Global technology corporation FPT and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) have formed a strategic partnership to establish the UTP-FPT Energy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Corporate Lab. Set to commence operations in November 2026, the initiative aims to build a long-term ecosystem that integrates research, digital infrastructure, commercialisation, consultancy, and talent development, accelerating a more secure, efficient and sustainable energy future for ASEAN and beyond.

FPT và UTP ký kết thành lập Phòng Nghiên cứu AI Năng lượng.webp 
The establishment of the Energy AI Corporate Lab was formalised during the opening of UTP’s flagship World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON2026), witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia

The partnership brings together UTP’s deep expertise in energy research and industry engagement with FPT’s leadership in AI, digital engineering and technology deployment. The Energy AI Corporate Lab will focus on four pillars: Education Centre of Excellence, Joint Research and Development (R&D), Consultancy, Advisory and Intellectual Property Commercialisation, and Professional Education. These pillars will facilitate the development of practical industry solutions, enable technology commercialisation, and cultivate future-ready AI and Energy talent for sustainable industry transformation.

Under the Joint R&D pillar, the core intelligence engine will be the Unified AI Brain platform, a shared intelligence backbone that connects research, infrastructure, industrial datasets, AI models, digital platforms, and operational knowledge. It allows the Corporate Lab to move beyond siloed projects towards a scalable and interconnected AI ecosystem capable of supporting research commercialisation, industrial deployment, and future technology development.

To generate immediate impact, both institutions have identified four initial initiatives: a physics-informed dynamic AI simulator for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) systems, AI-enabled Digital Core and subsurface solutions, AI-based carbon data standardisation, accounting and validation for the energy sector, and Smart Campus applications leveraging AI-enabled Sustainable Campus Intelligence. These initiatives will leverage the AI Brain as the common intelligence layer, while applying Quantum & AI, UAV Platform and Cyber Security to accelerate research, innovation and industry deployment.

In addition to research and technology development, the Energy AI Corporate Lab will strengthen opportunities for researchers and students through academic programmes, postgraduate supervision, student mobility, industry-linked curriculum enhancement and professional education in AI, energy, digitalisation and advanced technologies. The collaboration will create opportunities for researchers, students and industry to work together on real-world energy challenges and emerging technologies.

“Through the expanded collaboration with UTP, we aim to equip the industry with intelligent AI-driven solutions and a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complex demands of the sustainable energy transition. FPT is committed to spearheading AI-led transformation and nurturing specialized talent for the ASEAN market and beyond," said Tran Hong Chung, FPT Software Vice President and FPT Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, FPT Corporation.

UTP President Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan said the establishment of the Energy AI Corporate Lab reflects UTP's commitment to be at the forefront of technology research that deliver tangible value to industry and society.

“At UTP, we believe meaningful innovation happens when research excellence, industry expertise and talent come together to solve real-world challenges.
“As the energy sector undergoes profound technological transformation, the Energy AI Corporate Lab provides a platform to translate advanced research into deployable solutions for industry while creating new opportunities for innovation, commercialisation and talent development.
“By bringing together UTP’s strengths in energy research and innovation with FPT’s capabilities in AI and digital technologies, we want to develop solutions that improve the performance and sustainability of the energy sector, while building the talent and capabilities needed for its future. Our ambition is for the Lab to become a meaningful contributor to the energy transition in Malaysia and across ASEAN,” he said.

This milestone builds on a seven-year partnership between UTP and FPT that has evolved from student mobility, academic exchanges and joint supervision into broader collaborations in research, AI and data analytics, professional education, digital infrastructure and technology enablement. Established by PETRONAS in 1997, UTP is Malaysia’s premier private university that advances education, research and innovation to develop future-ready talent and deliver practical solutions for industry and society. To date, the partnership has generated more than RM10 million in collaborative research value and supported over 490 mobility participations.

FPT established its presence in Malaysia in 2006 and has since grown into a fully-fledged technology company. It holds Multimedia Super Corridor status, a designation awarded by the Malaysian government to enterprises making significant contributions to the country’s digital economy. The company delivers end-to-end digital solutions and consulting services, particularly in AI, cloud infrastructure, and managed services, serving high-growth sectors including banking, energy and utilities, healthcare, and the public sector.