Over 90 participants, including government officials, private employees, college students, and freelance network engineers, are taking part in a five-day workshop in Thimphu aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s capacity in internet network management and infrastructure.
The event is organized by the Bhutan Network Operators Group (btNOG), a community of network professionals dedicated to knowledge sharing, education, and technical collaboration. Now in its twelfth year, the annual workshop has become a vital platform for developing Bhutan’s digital expertise.
Specialized Training Tracks
This year’s program is divided into three specialized courses to match participants’ skill levels and interests. One course focuses on designing, building, and managing organizational network infrastructure based on international best practices. Another equips participants with the skills to optimize how internet traffic flows both within an organization and across networks. The final track covers selecting efficient computer systems, secure data management, and understanding modern applications and storage systems.
Learning and Sharing Knowledge
For many participants, the workshop is an opportunity not only to enhance their own knowledge but also to share it with others.
“I work in the IT department, and we also have many networking modules there. So, I can teach what I learned here to my students,” said Tashi Yangchen, Lecturer at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College.
Others highlighted the accessibility to global expertise. “This workshop is very useful for participants like us from other districts. It gives us access to experts and allows us to be part of the global internet community,” added fellow lecturer Younten Tshering.
Kinley Gyeltshen, ICT Officer from Punakha, emphasized the importance of online safety: “These days, everything is done on the internet. This training helps us explore solutions to work safely online, something we didn’t get the chance to learn before.”
Global Expertise, Local Growth
The workshop is coordinated by 16 local volunteers and supported by both international and local sponsors. It was first launched with the assistance of the U.S.-based Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), which continues to provide experienced foreign instructors.
According to btNOG Chairman Jichen Thinley, this year marks the beginning of a transition toward local leadership: “Starting this year, we are selecting participants as assistant instructors for the next workshop. Gradually, the program will be fully operated by Bhutanese professionals.”
Looking Ahead
The workshop will conclude with the 43rd South Asian Network Operators Group (SANOG) conference this weekend in Thimphu, where experts from across the region will gather to discuss the latest developments in internet technologies and operations.
By building both technical skills and professional networks, btNOG’s annual workshop continues to play a key role in preparing Bhutan for an increasingly digital future.
