UTP, FPT Establish Energy AI Corporate Lab To Support Energy Transition

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and FPT Corporation (FPT) have established the UTP-FPT Energy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Corporate Lab to develop AI-enabled solutions to support energy transition, operational excellence and sustainability across the energy value chain.

UTP, in a statement, said the strategic industry-academia platform would bring together researchers, industry practitioners and technology experts to address emerging challenges in the energy sector, with a focus on using AI to enhance operational performance, enable lower-carbon operations and support the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

The establishment of the Energy AI Corporate Lab was formalised during the opening of UTP's flagship World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON) 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) on Sept 8 and 9, witnessed by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang.

The university said the lab would serve as a catalyst for translating advanced research into industry applications through AI, data analytics and digital technologies, while providing a platform to develop, test and validate technologies with industry to strengthen the pathway from research to adoption and commercialisation.

“The initiative is underpinned by a seven-year partnership between UTP and FPT that has evolved from student mobility, academic exchanges and joint supervision into broader collaboration in research, AI and data analytics, professional education, digital infrastructure and technology enablement.

“To date, the partnership has generated more than RM10 million in collaborative research value, supported over 490 mobility participations and enabled 15 FPT staff members to pursue doctoral studies at UTP,” the statement said.

UTP President Mohamed Firouz Asnan, in the same statement, said the establishment of the Energy AI Corporate Lab reflected UTP’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology research that delivers tangible value to industry and society.

“At UTP, we believe meaningful innovation happens when research excellence, industry expertise and talent come together to solve real-world challenges.

“As the energy sector undergoes profound technological transformation, the Energy AI Corporate Lab provides a platform to translate advanced research into deployable solutions for industry while creating new opportunities for innovation, commercialisation and talent development,” he said.

He said the collaboration would combine UTP’s strengths in energy research and innovation with FPT’s capabilities in AI and digital technologies to develop solutions that improve the performance and sustainability of the energy sector, while building the talent and capabilities needed for the future, with UTP also aiming for the lab to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition in Malaysia and across ASEAN.

Meanwhile, FPT Corporation FPT Software Vice President and FPT Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Tran Hong Chung said the expanded collaboration with UTP aimed to equip the industry with intelligent AI-driven solutions and a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complex demands of the sustainable energy transition.

“FPT is committed to spearheading AI-led transformation and nurturing specialised talent for the ASEAN market and beyond,” he said.

The Energy AI Corporate Lab will focus on four strategic areas, namely the Education Centre of Excellence, Joint Research and Development (R&D), Consultancy, Advisory and Intellectual Property Commercialisation, and Professional Education.

Under the Joint R&D pillar, four initial initiatives have been identified, namely a physics-informed dynamic AI simulator for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) systems, AI-enabled Digital Core and subsurface solutions, AI-based carbon data standardisation, accounting and validation for the energy sector, and Smart Campus applications leveraging AI-enabled Sustainable Campus Intelligence.

UTP said the projects were intended to advance the deployment of AI-enabled technologies while delivering practical solutions for industry.

“The establishment of the Energy AI Corporate Lab marks a significant milestone in the long-standing UTP-FPT partnership and reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation, accelerating technology adoption and developing future-ready talent.

“By combining their complementary strengths, UTP and FPT aim to create lasting value for industry and society while contributing to a more secure, sustainable and digitally enabled energy future,” UTP said.

-- BERNAMA