Asia Pacific Internet Research Alliance
Came into Existence
On September 27, 2003, the Asia-Pacific Internet Research
Alliance (APIRA) was founded in Beijing. China Internet
Network Information Center (CNNIC), Korea Network Information
Center (KRNIC), Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC),
City University of Hong Kong and University of Macau
became the launch members of APIRA. The alliance will
conduct the first joint survey on Internet development
among members in 2004, and planned to continue such
joint survey in the following years.
From September 26 to 27, CNNIC hosted "the Symposium
on Information Statistics of the Internet in Asia-Pacific
Region" in Beijing. APRIA was formally approved
by statistical experts presented on the symposium. It
was resolved that any organizations engaging in the
Internet research may apply to join APIRA.
Nowadays the Internet develops rapidly in the Asia-Pacific
region. Many counties and regions in Asia-Pacific conduct
statistical surveys on the Internet. Due to the differences
in survey method, survey content and the time for conducting
the survey, the results can hardly be compared with
each other. The definition of the Internet users differs
in countries, which became an obstacle when carrying
out point-by-point comparison to study development situation
of the Internet in different regions. APRIA may apparently
change the situation, and will facilitate the cooperation
and research work in the Internet community in the Asia-Pacific
region.
Since then, APIRA members will adopt unified criteria
to define Internet user, establish methodologies and
compose questionnaires for the surveys. APRIA members
will continuously conduct annual joint statistical surveys
in each country and region, and hold symposiums on the
Internet statistical research. The survey reports will
be shared among members.
It was resolved that the first joint survey will be
conducted in 2004, and the first APIRA member meeting
will be held in Hong Kong in 2004.
In addition, the domain name "apira.org"
had been successfully registered, and APRIA website
is now under construction.
