Written by Braydon and AP Dr Cheah Wai Shiang
KOTA SAMARAHAN, SARAWAK — Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has strengthened its commitment to emerging technologies and advanced research through a two-part Quantum Computing Workshop Series organised by the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT) in collaboration with Sea Quantum.
The initiative, comprising the First Quantum Computing Workshop held on 12–13 March 2026 and Quantum Computing Workshop II on Quantum Communication conducted virtually on 8, 12 and 19 August 2026, provided participants with progressive exposure to the rapidly evolving fields of quantum computing and quantum communication.
From Quantum Computing Fundamentals to Practical Programming
The first workshop marked a significant milestone as the first quantum computing workshop organised at UNIMAS in Sarawak. The two-day programme brought together 35 participants, including academics, students and ICT staff from FCSIT, the Faculty of Engineering, UNIMAS, and the Tun Abang Haji Openg Digital Centre (TAHODC).
The workshop was conducted by Dr Choong Yeow Wei and Ameer Syahiran bin Azhan from Sea Quantum.
The opening session introduced participants to the fundamental differences between classical and quantum computing.
Dr Choong explained how quantum computing moves beyond the conventional binary representation of information through the use of qubits, which can exist in superposition.
Moving from theory to practice, the second day introduced participants to quantum programming and fundamental quantum logic gates.
Participants worked with quantum scripts and visualisations to observe how quantum states are transformed.
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had progressed from understanding fundamental quantum concepts to executing basic quantum algorithms in a simulated environment, providing an important foundation for further exploration and research.
From Quantum Computing to the Future of Secure Communication
Building on the momentum of the first workshop, FCSIT and Sea Quantum subsequently organised Quantum Computing Workshop II on Quantum Communication, an intensive three-day virtual programme held on 8, 12 and 19 August 2026.
Supported by FCSIT Dean Prof. Jane Labadin, the workshop was organised by Dr Choong Yeow Wei of Sea Quantum and moderated by Associate Professor Dr Cheah Wai Shiang of UNIMAS, bringing together nine researchers to examine the mathematical and physical foundations of post-classical security.
The workshop featured distinguished guest speaker Professor Dr Chen Jiu-Peng, a recipient of the 2024 PhotoniX Prize for Technology Breakthrough, from the Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, whose research encompasses twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) and ion-trap-based quantum repeaters.
Across three interactive two-hour sessions, participants explored the foundations and practical challenges of quantum communication.
Participants were also introduced to real-world quantum communication deployments, including China’s Micius satellite and the more than 2,000-kilometre Beijing–Shanghai fibre network.
Building UNIMAS’s Quantum Technology Ecosystem
Together, the two workshops demonstrate a progressive approach to building quantum technology capabilities at UNIMAS—from understanding the fundamentals of quantum computing and programming to exploring advanced quantum communication and security technologies.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of quantum technologies in shaping the future of computing, cybersecurity and communication.
Through collaboration with industry and international researchers, FCSIT is creating opportunities for its academic community to engage directly with developments at the forefront of quantum technology.
The organising team expressed appreciation to Prof. Jane Labadin, Dean of FCSIT, for her leadership and support of the faculty’s research initiatives, as well as Sea Quantum for its sponsorship, expertise and continued collaboration in advancing quantum technology awareness and research at UNIMAS.
With the successful completion of both workshop series, UNIMAS is poised to further expand its engagement in quantum computing and quantum communication, opening new avenues for research, knowledge exchange and innovation in the emerging quantum era.
FCSIT is one of the Premier Digital Tech Institutions endorsed by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
#mypdti