Interview with Dr. Mohamed Awang Lah: Malaysia’s first Internet service provider

Interview with Dr.

• Dr. Mohamed Awang Lah pioneered Malaysia’s internet, starting with experiments at Universiti Malaya and founding JARING in 1992. Post-retirement, he founded MY.NeuTrans in 2011, focusing on passive infrastructure like fibre optics and light towers.
• Dark fibre, unused fibre optic cables, offers scalability, lower latency, and enhanced security for businesses. Cyberjaya’s limited space for fibre optics led to MY.NeuTrans being one of three providers chosen to expand the network.
• Dr. Mohamed’s wholesale approach fosters fair competition, empowering partners without competing directly with end users.

Dr. Mohamed’s fascinating journey

1980-1985: Universiti Malaya

After completing his Doctorate Degree at the University of London King’s College, Dr. Mohamed Awang Lah began his career as a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaya in 1980. It was during this time that he first encountered the concept of the internet in 1983. His curiosity was piqued by the potential for almost instant online communication, a stark contrast to the telex and telegram systems of the time.

Telex was an electronic communication network that was in widespread use around the world from the 1930s to the 1990s until it was finally superseded by faxes and computerised electronic communication networks. Operators typed messages into telex terminals and then transmitted them over dedicated telex lines.

Telegram, as mentioned by Mohamed, refers to a method of sending written messages via telegraph systems using coded signals, which was widely used before modern digital communication methods. To send a telegram, one would go to a post office or a telegraph office, where the message would be typed and transmitted to the recipient’s local telegraph office. The message would then be delivered to the recipient, often in written form.

1985-1992: Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems

In 1985, Dr. Mohamed joined the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS) as the Vice President, where he expanded his internet experiments and began integrating users into the system.

1992-2010: JARING

This work culminated in the creation of Malaysia’s first internet service provider, JARING, in 1992. Mohamed managed JARING’s internet services until his retirement in 2010. His leadership spanned nearly two decades, during which he navigated numerous challenges and advancements in internet technology.

2011-Present: Neutral Transmission Malaysia

Post-retirement, Mohamed founded a new company, Neutral Transmission Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MY.NeuTrans), in 2011, focusing on passive infrastructure such as fibre optics and light towers.

Despite the high cost of dealing with passive infrastructure, Mohamed’s company has grown steadily over the past 13 years, driven by his clear vision and determination.

Mohamed’s journey from the early days of internet experimentation to establishing a successful infrastructure company highlights his significant contributions to Malaysia’s technological landscape and enduring impact on the industry.

What is Dark Fiber?

Dark fiber refers to unused or “unlit” fiber optic cables that are installed in the ground. Unlike their “lit” counterparts actively transmitting data, these dormant fibers await activation. When active, dark fiber carries data through light signals, but when inactive, it remains “dark”.

Dr. Mohamed explains that dark fiber allows companies to control their own destiny. By managing their infrastructure, businesses can swiftly customize bandwidth according to evolving demands. Unlike traditional lit services, which rely on external providers for costly and disruptive upgrades, dark fiber empowers companies to scale their networks seamlessly. This can provide cost savings and flexibility, but also comes with increased responsibility.

Advantages of Dark Fiber

Scalability: Dark fiber provides unparalleled scalability. Businesses can swiftly add capacity, whether it’s a same-day operation or a weekend endeavor. This agility ensures adaptability to evolving demands.

Lower latency: Dark fiber offers faster, more reliable data transmission. By eliminating unnecessary stops, it guarantees efficient routes from end to end.

Private networking: Enterprises can create their own bandwidth, avoiding dependence on telcos. With dark fiber, there’s only one price—the strand is there, and the equipment is your own.

Security: Dark fiber provides maximum security with private physical network infrastructure on dedicated strands of fiber.

Also read: What is a dark fibre network?

Also read: Silicon Valley’s dark fibre: Cologix & Bandwidth IG team up

Why expanding Dark Fiber network in Cyberjaya?

Cyberjaya presents a unique opportunity. Dr. Mohamed’s company was handpicked by local authorities to lay fiber optic cables beneath the city’s roads. This privilege, granted to only three providers, reflects the scarcity of available space. Previously, any company could apply, but now, with limited real estate, the authority had to choose wisely.

Data Centers galore

Cyberjaya hosts a burgeoning ecosystem of data centers and tech enterprises. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is non-negotiable. Dr. Mohamed’s dark fiber solutions meet this demand head-on. As they expand, businesses can rely on their robust network for years to come.

Also read: Interview with Ben Chin, Founder & CEO at Velo Technologies: Empowering Malaysia’s digital ecosystem

Also read: AIMS Cyberjaya Block 2 now operational with expansion plans underway

Dr. Mohamed’s wholesaler approach: Fostering fair competition and partnerships

Dr. Mohamed’s philosophy is to separate wholesale and retail operations, avoiding competition with his own customers. Rather than competing directly with end users, his company focuses on empowering partners.

That is my philosophy—I just want to focus on the wholesale. I don’t want to compete against my own customers.

Dr. Mohamed Awang Lah, Founder and Managing Director at MY.NeuTrans

Wholesaling allows other companies to become retailers, fostering healthy competition without unnecessary rivalry. By offering wholesale services, he ensures transparency and equal opportunities for all.

Dark Fiber: A hidden gem

While data centers grasp dark fiber’s significance, many enterprises remain unaware of the advantages. Dr. Mohamed’s company offers this hidden gem, allowing businesses to control their own bandwidth. Unlike traditional lit services, where telcos dictate limits, dark fiber empowers companies to scale seamlessly.

As awareness spreads, the demand for dark fiber will continue to surge.

About MY.NeuTrans

MY.NeuTrans, incorporated in 2011 under the Malaysian Companies Act, holds both NFP (Network Facilities Provider) and NSP (Network Service Provider) licenses granted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Led by Dr. Mohamed bin Awang Lah, a seasoned expert, MY.NeuTrans specializes in building, owning, and operating neutral infrastructure. This infrastructure includes fiber optic cables, towers, and related components. The company’s primary mission is to facilitate seamless connectivity for licensed Retail Service Providers (RSPs).