Quantum computers promise superior processing power, but Malaysia faces significant challenges in advancing in this emerging field
by VEISHNAWI NEHRU
QUANTUM technology, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, aims to revolutionise how we compute, communicate and sense the world.
Unlike traditional computers that use bits to process information, quantum computers use qubits, which can represent multiple states at once for faster and more powerful computing.
As excitement grows about what quantum technology could do, the question is: Is Malaysia ready to dive into this advanced field and make the most of its potential?
Bridging Quantum Research Gap
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Science senior lecturer Dr Yap Yung Szen said many developed countries are investing heavily in quantum computing.
“It is a growing industry and researchers are aiming to demonstrate the first significant real-world application that proves quantum advantage over classical supercomputers.
“At the moment, some researchers from other fields are exploring quantum computing for their applications,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
He is also associate professor with the Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, Osaka University, and also an invited researcher in the Centre for Quantum Technologies, Singapore.
Yap said on the hardware side, quantum computers are available, but they are not yet advanced enough. There are more quantum computer users than people building them.
“As such, there is a demand for talent in this field, both in software and especially in hardware,” he added.
In Malaysia, Yap said experts are few, and they have come together to form a community called the Malaysian Quantum Information Initiative.
They give talks locally and internationally at various levels, including schools, universities and industries.
One of their objectives is to attract international quantum companies to set up operations or supply chains in Malaysia.
“However, we truly lack talents who can research, build and improve quantum computers. We do not have any quantum computers for research purposes in Malaysia.
“I would say we are around 10 to 20 years behind, if not more, and the longer we wait, the bigger the gap will become. There is a severe need to start developing this field in Malaysia,” he said.
Regarding recent breakthroughs, Yap highlighted a significant achievement with a paper by the Google LLC’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Team.
“The team demonstrated the ability to use existing qubits to form a better qubit for computation purposes, a technique known as quantum error correction. This is an important step forward in demonstrating quantum advantage,” he said.
Atomic clocks, used in GPS satellites, are a key example of quantum technology. Without them, GPS wouldn’t exist
On the potential real-world applications of quantum technology, quantum sensing and metrology is one field where quantum technology is already making an impact.
“For instance, atomic clocks, which are used in GPS satellites, are a practical application of quantum technology. Without these atomic clocks, we might not have GPS.
“Quantum computers can also be used to simulate atoms and molecules accurately, which means they can significantly accelerate the development of new materials and drugs.
“For example, you could design and test hundreds of compounds in a quantum computer in hours, compared to months or years with classical supercomputers,” he said.
Quantum computers are very good at factoring numbers, which is the basis of our current communication encryption.
“A country with a powerful quantum computer could potentially eavesdrop on classical communications. This is why there is now an export control for high-quality quantum computers, even though they are not yet fully developed,” he said.
Yap also stated that as a developing country, Malaysia faces several challenges. The cost of developing quantum technology is high, and it requires significant talent.
A stronger currency would be helpful to solve this. Yap also noted that in many countries, the majority of researchers are post-doctoral researchers and PhD students.
“If RM1 were equivalent to US$1, we could buy equipment four times cheaper and attract foreign talent with better salaries,” he said.
Looking towards the future, Yap explained that with more people working in this field and increased investments, quantum computing is progressing faster than ever.
Yap working on quantum computer located in Centre for Quantum Technologies in Singapore. The city-state has been investing in quantum technology for the last 20 years
He said it was only 10 to 15 years ago that researchers were still trying to create the first qubit.
“This year, we might see new achievements in quantum error correction, and I expect to see error-corrected qubits in small numbers, with growth throughout this decade.
“Demonstration of quantum advantage may come in 10 years, and we will start to see more integration of classical servers with quantum computers,” he added.
To position Malaysia as a leader in quantum technology, Yap explained that it would be challenging to become a leader in this field right now.
Instead, he said, Malaysia should focus on investing in this technology to prevent the technology gap from widening.
Yap suggested working closely with neighbouring countries, especially Singapore, which has been investing in quantum technology for the last 20 years.
While Malaysia may not have the funds to invest heavily in research and development (R&D), it could start by attracting quantum computing companies, building up the industry and preparing the talent.
“We are looking forward to a quantum future for Malaysia and are here to help,” he said.
Potential Impact
Universiti Malaya Faculty of Science Department of Physics Quantum and Laser Science Prof Dr Raymond Ooi said currently, there are a few researchers working mainly on the theory of quantum computing.
