Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE)/Cahaya Malaysia

Overview

The Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE), also known as Cahaya Malaysia, is a submarine telecommunications cable system spanning 8,148 kilometers. It connects five countries in East and Southeast Asia: China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The system was designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity in one of the world's most economically dynamic and densely trafficked regions. ASE entered service in 2012 and has since played a critical role in supporting regional and international communications infrastructure.

ASE is notable for its focus on intra-Asian connectivity, providing a direct link between major economic hubs. It is engineered to deliver high-speed data transmission and low latency, catering to the needs of businesses, governments, and individuals in the region. Its construction reflects the strategic importance of robust digital infrastructure in facilitating trade, communication, and economic growth across Asia.

Route and Landings

The ASE/Cahaya Malaysia cable system connects six landing points across five countries. In China, it lands at Tseung Kwan O, a key telecommunications hub near Hong Kong. Japan is served by two geographically diverse landing stations: Komesu, located in Okinawa Prefecture, and Maruyama, in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo. These dual landings enhance the system's resilience against potential disruptions.

In Southeast Asia, the cable lands at Mersing on Malaysia's eastern coast, a strategic location for connecting to the broader regional network. The Philippines is served by a landing in Daet, a municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, which is strategically positioned to support connectivity to the rest of the archipelago. Singapore, a global financial and technological hub, is connected through a landing at Changi South, reinforcing its role as a major telecommunications gateway for the region. The route crosses key maritime areas, including the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea, regions vital for both economic activity and international data traffic.

Ownership and History

The ASE/Cahaya Malaysia cable system is a joint venture owned by four major telecommunications operators: NTT, PLDT, Starhub, and Telekom Malaysia. NTT, based in Japan, is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, with a significant international presence. PLDT is the leading fixed-line and mobile network provider in the Philippines, while Starhub is a key player in Singapore's telecommunications market. Telekom Malaysia, the national carrier of Malaysia, has a prominent role in the system, as reflected in the "Cahaya Malaysia" branding.

Construction of the cable began in response to the increasing demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity among the region's economic powerhouses. The system became operational in 2012, providing a vital link for businesses and consumers in the connected countries. Its design and implementation underscore the importance of collaboration among regional telecommunications providers to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the ASE/Cahaya Malaysia cable system covers 404 measured corridors. The system has demonstrated a best round-trip time (RTT) of 1 millisecond, with an average RTT of 138 milliseconds across all monitored routes. These figures highlight the cable's efficiency in delivering low-latency connectivity, a critical factor for applications such as financial trading, cloud computing, and real-time communications.

The cable's performance is consistent with its design as a regional system optimized for intra-Asian traffic. Its relatively short length and direct routing contribute to its ability to handle high data volumes while maintaining low latency. The dual landing points in Japan and the strategic choice of landing sites in other countries further enhance its reliability and resilience. By providing robust connectivity among its landing points, ASE/Cahaya Malaysia plays a vital role in supporting the digital economies of East and Southeast Asia.