Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific
Welcome to Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) page.
Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) is a Wikimedia user group that supports open knowledge projects across the Asia Pacific region.
We focus on digitization, cultural heritage, advocacy, child online safety, and strengthening communities through Wikimedia initiatives.
Our mission is to empower volunteers, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact both locally and globally.
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Who are we
[edit]Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) is a Wikimedia user group based in the Philippines and engaged across the Asia-Pacific region. Founded by Vanj Padilla, a community builder, strategist, and volunteer leader since 2012, SKAP brings together Wikimedians, community organizers, and knowledge advocates to promote inclusive access to knowledge, heritage preservation, language documentation, and community capacity development.
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Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/Members
MembersJoin the growing network of SKAP volunteers and affiliates. -
Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/Stories
StoriesNarratives from our communities, projects, and collaborations. -
Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/Impact
ImpactThe results and outcomes of SKAP’s advocacy and initiatives. -
Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/Media
MediaPhotos, galleries, and multimedia from SKAP events.
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Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/MembersMembersJoin the growing network of SKAP volunteers and affiliates.
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Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/StoriesStoriesNarratives from our communities, projects, and collaborations.
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Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/ImpactImpactThe results and outcomes of SKAP’s advocacy and initiatives.
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Special:MyLanguage/Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific/MediaMediaPhotos, galleries, and multimedia from SKAP events.
About Us
[edit]Before formally organizing as a non-profit, SKAP members were already active volunteer leaders in two major technology movements:
- Google (since 2012) – through Google Business Groups and Google Student Ambassadors.
- Wikimedia (since 2014) – 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 and inclusivity
- Heritage and language preservation
- Community growth and sustainability
- Strategic alliances with institutions, governments, and civic partners
| Shared Knowledge Asia Pacific (SKAP) | |
|---|---|
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 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 | sharedknowap@gmail.com |
| Facebook page | |
Objectives
[edit]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.
History
[edit]SKAP trustees and volunteers have deep experience in community building:
- Google Business Groups (2012–2018): 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.
- Google Student Ambassadors (2012–2015): Supported student leaders, later expanded into the Womenwill community, training women entrepreneurs and leaders in technology and business.
- Wikimedia (2014–present): 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.
Leadership
[edit]- Vanj Padilla, Founding Chair
Wikimedian since 2014, former Vice Chair of Wikimedia Philippines. 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.
Stories & Impact
[edit]- Digitization of Local Laws: Over 1,000 ordinances and laws uploaded to Wikisource.
- Language Preservation: Documenting Pangasinan words in Wiktionary.
- Heritage Projects: Wiki Loves Living Heritage in Isabela, Cordillera, Pangasinan, and La Union.
- Women Empowerment: WikiWomen events highlighting women leaders in law, activism, and governance.
- Regional Engagement: Active role in ESEAP cooperative community and international Wikimedia events.
Contact
[edit]Email: sharedknowap@gmail.com Website: sharedknowledgeasia.org