Curtin enters partnership on AI, quantum computing and engineering

MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and DriverAI (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd have formalised a strategic partnership to expand opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced engineering, research, talent development and technology commercialisation.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 28 at the Ministry of Transport Sarawak’s office in Kuching, witnessed by Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin who also heads the Curtin Malaysia Management Committee.

The MoU was signed by Cary Tantlinger, founder and Chief Executive Officer of DriverAI, and Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia.

Under the MoU, both organisations will explore practical training, industry engagement, internships, knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship and applied research.

Potential areas include AI and quantum computing, satellite and communications technology, robotics, advanced manufacturing, data-centre infrastructure, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, cooling systems, supply chain technology and other emerging industrial technologies.

Lee said the partnership aligned with Sarawak’s broader ambitions to accelerate digital transformation and develop a highly skilled workforce for the industries of the future.

“A strategic tie-up like this is vital, as Sarawak moves aggressively toward digital transformation and sustainable modernisation under our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

He added that bringing global technology expertise together with Curtin Malaysia’s academic and research capabilities would help strengthen opportunities for young people and the local workforce to develop skills in high-value fields such as AI, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing.

Tantlinger said the MoU marked the beginning of a cross-border collaboration aimed at applying advanced technology and computing capabilities to complex challenges.

“We want students and faculty in Sarawak to do more than learn about AI, quantum technologies and advanced engineering. We want them to have the skills, research opportunities, industry connections and access to advanced computing needed to build with these technologies and participate in the industries that will shape the future,” he said.

A key component of the collaboration will be the exploration of pathways to commercialise promising innovations developed by students, academics, researchers and university partners.

Subject to separate agreements and relevant requirements, technologies developed through the collaboration could progress from research and prototypes to products, services and industrial applications.

This could create opportunities for inventors, the university, industry partners and the wider Malaysian economy.

The parties will also explore potential access to advanced computing resources, including supercomputers and data centres, as well as equipment, training, research facilities, manufacturing capabilities, intellectual property, commercialisation and distribution networks.

Specific projects and commercial arrangements will be developed through separate agreements between DriverAI and Curtin Malaysia.