APU & DNB MoU to forge development of 5G inclusive curriculum

• Collaborate on DNB focus areas including sensor tech, edge computing, AI, XR
• To introduce 5G to Malaysia’s latest generation of tech talent and entrepreneurs

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) signed a MoU with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) to collaborate and equip Malaysia’s next generation of tech talent with crucial Fifth Generation (5G) technology know-how via the development of a 5G-inclusive curriculum, in addition to providing students with practical and project development experience.

The MoU was signed by APU Chief Operating Officer, Gurpardeep Singh and DNB Chief Strategy Officer, Ahmad Zaki Zahid during the APU-MY5G Week, which took place from 12 to 15 December 2022, at APU’s campus in Bukit Jalil, Selangor.

The signing was witnessed by APU Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Prof. Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam and DNB Lead Emerging Technologies, Johan Krebbers.

DNB and APU will collaborate on key DNB focus areas including sensor technology, edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR), as well as the development of relevant ecosystems in Malaysia.

APU meanwhile, will be providing its state-of-the-art facilities at its Bukit Jalil campus to conduct proof of concepts, develop cutting-edge 5G-enabled use cases, as well as develop 5G curriculum based on DNB’s requirements.

In addition to developing and providing industry-level micro-credentials to the industry, APU will host more tertiary-level 5G workshops, industry events and seminars.

“DNB’s deployment of the 5G network and infrastructure will go a long way towards catalysing interest in next-gen, 5G-powered products and services. A crucial starting point, however, is at the level of academia. In this regard, we look forward to working with APU to introduce 5G to the country’s latest generation of tech talent,” said Ahmad Zaki.

The MoU was signed after the recently concluded APU-MY5G Week, which saw attendees engage in four-day discussions on key 5G topics.

Among the key topics were 5G drones and robotics, 5G and AI, 5G and XR, 5G and IOT (Edge), Search and Rescue (SAR), including data robot demonstration on machine learning, digital twins, and more.

“The APU-DNB partnership allows APU to strengthen our technical capabilities and provides the students with experiential learning opportunities within the 5G space via enhanced connectivity in our infrastructure and innovation on to new applications for Smart University developments,” said Vinesh.

“This milestone marks a leap forward in our vision to broaden 5G technology as we look forward to deeper synergies. This collaboration drives an outright vision into producing talent to meet the demand for development in mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency and massive machine type communications towards redefining Society 5.0,” Vinesh adds.