DE-CIX, Digital Penang partner to enhance interconnectivity infrastructure

• Aims to boost Penang's digital ecosystem, offer global network access
• Strives to transform Penang's interconnectivity, elevate its digital capabilities

DE-CIX Malaysia, a subsidiary of the DE-CIX Group, a leading Internet Exchange  operator, has announced a partnership with Digital Penang, owned by the state of Penang, to establish the Penang Internet Exchange (PIX) powered by DE-CIX. 

The strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the interconnectivity landscape in Penang and propel it to new heights through faster, more affordable, and more resilient internet connectivity, Digital Penang.

Wong Weng Yew, member of the Board of Management at DE-CIX Malaysia, said the company is joining forces with Digital Penang to establish PIX. “As Penang is already renowned for its innovation and technological advancements, the state is perfectly positioned to become the next interconnectivity hub in Southeast Asia.”

“Through this partnership, we aim to provide an interconnection platform that will catalyse the growth of the digital ecosystem in Penang, empowering businesses, institutions, and individuals with enhanced connectivity and unparalleled access to global networks. PIX powered by DE-CIX will serve as a vital gateway, enabling the exchange of data and the facilitation of collaboration, thereby driving innovation and accelerating economic growth," Wong said.

With the Malaysian government ramping up its efforts to further reinvigorate the country’s digitalisation capabilities to make Malaysia one of the key digital infrastructure hubs in the region, the regulatory landscape and technology-friendly policies have been significantly improved over the years. This collaboration will contribute to accelerating the digital adoption rate, especially for businesses.

To ensure the security and reliability of PIX, it will be managed according to the standard operating policy that is practiced by DE-CIX Malaysia for other Internet Exchanges. This policy adopts strict adherence to the best security practices in the industry, guaranteeing a secure and reliable Internet Exchange environment.

Ng Kwang Ming (pic), CEO of Digital Penang said the strategic partnership between Digital Penang and DE-CIX Malaysia represents a significant milestone in the company’s continuous endeavours to position Penang as a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia. 

“The Penang Internet Exchange will serve as a pivotal hub for local internet activities that catalyse the widespread adoption of digital applications including IoT, AI and IR4.0. We anticipate investments from content providers, content delivery networks, and various other internet-related businesses, which will play a vital role in building the foundation of a robust data centre ecosystem in Penang.”

Ng underscored that PIX is designed to improve the internet user experience of Penangites. Furthermore, it is poised to create opportunities for the next generation by driving adoption of newer latency sensitive digital services within local communities and enterprises.

“Local interconnection with all its benefits has long been awaited in Penang, and we at DE-CIX are proud to be part of history today, playing our part to make Penang and Malaysia a vibrant digital hub within the region. This closely aligns with the recent Malaysian Budget 2024 announcement, reflecting the government's objectives of elevating Malaysia to a high-income nation and attracting increased foreign direct investments,” Wong added.

Together, DE-CIX and Digital Penang are dedicated to accelerating the growth of Penang’s digital economy and will play a pivotal role in enabling high speed, reliable and secure interconnectivity, which is crucial for fostering collaboration and driving digital innovation across industries.

Additionally, the collaboration will promote knowledge sharing and technical expertise in the field of Internet Exchanges. Training sessions and an annual Penang Peering Forum will be organised to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance technical proficiency among stakeholders. 

For more information on how to participate, visit www.de-cix.my