- Under the MoU, UPM will build a 5G & AI-powered unmanned aerial systems sandbox
- As part of the collaboration, Ericsson is enabling the unmanned aerial system with 5G technology
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish what is claimed to be Malaysia’s first 5G-powered unmanned aerial system sandbox for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. In a statement, DNB noted that this strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating 5G and artificial intelligence technologies to enable real-time unmanned aerial systems and accelerate innovation across key national sectors.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Wilson Ugak Kumbong, deputy minister of digital, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering whole-of-society innovation and creating practical platforms for students, researchers, startups, and regulators to test and scale emerging technologies.
“What once sounded like science fiction is now within reach. With the right ecosystem in place – one that is safe, structured, and well-regulated – we can transform unmanned aerial systems and vehicles from experimental tools into practical solutions for public benefit,” Wilson said.
Under the MoU, UPM will develop a real-world unmanned aerial systems sandbox, supported by 5G connectivity and AI capabilities. The initiative includes four dedicated zones: urban air mobility, agriculture, autonomous robotics, and healthcare. Each zone is designed to support research, testing, and eventual commercial deployment of artificial intelligence and blockchain systems.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to build a resilient digital ecosystem that empowers local talent and drives inclusive innovation. By combining the national 5G network with UPM’s academic strengths, we are laying the foundation for scalable unmanned aerial systems operations that can transform multiple industries,” said Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB.
UPM vice-chancellor, Professor Ir Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, stated that this collaboration makes UPM the first university to be equipped with 5G network infrastructure directly from DNB, Malaysia’s 5G network provider.
He said, “This facility is expected to accelerate research implementation, the commercialisation of innovation outcomes, and the development of new technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation systems – particularly within the agriculture and biotechnology industries. Ultimately, this will support the adoption of efficient technologies and sustainable innovations derived from research that can enhance national food security, which is UPM’s primary mandate.”
The collaboration also supports the ministry’s broader ambition to position Malaysia as a regional leader in future technologies, in line with preparations to host the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025. UPM’s AI sandbox is expected to serve as a case study in responsible, real-world AI deployment during the summit.
As part of the DNB-UPM collaboration, Ericsson is powering the mission-critical unmanned aerial system vehicle using advanced 5G technology. The drone receives a secure and dedicated connection, ensuring uninterrupted real-time telemetry back to the command centre. This is made possible by intelligent allocation of network resources.
David Hägerbro, head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, said: “The DNB network, combined with Ericsson’s leading technology, creates a powerful foundation for this collaboration with UPM. It helps drive digitalisation and supports the growth of a future-ready ecosystem for Malaysia’s youth, universities, and innovation.”
The initiative includes close engagement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to ensure all BVLOS operations comply with national airspace regulations. It is part of a broader effort to develop enabling frameworks – from safety protocols and insurance models to local authority coordination – that support responsible drone deployment. Future collaborations are expected in areas such as logistics, precision agriculture, public safety, and digital healthcare, all contributing to Malaysia’s vision of becoming a digitally sovereign, future-ready nation.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
