Zahid urges UiTM to establish Quantum Department, says Malaysia must not lag

Shah Alam, October 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to establish a Quantum Department, emphasizing the importance of not falling behind in the rapidly advancing field. He explained that the department will be set up next year to facilitate the development of local expertise at an early stage.

Zahid expressed confidence that the immense potential of quantum technology would attract numerous students to study in this area and eventually lead to the production of quantum experts in Malaysia within a decade. The Deputy Prime Minister, who serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, made these remarks after inaugurating the 'Wacana Semarak Patriotisme: Seminar Ilmuwan Islam' at UiTM's Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor.

Quantum technology, a highly advanced branch of science and engineering, utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to process information at remarkable speeds. To support the creation of the Quantum Department, Zahid's ministry has pledged a funding of RM500,000 to UiTM, which will be allocated towards programs including the TVET UiTM Dihatiku training and certification programme, UTAMA PLUS UiTM AI Certified, and the development of the Quantum Department.