“To the best of my knowledge, there is no practical effort to develop a quantum computer within Malaysia,” he told TMR.
Ooi, who is also a fellow at Academy of Sciences Malaysia, said breakthroughs in quantum technology are occurring regularly around the world, not only in quantum computing but also in quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum metrology. These are the main pillars of quantum technology.
On the potential real-world applications of quantum technology, Ooi highlighted its transformative impact, noting that the ultimate capabilities of quantum technology will be incredible and will open up many new possibilities.
“A fully functional universal quantum computer could break any existing encryption, enhance optimisation and solve previously unsolvable problems. Many science fiction concepts could become reality.
“It is an ultimate double-edged sword; for good or bad, it all depends on the users,” he said.
In healthcare, quantum computing could design specific molecules for targeted purposes, such as repairing cancer cells, helping to design effective drugs and enabling precision medicine at the molecular level.
Meanwhile, in communications, quantum cryptography is already commercially available and has linked cities in China, providing secure communication and transmission of confidential information for banking and financial sectors.
“Quantum signatures might also be used to protect data security,” Ooi said.
In healthcare, quantum computing could design molecules to target specific tasks, like repairing cancer cells, creating better drugs and advancing precision medicine
Moreover, he explained that technical challenges, such as decoherence of quantum bits and large errors in quantum information processing, must be addressed and mitigated. This, he noted, should be done alongside the development of engineering designs for practical products.
Looking ahead, Ooi explained that as quantum technology transitions from research labs into industries, people will begin to experience its magical benefits.
“Europe already has a Quantum Business Network, and many start-up companies in China and Europe are selling various parts, software and hardware relevant to quantum technology,” he said.
Regarding Malaysia’s potential to lead in quantum technology, Ooi was realistic but optimistic.
“Malaysia is currently behind, so becoming a leader is out of the question for now. However, we can catch up if we receive sufficient support and show diligence.
“We need the right people and facilities, as there are no shortcuts. Quantum technology is built on profound science and delicate technology,” he said.
Ooi explained that countries that are ahead have more than 30 years of fundamental research, particularly in atomic, molecular and optical physics.
“They have a strong theoretical foundation combined with experimental proof of principles. They foresaw this groundbreaking technology and patiently invested in the people and facilities to conduct the fundamentals without an obsession for immediate results and applications.
“Quantum technology is built on a solid foundation in the fundamentals because its building blocks are atoms, molecules and photons, not just ‘mixing the powder with solutions’,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges
Novem CS Sdn Bhd CEO and cyber security expert Murugason R Thangaratnam said that while many qubit technologies are competing to become the basis for the first universal quantum computer, significant challenges remain.
He explained that researchers are making strides in increasing the coherence times of qubits, reducing error rates and developing new quantum algorithms.
“The marriage of quantum computing and AI looks particularly promising. Quantum computing’s potential to accelerate AI algorithms and address complex optimisation problems could revolutionise various industries over the next decade,” he told TMR.
Murugason stressed the need for Malaysia to catch up with other nations in the field.
“Malaysia is a late starter compared to some developed countries. Substantial government investment in R&D, as well as cultivating a vast pool of talent, is crucial if we are to be taken seriously in the regional or global context,” he said.
He also mentioned that national labs and quantum computing centres are becoming hubs for innovation and collaboration.
In contrast, Malaysia faces barriers such as high costs, limited local infrastructure and a shortage of skilled professionals.
Murugason pointed out key barriers like the lack of technical expertise, structured centralised data and standards for secure communication.
The high cost of specialised hardware and the need for ultra-cool temperatures to maintain quantum states also pose challenges.
“Governments or organisations must have a tactical roadmap before adopting quantum computing,” he added.
He also explained the ethical implications of quantum technology, including the potential for increased socio-economic divides and the risk of breaking current encryption schemes.
“Quantum computing requires significant resources, which are only available to a few privileged nations. There is real concern that existing cryptography solutions may not hold up to future quantum computing,” he said.
Choong (sitting) with Sea Quantum scientific advisor Dr Amsyar Rahim (left) and director of finance and administration Islam Jubaidul. Their company aims to educate and involve younger generation in quantum technology
Advancing Quantum Computing
Sea Quantum Sdn Bhd CEO and co-founder Dr Choong Yeow Wei said his company has acquired Malaysia’s first quantum computer, which cost a quarter of a million ringgit, and has been using it since May last year.
