UTM Leads Regional Science Cooperation At ASEAN Quantum Summit 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has made a significant stride in regional science and technology leadership as it hosts the inaugural ASEAN Quantum Summit 2025 at Dewan Sultan Iskandar here today.

Organised by UTM and UTMSpace, in collaboration with leading Malaysian universities and the Malaysia Quantum Information Initiative (MyQI), the summit serves as the first regional platform dedicated to advancing ASEAN’s readiness in quantum technologies.

The landmark event gathers a significant cross-section of the region’s scientific community, including more than 200 delegates from all 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan, and representatives from universities, national research institutions and key industry bodies.

“Aligned with ASEAN Malaysia 2025: Inclusivity and Sustainability, the Summit reflects Malaysia's Chairmanship priority to strengthen collective scientific capacity and digital resilience.

“It also commemorates the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), marking 100 years of quantum mechanics,” according to the statement by UTM.

The ceremony officiated by the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi.

Nearly 3,000 students also took part in the summit’s activities, underscoring ASEAN’s shared commitment to preparing the region for both the opportunities and risks of the quantum era.

Meanwhile, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said quantum science is advancing at an unprecedented pace globally, and ASEAN institutions must play a leading role in this progress.

“As ASEAN institutions, we must lead this advancement together. Our cooperation in talent development, research, and scientific leadership will strengthen the region as a whole,” he said.

He added that the team has successfully implemented secure quantum communication between UTM and the JS-SEZ Iskandar Puteri Data Centre, marking an important step forward in Malaysia’s quantum capability.

Mohd Shafry said the next phase of the initiative aims to extend the connection to the JS-SEZ financial sector in Forest City before expanding further to Singapore.

“This progress brings us closer to establishing a cross-border quantum-secure network,” he said.

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz, in his speech, said Johor now has the opportunity to emerge as one of ASEAN’s most promising quantum innovation hubs following the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which is strategically located and supported by strong cross-border connectivity.

He said Johor is also uniquely positioned to bridge ideas, research and industry across the region, and the JS-SEZ will further accelerate quantum-related development in both Johor and Malaysia.

Onn Hafiz also announced an allocation of RM500,000 to upgrade Dewan Sultan Iskandar (DSI) at UTM, here.

The ASEAN Quantum Summit 2025 supports the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035, which positions quantum science as a strategic emerging field for ASEAN's long-term development.

--BERNAMA