Kuching set to gain direct link to Hong Kong-Singapore fibre network

KUCHING: Sarawak is moving towards stronger global digital connectivity through an international fibre optic network linking Hong Kong and Singapore, with a branch extending to Kuching.

Philippines-based Converge ICT Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Anthony, said the company has developed more than 3,000 kilometres of international fibre optic cable, with branches to the Philippines and Thailand as well as a branching unit in Kuching.

He said an agreement is ready to be signed for Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) to invest in a fibre pair connecting Hong Kong and Singapore, with a branch to Kuching.

He added that the connection would provide Sarawak with a high-capacity gateway to Singapore, which serves as a major hub for global connectivity.

“This is the gateway that will provide you with access. This was initiated by SDEC, and we already have an agreement to be signed, where they will invest in one fibre pair,” he told the media following a courtesy call by Philippine Department of Energy’s Secretary, Sharon S. Garin, on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

The meeting, held after the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS), touched on digital infrastructure developments and potential cooperation involving the international fibre optic connection.

Also present were Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Datuk Ibrahim Baki; and SDEC’s Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

Dennis said the international fibre connection is particularly important amid rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the expansion of data centres globally.

He said such developments require significant computing capacity as well as high-capacity digital connectivity.