On 14 August 2025, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) officially joined the ARENA-PAC network operated by the WIDE Project at 100Gbps, marking a major step forward for research and education collaboration. The launch ceremony at USM’s Eureka Complex brought together university leaders, industry partners, and colleagues from across the Asia Pacific community.
Among the participants were Professor Jun Murai (Keio University, Director of ARENA-PAC) and Professor Keiko Okawa (Director, SOI Asia), reflecting the close ties between USM, ARENA-PAC, and SOI Asia in building resilient infrastructures for knowledge sharing.
Representatives from APNIC (the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre, and an important collaborator of the APIE Program) and the APNIC Foundation (which supports SOI Asia’s ativities) also attended, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this milestone.
The launch also coincided with the APIE Camp hosted by USM that week, and camp participants were invited to join the ceremony, offering students a unique opportunity to witness how regional partnerships and advanced networks are put into practice.
The occasion carried both a celebratory and forward-looking spirit. In his keynote, Professor Murai reflected on how the Internet grew from open standards and shared resources, and how ARENA-PAC continues this tradition by enabling institutions to collaborate across borders. USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed emphasized the benefits for researchers: faster data transfers, more dynamic collaboration, and new opportunities to deliver global impact.
Why this matters for SOI Asia
The launch of this high-capacity link is not only a milestone for USM but also a contribution to the broader SOI Asia network. Through ARENA-PAC, partners across the region gain improved access to global research and education networks, while also strengthening efforts to develop or promote national research and education networks (NRENs) in their respective economies.
One institution’s progress becomes an opportunity for many, reinforcing the value of collective effort and shared infrastructure.
Looking ahead
As USM begins to take advantage of this new capacity, new collaborations are expected to emerge in areas ranging from climate science and medicine to engineering, cybersecurity, and beyond. The launch stands as a reminder that stronger connections open the door to new knowledge, discoveries, and communities that span borders.
Congratulations to USM on this achievement — and to the wider community that will benefit from it in the years to come.
News release on ARENA-PAC website: https://www.arena-pac.net/2025/08/25/arena-pac-launches-100-gbps-network-to-usm-accelerating-global-research-collaboration/
News release on the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) website: https://news.usm.my/index.php/english-news/11825-usm-launches-100gbps-arena-pac-network-connection-accelerating-global-research-collaboration
