Project Overview
This project was launched to empower NRENs across South and Southeast Asia with digital conferencing capabilities to support distance education and collaborative research. A Zoom-based platform was deployed on BdREN Cloud, accompanied by a service portal, multiple training programs, and a Train-the-Trainer model. The initiative spanned 22 months and proved pivotal during COVID-19, offering scalable and equitable digital learning services. The project supported institutional capacity building while bridging regional digital divides.
Partner Organizations
Lead Partner
Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN) - Host of the digital conferencing platform and primary technical coordinator
Technical Partner
NORDUnet - Providing technical expertise and platform integration support
Regional Partners
LEARN (Sri Lanka), NREN (Nepal), PREGINET (Philippines), ThaiREN (Thailand), DrukREN (Bhutan) - National research and education networks
Project Objectives
Primary Objective
To deploy a regional Zoom-based digital conferencing system supporting distance learning, research collaboration, and knowledge dissemination across NREN communities.
Sub-objectives
- Deploy Zoom platform within TEIN via BdREN Cloud (DCaaS)
- Train stakeholders via Train-the-Trainer modules
- Deliver structured DLE Courses and Seminars
- Increase digital engagement and TEIN network utilization
Key Activities Timeline
Kick-off Workshop (September 2018)
Bangkok - Initiated project planning and stakeholder engagement
Zoom Installation at BdREN (March 2019)
Deployed hardware and configured the conferencing platform
Train-the-Trainer Workshop I (April 2019)
Sri Lanka - Administrative training on Zoom platform
DLE Course 1 (July-August 2019)
Introduction to Cybersecurity with 120 participants
Performance Evaluation Workshop (August 2019)
Dhaka - Reviewed platform usage and feedback
DLE Course 2 (September-October 2019)
Advanced Ethical Hacking course with 500 participants
Train-the-Trainer Workshop II (December 2019)
Nepal - Technical training on IDP, Jagger, Satosa
DLE Course 3 (February-March 2020)
Practical Cryptography with 470 trainees
DLE Course 4 (April-May 2020)
Big Data and Hadoop with 577 participants
DigiNars (2019-2020)
Three seminars on NREN sustainability, Eduroam, and COVID-19 response
Knowledge Sharing Event (October 2019)
Sweden - Final regional wrap-up and impact assessment
Key Outcomes & Impact
Digital Platform Deployment
Zoom successfully installed and integrated as Digital Conferencing as a Service (DCaaS) in BdREN Cloud, providing scalable infrastructure for the region.
Capacity Building
Comprehensive training programs delivered through Train-the-Trainer workshops, ensuring sustainable local deployment and service maintenance capabilities.
COVID-19 Response
Platform licensing scaled from 10,000 to 20,000 users to meet surging demand during the pandemic, demonstrating critical importance for continuity of education.
Challenges & Solutions
Device Procurement Delays
Bhutan, Nepal, and the Philippines experienced late-stage hardware receipt, which was addressed through flexible scheduling and remote support mechanisms.
Participation Engagement
Limited engagement from some NRENs in early-stage DLEs was overcome through enhanced outreach and customized training approaches.
Technical Complexity
Satosa Proxy and SSO configuration required advanced technical support, leading to development of specialized training modules.
Future Directions
- Expand DCaaS: Encourage other NRENs to adopt and host digital conferencing platforms
- Support Identity Federations: Promote Eduroam and SSO across all beneficiary NRENs
- Open Course Access: Archive DLE materials for future learners and wider accessibility
- Strengthen Community Networks: Enhance regional forums and digital collaboration platforms
Sustainable Development Goals
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development