“We have conducted five seasons of training with international students and are now ready to include Malaysian students. We aim to educate and involve the younger generation in quantum technology,” he told TMR.
The Diamond NV Quantum Computer supports a range of crucial experiments, including the Calibration Experiment for measurement accuracy, the Continuous Wave Experiment for preparing the quantum chip and the Rabi Oscillation Experiment involving quantum logic gates.
Additional experiments, such as the Echo Experiment and the T2 and Dynamic Decoupling Experiments, address coherence, errors and noise in quantum systems, while the Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm Experiment focuses on quantum algorithms.
Besides, Choong mentioned that the technology Sea Quantum use is based on nitrogen-vacancy (or NV) centres in diamonds.
“This technology operates at room temperature, which is unique. Therefore, we can have this quantum computer in a regular room.
“This contrasts sharply with International Business Machines Corp’s (IBM) superconducting circuits, which require extremely low temperatures and are accessed via the cloud,” he said.
Sea Quantum’s Diamond NV Quantum Computer is designed to be more versatile and cost-effective.
Despite challenges from external factors like vibrations, the diamond-based system’s room temperature operation offers significant benefits over more complex super-conducting systems.
Furthermore, Choong explained that Sea Quantum plans to explore quantum sensing technology and photonics.
“Quantum technology includes quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing.
“We focus on quantum computing but are also exploring quantum sensing and we are aiming to advance in these areas by early next year,” he said.
Choong also stressed the importance of educating the next generation, which is crucial as quantum computing becomes mainstream.
“Currently, education on quantum science is limited, even among professors. Updating educational materials and training teachers is essential,” he added.
He also said that quantum technology is as important as electricity, the Internet or computers.
We should perhaps not be so ambitious as to brag about positioning ourselves to tackle it, and should instead wait for quantum technology to mature into applications and see what crumbles we could pick up from those forerunners. — Dr Oh Ei Sun
Realistic View
Principal advisor for the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia Dr Oh Ei Sun said Malaysia is not an advanced country at the forefront of high-tech R&D, and quantum technology at this point in time is not yet a mature technology.
“We should perhaps not be so ambitious as to brag about positioning ourselves to tackle it, and should instead wait for quantum technology to mature into applications and see what crumbles we could pick up from those forerunners.
“We must know our place in the worldwide high-tech supply chain. In the meantime, perhaps we could improve our educational standard, especially in mathematics and science,” he said.
WHAT IS QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY?
QUANTUM technology refers to the use of principles from quantum mechanics to develop new technologies in computing, communication and sensing.
Unlike classical technology, which operates based on established physical laws and principles, quantum technology exploits unique quantum properties like superposition and entanglement, which have no equivalent in classical physics.
Basic Principles of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. While classical computers use bits (0 or 1) to represent data, quantum computers use qubits.
Qubits can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously due to a property called superposition, allowing quantum computers to handle complex calculations more efficiently than classical computers.
What Are Qubits?
Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computing. Unlike classical bits, which are strictly 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition.
This allows them to perform many calculations at once, making quantum computers powerful for solving specific types of problems, such as factoring large numbers or optimising complex systems.
Superposition and Entanglement
Superposition allows qubits to be in a combination of 0 and 1 states at the same time. For instance, a single qubit can be both 0 and 1 until measured. When multiple qubits are involved, they can represent numerous combinations of states simultaneously, enhancing computational power.
Entanglement is a phenomenon where qubits become interconnected, such that the state of one qubit instantly affects the state of another, regardless of the distance separating them. This interconnectedness can enable faster information processing and transmission in quantum systems.
Dos and Don’ts of Quantum Technology Dos:
Use quantum technology responsibly, focusing on its potential to solve complex problems and advance scientific knowledge. Invest in research and development to improve quantum computing capabilities and explore its practical applications.
Don’ts:
Avoid misconceptions like the idea that quantum technology will lead to time machines or teleportation of matter. While quantum teleportation involves the transfer of quantum information between particles, it does not imply physical travel through space or time. Be cautious of overestimating the current capabilities of quantum computers. They are still developing and have not yet achieved a “quantum advantage” over classical supercomputers.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that quantum technology could lead to sci-fi innovations such as time travel or instantaneous matter teleportation.
While quantum physics does explore fascinating concepts, current quantum technologies like quantum teleportation focus on transferring information, not physical objects.
Quantum technology is an evolving field with exciting potential, but it is essential to separate science fiction from the real, groundbreaking advances being made in quantum computing and related technologies.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
