MELAKA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has made history by becoming the first university in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in quantum computing technology, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation digital innovation.
UTeM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the milestone was further strengthened through strategic collaborations with three universities in the United States to advance education, research and talent development in quantum computing.
She said the Bachelor of Computer Science (Quantum Computing Technology) programme had successfully passed the screening stage in early July, marking another historic achievement for the university.
"The new programme is designed to produce graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in quantum computing technology, while meeting Malaysia's growing demand for experts in this strategic field, which is rapidly advancing worldwide," she said on Wednesday (July 29).
Massila said the programme reflected UTeM's commitment to strengthening education centred on future technologies while supporting the national agenda of developing highly skilled talent in advanced digital technologies.
As part of the initiative, she said UTeM had also become the first university in the country to establish a dedicated physical laboratory for teaching, learning and research in quantum computing.
"The laboratory is equipped with 23 quantum computers with two- and three-qubit capabilities, allowing students to conduct experiments and practical training using real quantum computing technology," she said.
Massila said UTeM was also strengthening its position as a regional hub for quantum technology education through strategic collaborations with the University of Buffalo, the University of Albany and the University of Texas in the United States.
She said the partnerships would focus on curriculum development, research, talent development, academic mobility and the exchange of expertise in quantum computing technology.
Commenting further, Massila said the programme was aligned with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) approach by emphasising hands-on learning, problem-solving and industry applications to ensure graduates possess the competencies required by Malaysia's rapidly evolving technology sector.
"The first cohort is expected to comprise 60 students who will begin their studies in the near future before graduating in 2030 as UTeM's pioneering quantum computing technology graduates," she added.
Massila expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen UTeM's position as a leader in technical and advanced technology education while serving as a catalyst for the growth of Malaysia's quantum computing research, innovation and industrial ecosystem.
