Abu Dhabi And Malaysia Join Forces To Develop Next-Generation Autonomous Platforms For Public Safety

K2, a company owned by the Abu Dhabi government, has announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) and University Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). This agreement aims to develop advanced autonomous platforms. The LOI was signed before an event hosted by His Majesty Sultan Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the growing partnership between K2 and Pahang.

The collaboration between K2 and UMPSA focuses on creating opportunities for developing autonomous systems. This involves leveraging Malaysian university talent and enhancing human capital development. PACDB, a key initiative in Pahang, will act as the operations and business technology partner for Malaysia. It is also committed to providing RM50 million to UMPSA alongside strategic partners in Pahang Aerospace City.

PAC is set to become the region's first multimodal hub for aviation, aerospace, and space. The gross development value for PAC is projected to reach RM20 billion over ten years. This initiative aligns with the UAE's focus on technology leadership and international cooperation, reinforcing its position as a global hub for advanced research and innovation.

UMPSA, known for its excellence in technology and engineering, will lead academic collaboration efforts. It will support national certification frameworks essential for deploying future systems. Dr. Yatimah Alias, Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's potential to open new pathways for students and researchers in AI and autonomous systems.

The agreement underscores K2’s dedication to working with international partners to shape the future of autonomy responsibly. Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2, stated that this LOI reflects a shared vision with Pahang’s leadership to advance AI responsibly. He emphasised how cross-border collaboration can create lasting impacts on nations and societies.

Nurazmi Abas, CEO of PAC, highlighted that this agreement marks a crucial step towards establishing Pahang as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. The collaboration aims to combine academic excellence with practical applications for Malaysia’s long-term growth through UMPSA’s first Venture Studio.

Global Showcase at Dubai Airshow 2025

PAC and its partners plan to showcase this initiative at the Dubai Airshow 2025 from 17th–21st November 2025. This event will provide an opportunity to officially launch their collaborative efforts on an international stage.

This initiative not only strengthens ties between Malaysia and the UAE but also supports sustainable development goals by focusing on responsible AI deployment. The partnership aims to ensure projects are developed with safety and sustainability at their core.

With inputs from WAM