ALOR GAJAH: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is expected to enrol its first batch of students in Quantum Technology next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a Department of Quantum Technology would first be established to prepare the country for developments in the field.
“We will establish the department first. I think student enrolment could begin next year, in the next semester.
“Initially, training will be provided for teaching staff. Lecturers will be sent to pursue master’s or doctoral studies, or attend short-term courses, so that those with backgrounds in information technology (IT) and digital technology can lead the department and faculty,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the Apa Khabar Mahasiswa? (Patriotisme Diperkasa bersama Azh@UiTM 2026) programme at UiTM’s Alor Gajah campus in Melaka here today.
Also present was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Zahid said the government had allocated funds to UiTM to facilitate the establishment of the department, as quantum technology was among the emerging fields that warranted the country’s attention.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring Malaysia kept pace with developments in emerging technologies, particularly in research and development.
“I believe technology is the new currency, and those in this field represent the new talent that will drive the country’s technological advancement.
“We should be creators of new technologies, not merely participants in their development,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that UiTM could identify lecturers with backgrounds in IT and digital technology to pursue further studies in quantum technology.
He said the initiative was important to develop a pool of academic staff capable of leading the field.
The media had earlier reported that UiTM was proposing to establish a Department of Quantum Technology by next year to produce more local experts in the emerging field.
Zahid was quoted as saying that the initiative was important to ensure Malaysia kept pace with developed countries, which were making rapid advances in quantum technology.