UKM Explores UK And Japan Collaboration In Quantum Technology
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is expanding international collaboration in the field of quantum technology through a series of strategic visits to the United Kingdom and Japan in an effort to support the country's quantum technology agenda.
In a statement today, UKM said that its delegation held discussion sessions at the National Quantum Computing Centre, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Oxford Quantum Institute, and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom to examine best practices in the development of the quantum technology ecosystem.
In Japan, UKM also held a working visit to IBM Tokyo University Quantum and the IBM Quantum Computing facilities in Shin-Kawasaki.
UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh, in the same statement, said that both visits provided opportunities for UKM to gain a deeper understanding of the global quantum technology landscape and the approaches used by developed countries in developing a sustainable quantum ecosystem.
“The outcome of these visits will help UKM strengthen its role in supporting the development of national quantum technology, particularly in the aspects of research, talent development and international strategic cooperation,” he said.
He said quantum technology is expected to be one of the main drivers of global digital transformation in the next one to two decades.
In this regard, higher education institutions need to be prepared to play a greater role in developing knowledge, talent, and innovation related to this technology, he explained.
“This visit provides valuable exposure to UKM in understanding the development of global quantum technology and its potential use in various strategic sectors.
“UKM sees quantum technology as a future field that has the potential to change approaches in addressing complex challenges encompassing science, engineering, cybersecurity, energy, agriculture and health,” he said.
He also stressed UKM’s commitment to expanding collaboration with global technology industry players to ensure that the university remains relevant in the face of rapid technological developments and continues to contribute to the national development agenda.
“The development of quantum technology also requires comprehensive support involving policy, investment, infrastructure, human capital development, and close collaboration between universities, industry and the government.
“In this context, UKM’s expertise through the Institute of Mircoengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN) in the fields of micro and nanofabrication, nanophotonics, sensors, advanced materials, and device technology has the potential to support the development of strategic fields such as quantum engineering, quantum sensing and metrology and quantum materials.
“This initiative is in line with the government’s desire to expand cooperation between Malaysian public higher education institutions (IPTA) and international universities, especially in advanced research fields such as quantum technology,” he also said.
-- BERNAMA
