websites, ensuring the security and trustworthiness of the national domain name brand remains a top priority, through initiatives such as the DNS Abuse Mitigation Program, DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), and Anycast technology.

As the agency leading the program, VNNIC has always actively and proactively fulfilled its assigned responsibilities.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang, Director General of VNNIC delivered the Welcome Remarks

In his opening address, Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang, Deputy Director of VNNIC, emphasized that UA Day represents a valuable opportunity to accompany ICANN, UNESCO, and the global community in building a digital society for all.

Deputy Director General Nguyen Truong Giang delivered the Opening Speech of UA Day

He highlighted that the Government of Viet Nam has recognized the importance of online presence in the National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with orientations toward 2030 (Decision No. 79/QĐ-TTg). VNNIC believes that the goal of Universal Acceptance (UA) will serve as an effective catalyst to realize this mission — a commitment to equality, cultural identity preservation, and digital accessibility for everyone.

In addition, alongside the main sessions, VNNIC also conducted bilateral cooperation activities with national domain name registries and regional Internet resource management organizations, including: the bilateral working program between VNNIC and .au Domain Administration (auDA); with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN); with the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC); and with the Lao National Internet Center (LANIC).

These activities aimed to expand and enhance the effectiveness, role, and position of Viet Nam’s National Internet Center in international cooperation, strengthening the nation’s standing in the regional and global Internet community.