UPNM and MHS Aviation Berhad Sign Strategic Letter of Intent in Unmanned Aviation Technology

Langkawi: The National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) and MHS Aviation Berhad, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boustead Holdings Berhad, today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to mark a strategic step forward in advancing unmanned aviation technology in Malaysia. The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), Langkawi.

The LoI was formalized by UPNM Vice-Chancellor, YBhg. Lieutenant General Datuk Arman Rumaizi bin Hj Ahmad, and Chief Executive Officer of MHS Aviation Berhad, Mr. Fakhrul Arifin Adinan. The ceremony was attended by senior university officials and representatives from the defense and aerospace industries.

This strategic collaboration represents a long-term effort by both parties to strengthen the research, innovation, and training ecosystem in the field of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—a critical domain for national defense resilience and the competitiveness of Malaysia’s high-technology industries.

Elevating Academia-Industry Collaboration to a New Level

The LoI signifies a mutual commitment between academia and industry—namely UPNM and MHS Aviation—to enhance the nation’s UAS capabilities through:

• The development of academic modules and field training specific to unmanned aerial systems;
• Joint research initiatives and high-impact knowledge exchange;
• Improved student and officer competency through industrial training, simulation-based learning, and technical workshops;
• The partnership provides direct support for the implementation of the National Defense and Industrial Policy (DPIP) through focused innovation and technology commercialization.

Mr. Fakhrul Arifin Adinan, CEO of MHS Aviation Berhad, expressed his confidence in the partnership:

“UPNM is the backbone of the country’s military education system. Through this collaboration, we can build UAS capabilities from the ground up—developing both human expertise and technological advancements simultaneously. The agreement also reflects Boustead’s commitment to driving defense innovation and supporting the nation’s transformation agenda.”

YBhg. Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi bin Hj Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of UPNM, emphasized:

“This partnership marks a key milestone in realizing the aspirations of UPNM30, which adopts a holistic approach to integrate military discipline, academics, technology, and industry. Direct access to industry expertise such as MHS will enhance the competitiveness of our researchers and students and position UPNM as a center of excellence in defense technology, in line with UPNM30’s strategic pillars of scholarship and excellence.”

Supporting National Aspirations through Science, Technology, and Innovation

UPNM believes that this collaboration will facilitate more efficient technology transfer, accelerate the development of highly skilled human capital, and strengthen the nation’s strategic readiness in facing modern security challenges.

Through a robust and structured academia-industry approach, UPNM and MHS Aviation are committed to shaping the future of Malaysia’s air defense systems to be smarter, more efficient, and globally competitive.