The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) named Dr Xiaodong Lee as ICANN’s VP of Asia.

You can read the press release after the jump :

“With just over a month before the opening of the application period for new generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs), organizations worldwide should be preparing for their introduction, according to ICANN’s President and Chief Executive Officer Rod Beckstrom.

“Time is short,” said Beckstrom. “If you have not done so, now is the time to get expert advice and get your marketing people engaged to take advantage of new opportunities. If you need help there are many companies around the world that offer this service.”

Beckstrom added that even those who do not plan to apply need to be vigilant. “If you do not choose to apply, you should still pay attention to those who do, and use the protections built into the program to safeguard your brand or community.”

He praised China’s contributions to the development of Internationalized Domain Names and its long history of leadership in advancing their technology as part of the “long and fruitful relationship” between China and ICANN.

ICANN’s CEO spoke at a Beijing event aimed at informing, educating and engaging China’s business and Internet communities, as part of ICANN’s global gTLD communication program.

He also announced the appointment of noted Internet expert Dr. Xiaodong Lee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences as ICANN’s new Vice President for Asia. Most recently, Dr. Lee has served as the Deputy Director General and Chief Technology Officer of CNNIC, the state network information center of China.

Today’s events in Beijing are the latest in ICANN’s campaign to raise worldwide awareness of new gTLDs. The campaign’s next events occur later this month in Russia and Indonesia.”