Deputy Prime Minister urges UiTM to launch quantum department by next year
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on UiTM to set up a Quantum Department within a year, with RM500,000 funding to support related programmes.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, addressed the ‘Wacana Semarak Patriotisme: Seminar Ilmuwan Islam’ in Shah Alam and urged Universiti Teknologi MARA to establish a Quantum Department by next year. He argued that while AI is already well-implemented, quantum technology is the next frontier and Malaysia must not fall behind. Zahid expressed confidence that the initiative would attract many students and, within a decade, produce homegrown quantum experts.
To back the plan, his ministry pledged RM500,000 to UiTM for the development of programmes such as the TVET UiTM Dihatiku training and certification scheme and the UTAMA PLUS UiTM AI Certified, alongside the new quantum department. The funding aims to foster early-stage expertise and keep the nation competitive in cutting-edge science.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the deputy prime minister’s call for a UiTM quantum department and the RM500,000 seed funding, but the right-leaning coverage emphasizes the move as a way to position Malaysia alongside advanced economies.
CENTER
Centrist coverage neutrally reports the deputy prime minister’s urging of a quantum department and the pledged funding.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the initiative as a strategic push to boost Malaysia’s standing among advanced economies.
The right emphasises
- mastering quantum technology will position Malaysia alongside advanced economies
- the initiative complements achievements in artificial intelligence
- seed money of RM500,000 allocated to launch the department
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