Written by Nomaan Penwala
I recently attended Domain Summit Asia in Hong Kong on the 17th and 18th of November. The event brought together domain investors, registries, resellers and industry leaders from across the region, with a strong focus on the aftermarket and the rapidly growing Chinese domain ecosystem.
The first day featured several insightful sessions. DN.com opened the summit by sharing how their platform has evolved and the trends shaping the Asian aftermarket. There was an engaging discussion on how .TOP managed to enter the global top 10 TLD ranking, largely driven by strong adoption in China. Speakers also highlighted why new gTLDs are expected to gain significant traction in 2026 as more digital brands and investors enter the space. A session on UDRP offered practical guidance on dispute scenarios, brand protection and trademark challenges faced by domain owners in Asia.
The day ended with live domain auctions hosted by DN.com, where several premium names crossed the million-dollar mark. Watching the fast bidding and buyer interest was a highlight. The evening wrapped up with rooftop networking over drinks, creating a relaxed space to continue conversations from the sessions.
The second day moved beyond the conference hall with a city tour across Hong Kong. This turned out to be one of the most engaging parts of the summit as participants networked throughout the journey.
The tour included visits to Wong Tai Sin Temple and the peaceful Chi Lin Nunnery. The group then enjoyed ‘dim sum’ for lunch followed by a walk along the Avenue of Stars. The next stop was Aberdeen for a short boat ride from Yat Gang Kiu, followed by a relaxing break at Repulse Bay. The tour concluded with a visit to Victoria Peak at the Mid-Levels Good Hope Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the city.
Networking continued naturally throughout the day. Many participants exchanged insights about their businesses, discussed regional trends and explored potential collaborations. The informal setting made it easier to build meaningful connections compared to a traditional conference environment.
Overall, Domain Summit Asia offered valuable exposure to the rapidly evolving domain landscape in the region. From the rise of Asian TLDs to the influence of Chinese domainers in the aftermarket, it is clear that Asia will play an increasingly important role in the future of the industry. The blend of content sessions and immersive networking made the summit both productive and memorable.
I look forward to staying in touch with the people I met and exploring opportunities that emerged during the event. If you would like to discuss the Asian domain market or collaborate on upcoming initiatives, feel free to reach out.
