Strategic Collaborations at LIMA’25 Advance UPNM30’s Vision for Defence Excellence

Langkawi, 22 May 2025 – In a decisive move to advance its UPNM30 strategic agenda, the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) formalized five high-impact collaborations with key local and international industry players at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25).

The agreements signal strong institutional support from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and reinforce UPNM’s role as the nation’s premier defense-focused academic and research institution, with the Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, witnessing them.

UPNM30, the university’s long-term strategic roadmap, aims to position UPNM as a regional leader in defense education and innovation through its two central pillars: academic excellence and the establishment of centers of excellence. Each collaboration announced at LIMA’25 plays a critical role in realizing this vision.

UPNM—Prisma Khas Sdn. Bhd. (MoA) The program fosters academic excellence and fosters innovation in digital defense. An RM180,000 research agreement will fund a two-year project titled AI-Driven Statistical Insights and Analysis Using Machine Learning for Effective Digital Forensics Evidence Management.
This initiative directly supports UPNM’s academic goals by advancing cutting-edge research in digital forensics—an emerging domain in defense technology. The project also lays the foundation for future commercial applications, linking academic inquiry with real-world impact and solidifying UPNM as a hub for digital defense research.

UPNM—Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd. (MoU) Supports: Talent Development & Center of Excellence in Aviation and Aerospace
This two-year partnership focuses on developing industry-standard training modules and certification systems for aviation.

The collaboration not only strengthens UPNM’s curriculum through industry integration but also supports its aspiration to establish a Center of Excellence in aviation and aerospace. By aligning academic outputs with sectoral needs, UPNM enhances its capacity to produce skilled, industry-ready graduates in a critical defense sector.

UPNM – AIROD Sdn. Bhd. (MoU) Supports: Technological Leadership in Aerospace
Over three years, UPNM and AIROD will collaborate on an Aircraft Structural Integrity (ASI) system, integrating AI into structural analysis and fatigue testing of aircraft.
This initiative significantly elevates UPNM’s research capabilities in aerospace engineering and contributes to the development of a high-impact research cluster. It also facilitates knowledge transfer and technical skills development, strengthening UPNM’s standing as a regional aerospace research leader.

UPNM—Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) (MoU) Supports: Research Collaboration & Strategic National Defense Capability A five-year collaboration with STRIDE encompasses joint research, knowledge exchange, postgraduate education, and shared access to advanced facilities.

This strategic alliance empowers UPNM to expand its academic and research outputs in defense and security studies, reinforcing its mission to lead national discourse and policy development. The partnership also strengthens UPNM’s role in shaping Malaysia’s strategic research ecosystem.

UPNM–KNDS, France (NDA) Support: Internationalization and Global Research Footprint
This five-year Non-Disclosure Agreement with KNDS, a prominent French defense firm, explores collaboration in the development of advanced weapon systems, such as the Towed Light Gun.
The engagement supports UPNM30’s internationalization strategy by fostering global partnerships and offering researchers access to global defense technology networks. It provides opportunities for cross-border innovation, technology transfer, and the eventual commercialization of research outcomes, all of which are crucial indicators of a Center of Excellence that is globally recognized.

Driving Forward the UPNM30 Vision , Through these five strategic collaborations, UPNM is accelerating its transformation under the UPNM30 framework—integrating academic rigor with real-world innovation and reinforcing its role as Malaysia’s knowledge-based defense leader. As UPNM builds stronger bridges between academia, industry, and global partners, it is poised to shape the future of national and regional defense through education, research, and strategic capability development.