KUALA LUMPUR, 26 Sept. 2013 – The implementation of the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is no longer seen as something foreign in this country, especially with the increasing number of trained personnel in its application and operation.

Director of the National Advanced IPv6 Centre (NAv6), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Prof Dr. Sureswaran Ramadass said that IPv6 is a new protocol that provides an Internet Protocol (IP) address, replacing the existing IPv4 protocol.

He said that IPv6 can also be characterised as an innovation in the world of the internet because it provides an opportunity to increase the amount of information and number of users by many folds when compared to IPv4.

“In Malaysia, IPv6 is getting more prominent and increasingly accepted in terms of adoption and until now most of the people, particularly those involved in the world of communications and internet, are ready with IPv6.

“We have also rarely received basic queries on IPv6 as people begin to be aware and understand the many steps taken to switch to IPv6,” he said when commenting on the IPv6 development in the country.

Sureswaran said this in his speech at the opening ceremony of the International IPv6 Conference 2013 that centered on the main theme How to Meet IPv6 Implementation Requirements? at the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW), Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

The event was launched by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya (UM), Tan Sri Dr. Ghauth Jasmon.

Sureswaran added that Malaysia is now at the stage to explore solutions on issues arising from the implementation of IPv6, besides being mentor to countries that are beginning to recognise IPv6 and its advantages compared to IPv4.

“We are in the process of streamlining the accomplishment of IPv6 implementation. We are very strong in terms of guidelines, timelines, and other countries are also looking at Malaysia as an example for implementing the IPv6,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ghauth in his speech, said that he was impressed with the efforts implemented by NAv6 to increase public knowledge and the training of experts in the fields of internet and communication.

He said that UM was also looking to collaborate with NAv6 particularly in research, while trying to bring advances in technology that benefit society as a whole.

In addition, four Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) were signed during the conference – USM with UM, IUMW and Yamaha Corporation respectively; NLTVC Sdn. Bhd. with Ruijie Networks.

The MoUs with UM and IUMW involve the establishment of collaboration and the exploration of opportunities in regards to developing, supporting and enriching the development of research in the fields that will be beneficial to the three parties. Whereas the MoU with Yamaha Corporation will establish joint investigations efforts into IPv6 and other network technologies.

The International IPv6 Conference 2013 was jointly organised by USM, IUMW and UM, attended by over hundred participants comprising postgraduate students, industry players and those involved in the world of communications and the internet.

The one-day conference brought together prominent IT experts including the IPv6 Global Forum President and Chair of the European IPv6 Task Force, Latif Ladidd, and participants from countries such as India, Japan, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photos: Marziana Mohamed Alias