Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific
Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) is a Wikimedia user group that supports open knowledge projects across the Asia Pacific region.
Who
We Are
Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) is a Knowledge Continuity organization and a Philippine-based Wikimedia User Group advancing Knowledge Continuity for the AI Era across the Asia-Pacific region. SKAP works with communities, educational institutions, cultural organizations, governments, and the Wikimedia movement to ensure that knowledge remains discoverable, trusted, representative, and accessible for future generations—and for the AI systems increasingly shaping how people learn and access information.
Founded in 2023 by Vanj Padilla and built upon more than a decade of Wikimedia volunteer leadership and community organizing since 2012, SKAP brings together Wikimedians, educators, researchers, cultural practitioners, technologists, and community leaders to strengthen open knowledge ecosystems through collaboration, innovation, and capacity building.
SKAP's work extends beyond Wikipedia editing to the broader challenge of knowledge continuity—supporting communities in documenting local knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening indigenous and regional languages, improving structured open data, advancing AI literacy, and developing resilient knowledge infrastructures using Wikimedia projects and other open knowledge platforms.
Among its flagship initiatives are the Philippine Knowledge Continuity Initiative (PKCI), the SALIN Framework for Living Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge, WikiGovData, Digitization of Local Laws and regional WikiClubs that cultivate the next generation of knowledge stewards across schools, universities, and communities.
Looking ahead, SKAP seeks to position the Asia-Pacific region at the forefront of Knowledge Continuity by developing practical frameworks, strategic partnerships, and community-led innovations that ensure local knowledge is not only preserved, but remains visible, verifiable, and meaningful in the age of artificial intelligence.
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About US
Before formally organizing as a non-profit, SKAP members were already active volunteer leaders in two major technology movements:
Since 2012
Through Google Business Groups and Google Student Ambassadors.
Since 2012
Through edit-a-thons, community events, and partnerships.
SKAP has evolved from local beginnings in Pangasinan and Northern Luzon to a regional hub supporting underrepresented communities in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific. We focus on:
Knowledge Accessibility & Inclusivity
Heritage & Language Preservation
Community Growth & Sustainability
Strategic alliances with institutions, governments, and civic partners
Objectives
SKAP aims to:
- Create and conduct projects for inclusive knowledge sharing in the Philippines and other underrepresented Asia-Pacific territories.
- Collaborate with local and international communities to scale, replicate, and advance Wikimedia projects.
- Form strategic partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and private organizations to expand knowledge access.
- Conduct capacity-building, mentoring, and training for women, youth, and senior citizens to empower them as Wikimedia contributors.
- Organize edit-a-thons, meetups, learning sessions, and events to diversify and sustain community membership.
- Actively support the ESEAP (East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) Wikimedia hub, its policies, projects, and advocacy.
| Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Asia | |
| Location |  Philippines |
| Country code | PH |
| Approval date | May 1, 2023 |
| Main office | Lingayen, Pangasinan |
| Staff | (N/A) |
| Official language(s) | English |
| Other language(s) | Filipino, Pangasinan, Tagalog, Cebuano, Chavacano, and Ilocano |
| Website | https://sharedknowledgeasia.org |
| E-mail address | skap@sharedknowledgeasia.org |
| SKAP Facebook page | |
History
SKAP trustees and volunteers have deep experience in community building:
Established chapters in Pangasinan, Dagupan, Isabela, and Cagayan. GBG Pangasinan was recognized as a Top 8 Global Chapter, with members invited to Google I/O in the USA multiple times.
Supported student leaders, later expanded into the Womenwill community, training women entrepreneurs and leaders in technology and business.
Organized edit-a-thons, digitization projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Trustees benchmarked successful Wikimedia communities in Indonesia, Taiwan, and Korea, bringing best practices to the Philippines.
Trustees have also been bloggers, digital influencers, and consultants since 2011, leading projects in partnership with government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Recognized globally for community development, partnership building, and expanding Wikimedia reach across 5 provinces.
Member of Wikimania COT 2021 and 2023, co-organizer of the WikiWomen Summit at Wikimania with WMF Board of Trustees.
Holds a Doctor of Laws degree and brings 10+ years of experience as an event strategist, government consultant, and trainer.
Known for forging strong partnerships with local governments, ASEAN networks, and international organizations.
Contact
Email: skap@sharedknowledgeasia.org
Website: sharedknowledgeasia.org
