STUDENTS of 20 public universities across the country will enjoy 100Gbps through the MYREN-X broadband network starting today.

Launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak at Universiti Malaya, MYREN-X is an enhanced version of the existing 12-year-old Research and Education Network (MYREN), which has a speed of only 20Gbps.

In his speech, Najib said he had announced in Budget 2017 that the government would increase the speed of the network to 100Gbps to ensure local universities were on a par with institutions in developed countries.

“The MYREN infrastructure was limited in terms of speed, processes and its ability to store big data. This was a hindrance to researchers and educators in producing works that have high impact.

“With MYREN-X, it will create a broad education and research ecosystem, which, in turn, will contribute to the country and also internationally.”

He said the faster network would spur better research and education, including collaborations via the Frontier of Knowledge.

“Collaborations with other researchers will, perhaps, one day produce our own Nobel Laureate.”

Higher Education Minister Idris Jusoh said MYREN-X had no added cost to the government.

He said at present, the government allocated RM145 million annually for broadband network in public education institutions.

MYREN-X is managed by consortium MYREN Network Sdn Bhd, which comprises 20 public universities, led by Universiti Teknologi Mara.

The enhanced broadband network will be rolled out in stages at four private universities, 31 polytechnics, 85 community colleges, seven departments and agencies, and three teaching hospitals. – October 4, 2017.