UKM-AIST Partnership To Drive Malaysia’s Quantum Technology Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has entered a high-impact strategic collaboration with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), reinforcing its position at the forefront of the nation’s quantum technology research and innovation.

UKM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh, in a statement today, described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UKM and AIST as international recognition of the university’s capabilities in driving the development of quantum technology in Malaysia.

“UKM greatly appreciates AIST’s trust. This partnership recognises UKM as a key player in developing the country’s quantum ecosystem.

“It not only strengthens research expertise, but also paves the way for technology transfer, human capital development and future innovation,” he said.

AIST is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the fields of quantum technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The MoU was signed by Sufian on behalf of UKM and by Director of the Global Research and Development Centre for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT) Prof Dr Masu Kazuya, representing AIST.

Also present was Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.

Sufian said the collaboration between the two institutions would serve as a catalyst for the three main thrusts of the country’s quantum development, one of which is the direct transfer of knowledge and technology from global experts.

He said the partnership would also position UKM as a regional reference centre and cultivate highly skilled human capital through training, collaborative research, and exposure to next-generation quantum technologies.

Sufian said the initiative would help develop an international quantum ecosystem linking Malaysia and Japan, thereby supporting the application of quantum technology in social solutions, industry, and national development.

“This long-term initiative will set a new benchmark for university-industry relations and position Malaysia on a strong footing as a regional quantum hub,” he said.

--BERNAMA