Abu dhabi: K2, an Abu Dhabi government-owned company specializing in advanced autonomous systems and AI-driven technologies, has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) and the University Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to collaborate on the development of next-generation autonomous platforms. The LOI was signed before a ‘Hi-Tea’ event hosted by the Sultan of Pahang, His Majesty Sultan Abdullah, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony underscored the growing partnership between K2 and Pahang, with attendance from Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2, Dr. Yatimah Alias, Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, and Adjunct Professor Nurazmi Abas, CEO of PAC. The LOI signifies a mutual goal to progress public safety and passenger mobility solutions, while laying the groundwork for the responsible implementation of AI-driven systems.
As part of the partnership, K2 will work with UMPSA to pinpoint opportunities for developing autonomous systems and programs leveraging Malaysian university talent. PACDB, a national flagship initiative in Pahang, will function as the operations and business technology partner for Malaysia. PACDB has pledged RM50 million to UMPSA, in conjunction with its strategic partners in Pahang Aerospace City.
PAC is projected to have a gross development value of RM20 billion over the next decade and aims to become the region’s first multimodal hub for aviation, aerospace, and space. UMPSA, a key Malaysian public university known for its technology and engineering prowess, will lead academic collaboration and support national certification frameworks for future system deployment.
This collaboration highlights K2’s dedication to partnering internationally to shape the future of autonomy and AI, with projects centered around responsibility, safety, and sustainability. Sean Teo noted that the LOI represents a shared vision with Pahang’s leadership to advance AI and autonomous systems responsibly, showcasing the potential of cross-border collaboration.
Nurazmi Abas emphasized that the agreement is pivotal in establishing Pahang as an innovation and advanced technology hub, while Dr. Alias pointed out that the cooperation opens new opportunities for students and researchers at UMPSA, aligning with Malaysia’s long-term growth through the establishment of a Venture Studio.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic focus on technology leadership and international cooperation, reinforcing its role as a global hub for advanced research and commercialization. PAC and its partners plan to officially launch the initiative at the Dubai Airshow 2025, scheduled for 17th-21st November 2025.