Sarawak, Malaysia 10/10/23 – irix Sdn. Bhd., the pioneering telecommunications company in Sarawak, is proud to announce the launch of "irix” Internet Exchange, the very first Internet Exchange (IX) in Sarawak, powered by the global leading Internet Exchange AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange).

The launch of the new “irix’ Internet Exchange is part of a larger strategy to establish Sarawak as the alternative regional Internet hub for Southeast Asia.

In 2022, irix launched the Batam – Sarawak Internet Cable system (BaSICS), a subsea cable which connects the regional Internet hub in Singapore, and “irix DC”, Malaysia’s only Tier-IV certified Data Centre in Sarawak. Now with the launch of its very own IX platform, irix is now further enhancing digital connectivity and dramatically improving the internet experience for Sarawak's businesses, communities, government, and individuals.

Internet Exchanges are a crucial part in the fabric of the Internet as they facilitate the transfer of Internet traffic between IP-networks. By exchanging traffic via an Internet Exchange, networks can shorten Internet routes which decreases the cost of Internet traffic and significantly lowers latency.

Here's how:

• Reduced Latency: With irix Internet Exchange, content delivery networks (CDNs) can now peer directly with internet service providers (ISPs) and mobile network operators (MNOs) in Sarawak. This direct peering will significantly reduce latency, resulting in faster loading times for websites, applications, and online content.
• Enhanced Network Performance: the irix Internet Exchange is designed to be a high-performance, carrier-neutral platform, ensuring that data flows seamlessly and efficiently between connected networks. The exchange's state-of-the-art infrastructure guarantees a superior internet experience.
• Global Connectivity: irix’s partnership with AMS-IX opens doors to a global network of peering partners, reinforcing Sarawak's presence on the international digital map. This connectivity will empower local businesses with access to a broader customer base and offers Sarawak's residents more robust internet access.

Commenting on this pivotal achievement Dr Jonathan Smith CEO of irix emphasised, "We are delighted to introduce “irix”, the first Internet Exchange in Sarawak, powered by the world-renowned AMS-IX. This launch heralds a transformative moment for Sarawak's digital landscape. We're driven by a mission to empower businesses, service providers, and communities with reliable high-speed internet connectivity, paving the way for limitless innovation and growth. As the first Internet Exchange in Sarawak, we are committed to being the cornerstone of the region's digital future. With cutting-edge infrastructure, including colocation with a Tier-IV Data Centre, subsea cable connectivity to Singapore, and terrestrial connectivity to Borneo, irix opens new opportunities for collaboration, reducing latency, and accelerating economic development. We invite you to join us in this journey towards a brighter, more connected future for Sarawak."

Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX adds: “We are thrilled to work with irix and bring fruit to their vision of Sarawak as a digital gateway for the region. AMS-IX is committed to building a better Internet for users all over the world and the partnership with irix is a great example of a new IX that will improve the Internet experience for the people of Sarawak and Borneo.

The irix Internet Exchange’s strategic location in Sarawak marks a pivotal moment in Sarawak's digital evolution. By bringing together CDNs, ISPs, and MNOs in Sarawak, irix is set to foster an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and economic development.

For more information about irix and its services, please visit www.irix.my/ix →

About irix Sdn. Bhd.:

irix is a Sarawak-based, international telecommunication infrastructure provider with the vision “to Establish Sarawak as the alternative regional hub in Southeast Asia”. It has constructed the Sarawak International Internet Gateway, comprising core components: Subsea Cables – BaSICS & SEA-H2X, Tier-IV Data Centre, Internet Exchange, and a Cross Border Terrestrial Fiber Network.

Established in 2008, it is a Network Facilities Provider (NFP), Network Service Provider (NSP) and Application Service Provider (ASP), fully licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). And in line with the state government and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority’s objectives, it is committed to supporting the state’s digital economic strategy for the benefit of all Sarawakians, and embarked on an action plan to deliver three main objectives:

1. To build a world-class telecommunications infrastructure in Sarawak, in alignment with the Sarawak State Government’s Digital Economy Transformation initiatives, thereby bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

2. To become the Regional Telecommunication Gateway for Borneo, leveraging on our partners and international networks.

3. To enhance the knowledge and skills of our employees through globally accredited training programmes and professional working culture, thereby ensuring a high-quality level of service to our customers, clients, and partners alike.

About AMS-IX:

AMS-IX (Amsterdam Internet Exchange) operates multiple interconnection platforms around the world. Our leading platform in Amsterdam has been playing a crucial role at the core of the internet for almost 30 years and is one of the largest hubs for internet traffic in the world with over 11 Terabits per second (Tbps) of peak traffic. Connecting to AMS-IX ensures customers such as internet service providers, telecom companies and cloud providers that their global IP traffic is routed in an efficient, fast, secure, stable and cost-effective way. This allows them to offer low latency and engaging online experiences for end-users. AMS-IX interconnects more than 1000 IP-networks in the world. AMS-IX also manages the world’s first mobile peering points: the Global Roaming Exchange (GRX), the Mobile Data Exchange (MDX) and the Internetwork Packet Exchange (I-IPX) interconnection points.