The thrill of tinkering with networks and the satisfaction of a problem solved – that's what drew us Alex (informatics 2020) and Shobur (Informatics 2021) to the APIE Camp #03 held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) this February. But getting there wasn't a straight shot. After completing the APIE online courses and the APIE e-workshop, we were finally eligible to apply and join this amazing program.

A melting pot of network enthusiasts
One of the coolest things about APIE Camp was the diversity. Our group was a mix of students from universities like USM (of course!), USK, ITB, UB, Keio University, and even IU. Sharing a classroom with fellow network enthusiasts from across the region created a vibrant atmosphere, and the learning went both ways.

Top-notch Instructors, Top-notch Knowledge
Our instructors were the rockstars of the camp. We had lecturers from APNIC, Keio University, USM itself, and even Dr. Eng. Muhammad Niswar from Unhas – all experts in their respective fields. The first day threw us right into the thick of things, building and configuring a network topology with routers, switches, VLANs, and routing protocols. It was intense, but with the instructors' guidance, we tackled it head-on.

Beyond the Basics: Virtualization, Security, and More!
The days that followed were like opening new doors in the world of networking. Day two introduced us to the fascinating world of virtualization. We created our own managed servers using Proxmox, delving into the intricacies of server management and security. Day three focused on the often mysterious world of DNS, where we learned how to configure our own DNS server right on the server we built the previous day.

The Future of Networks: IoT and Cloud
By Day Four, we were well on our way to becoming well-rounded network engineers. The curriculum took a futuristic turn, exploring the concepts of IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud computing. Understanding how these technologies are shaping the future of networks was an eye-opening experience.

The APIE Camp Effect
Leaving APIE Camp, we felt like a completely transformed network engineer. The knowledge we gained, the connections we made, and the confidence we built – it was an invaluable experience.  A huge shoutout to the organizers for putting together such a phenomenal program.

Looking ahead…
The rumors about the next APIE Camp being held at UNHAS in Indonesia are getting stronger so if you're passionate about networks and have the chance to attend an APIE Camp, don't hesitate. It's an investment in your future that will pay off in dividends.  Keep an eye out for announcements on the SOI Asia – AI3 communities website