Shaping the future of open source talent in APAC with Red Hat Academy

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for skilled professionals in open source technologies, a field largely new to many students. Red Hat Academy is at the heart of bridging this knowledge gap, redefining how students gain practical skills and connect with industry opportunities. With over 1,360 academic institutions across 25 countries and approximately 37,000 students trained so far in 2025, Red Hat Academy is more than a program—it’s a catalyst for impact, creating pathways for the next generation of open source innovators.

As a Red Hat Technical Account Manager, I have had the privilege of engaging with students enrolled in Red Hat Academy across APAC through webinars, interactive sessions, and student mentorship. Along with virtual engagements, my recent visit to Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, offered a unique opportunity to connect with students in person. During this trip, I was able to see firsthand students applying their new knowledge of open source technologies, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, in workshops and projects. Witnessing these students’ curiosity, energy, and readiness to embrace challenges reinforced the tangible impact of the Red Hat Academy program in shaping industry-ready open source technologies talent in APAC.

Additionally, the Red Hat Academy Talent Network, part of Red Hat Academy, further strengthens this ecosystem of future talent by connecting trained students with internships, projects, and employment opportunities. Students not only gain technical expertise but also access to real-world experience, mentorship, and career guidance, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Educational institutions are empowered to deliver industry-aligned curriculum, while companies benefit from a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute and innovate.

The potential in APAC is vast. By expanding the reach of Red Hat Academy, including strengthening the Red Hat Academy Talent Network and fostering stronger collaborations between academia and industry, we can continue to cultivate a comprehensive, skilled workforce that is ready for the future. The journey ahead promises not just learning but meaningful engagement, where education translates into career growth, innovation, and contribution to the open source community.

Are you ready to join the next generation of Red Hat OpenShift and Kubernetes experts? Explore the full Red Hat Academy catalog and start your certification journey today. 

If you are a current or past Red Hat Academy student, join the Red Hat Academy Talent Network to connect directly with hiring partners and open source job opportunities in the APAC region.