UMPSA establishes Venture Studio with industry strategic partners, expands collaboration in Aerospace, Mobility Technology and Future Sustainable Living

DUBAI, 19 November 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) explored opportunities for strategic collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two industries related to aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI) and mobility technology networks in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow 2025 held from 17 to 21 November 2025 at Dubai World Central (DWC).

This collaboration involves UMPSA with Pahang Aerospace City Development Berhad (PAC) and K2, witnessing UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, signing the MoU with PAC Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Muhamad Nurazmi Abas, and K2 Chairman, Waleed Alblooshi.

UMPSA also signed an MoU with Pen Aviation, represented by Managing Director, Jean-Bernard Boura, to explore the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion technology into regional aviation applications.

In addition, UMPSA signed an MoU with Borneo Coffee, represented by Adrain Jerome, and a letter of intent (LoI) with Oriental Spaceport, represented by Dato’ Sri Siaw Swee Hin.

Present to witness this historic day were the Malaysian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Excellency Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, PAC Executive Director, Dato’ Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak, and Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar.

Also present was UMPSA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha.

At the same ceremony, His Excellency Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman also launched the UMPSA Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem and the establishment of the UMPSA Venture Studio, known as Versus.

According to Professor Dr Yatimah, this collaboration includes the development of autonomous platforms, data centres, and future city initiatives.

“This collaboration also involves efforts towards establishing the first Venture Studio or Versus in Malaysia, which will become an innovation and commercialisation hub to produce start-ups in the fields of AI, autonomous systems, and mobility technology,” she said.

In addition, this effort is supported by PAC endowments and other strategic partners to empower local talent and strengthen research and development pathways.

Meanwhile, Professor Muhamad Nurazmi said PAC also serves as an economic driver for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) with the integration of air, sea, land, and rail transportation.

By focusing on infrastructure development, he said, the new Kuantan International Airport is expected to operate in the fourth quarter of 2031 and will become the core of the PAC Omniport Multi-Modal Logistics and Industrial Development.

“In addition, PAC’s main plans include the establishment of a Data and AI Centre, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and Hyperport facility in the future.

“PAC’s participation in Dubai Airshow is timely following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries earlier this year, which is expected to stimulate private sector collaboration and open new investment opportunities between the UAE and Malaysia,” he said.

UMPSA also participated in promoting the HASHBOX AUTO LOG: Real-time Vehicle Event Logging ‘Vehicle Physical and Digital Forensics’ product, a research output of Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), Ts. Dr Mohamad Heerwan Peeie.

Also showcased was the ‘UMPSA Autonomous Vehicle Testbed Ecosystem’ research product from the Director of the Centre of Innovation and Technology Transfer, Associate Professor Ts. Dr Muhammad Aizzat Zakaria, and the ‘E-Anfun: Electronic Nose (E-Nose) Sensor Technology’ product by Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Sharfi Najib from the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (FTKEE).

This involvement is expected to further strengthen existing good relations while enhancing regional diplomacy between Malaysia and the UAE.

Dubai Airshow 2025 is one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence exhibitions, showcasing a variety of innovative products, technology networks, and services from industry players from around the world.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press.