Johor bahru: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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. The Summit aligns with ASEAN Malaysia 2025: Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflecting 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.
The ceremony was 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 emphasized the importance of ASEAN institutions playing a leading role in the global advancement of quantum science. He highlighted the cooperation in talent development, research, and scientific leadership as key to strengthening the region.
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 stated that 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, bringing the region closer to establishing a cross-border quantum-secure network.
Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz, in his speech, expressed Johor’s potential to become one of ASEAN’s most promising quantum innovation hubs, following the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He announced an allocation of RM500,000 to upgrade Dewan Sultan Iskandar (DSI) at UTM. The ASEAN Quantum Summit 2025 supports the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035, positioning quantum science as a strategic emerging field for ASEAN’s long-term development.