Latest news with #NADI
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Science
- Barnama
NADI, TM Introduce AI-Powered Robotic Dogs At LIMA'25
GENERAL By Nazira Hasanah Nasaruddin LANGKAWI, May 24 (Bernama) -- The sight of two AI-powered robotic dogs has become one of the main attractions for visitors at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) since yesterday. One of them was introduced by National Aerospace Defense Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI), an AI-powered robotic dog designed as a Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) to support security, defence, and industrial applications. NADI Group senior engineer Wayne Lim said the dog, named Asuk, was developed in collaboration with Ghost Robotics of the United States. The Q-UGV serves as a foundational platform in NADI's long-term strategy to build an ecosystem of intelligent, interoperable unmanned systems capable of operating across land, sea and air domains. He said the dog was named Asuk, which in Sarawak means dog, and the name also serves as an abbreviation for 'Anjing Siber Unit Khas'. 'Weighing 50 kilogrammes, the robotic dog offers up to 24 hours of autonomous operation and is capable of performing reconnaissance in hazardous environments such as disaster zones, combat areas, and high-risk industrial sites. Asuk is also designed to withstand moderate weather conditions, featuring an IP67 rating for splash and dust resistance. 'The Q-UGV is designed to evolve with advancements in AI, autonomy and sensor technology. We aim to lead in developing unmanned systems that operate safely, efficiently and effectively across diverse mission environments,' he told Bernama here today. According to Lim, the platform's modular payloads can be customised to suit mission needs, and several Malaysian defence and emergency response agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police, are currently evaluating the system through technical demonstrations and field trials. He said the dog, equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), infrared or thermal sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), cameras and chemical sensors, can carry out surveillance, threat detection and payload delivery with minimal human intervention.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
NADI embraces next-gen defence assets
LANGKAWI: National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) and its subsidiaries wrapped up a strong showing at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25). NADI cemented its position in Malaysia's defence and aerospace sectors with the signing of more than 40 agreements. Its group president, Datuk Edron Hayata Ahmad, said NADI's priority was to highlight local capabilities in looking towards the future. "Aircraft and defence technology is constantly evolving, and NADI must embrace digitalisation to stay ahead. "We are preparing ourselves for the next generation of defence assets, and that's why our theme this year is digitalisation," he told the New Straits Times. Edron said NADI has been participating in Lima for quite some time and that the group's presence reflects the commitment to supporting the national defence industry, the assets it relies on, the end users and the government as a whole. "We are deeply invested in Lima and while the returns are sometimes hard to quantify, the benefits, both tangible and intangible, are significant. "We're proud to represent Malaysian industry and to serve as one of the flagbearers of the nation's aerospace and defence sectors, both to the public and to delegates attending the exhibition." NADI's foothold at the exhibition is also aligned with the clarion call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Lima '25's reception dinner, calling on participants to use the exhibition as a platform to learn, share and witness the latest advancements in defence and security technology. Anwar had said this as Lima had evolved into one of the world's foremost exhibitions in the defence, maritime and aerospace sectors, especially in light of rapid developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Among NADI Group's impactful signings were a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between Airod Sdn Bhd and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore collaboration opportunities for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's FA-50M light combat aircraft. The agreement enables both parties to evaluate business prospects involving the FA-50M fleet, including its engines and installed systems. This is in line with Malaysia's aim to localise defence support services for cost-efficiency and operational readiness. Airod said the NDA allows for the exchange of proprietary information to identify mutual areas of interest. It positions the company to potentially become a key MRO partner for the FA-50M, further strengthening its longstanding support for RMAF aircraft. NADI, through its subsidiary Airod Techno Power Sdn Bhd, also entered into a strategic collaboration with Ghost Robotics Corporation, a United States-based firm renowned for its cutting-edge quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGV), to advance defence robotics capabilities in Malaysia. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) focuses on developing and integrating Ghost Robotics' autonomous platforms into Malaysia's defence, homeland security and enterprise operations. This includes deploying advanced sensors, AI software and real-time communication systems for situational awareness. Airod Techno Power said the partnership aims to push Malaysia to the forefront of defence robotics by blending high-performance mechanical systems with innovative digital technologies. The initiative reflects the group's broader commitment to digitalisation and emerging tech. It also saw SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd and Wilayah Arms Sdn Bhd formalise a RM4.19 million supply agreement for 4.76 million rounds of 9mm ammunition, supporting both defence and civilian law enforcement training and operational needs. The agreement involves staggered deliveries over 12 months and signals a boost for the local defence manufacturing base. It also ensures greater supply chain reliability by reducing dependence on foreign procurement channels. NADI, through Airod, also signed a MoU with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia aimed at collaborating on aircraft structural integrity (ASI) research, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and advanced aerospace diagnostics. The partnership combines UPNM's academic and engineering expertise with Airod's industry experience to jointly develop next-generation aircraft monitoring systems. It also aims to enhance national defence readiness through homegrown innovations in aerospace technology and AI applications.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Safe internet campaign tour reaches Northern Zone
LANGKAWI: The Ministry of Communications, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has brought the Safe Internet Campaign Tour to schools in the Northern Zone as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and build a resilient digital community. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Melaka here is the starting point of the tour for the Northern Zone, which will subsequently be expanded to other schools in the region. 'We are starting at SK Ulu Melaka but will later move on to 21 primary schools and seven secondary schools throughout the Langkawi district. 'The intention is to deliver the message especially to primary school students to avoid using social media and to raise awareness among parents about the benefits and dangers of social media and the internet,' he told reporters after launching the Northern Zone Safe Internet Campaign Tour here today. Also present were the Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Commissioner General (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi said the tour will be expanded to other zones after this, with the goal of reaching the over 10,200 schools nationwide by the end of this year. 'It's not an easy task, but I have asked MCMC to leverage its network with NADI ((National Information Dissemination Centres). We have 1,099 NADI centres across the country and 1,878 MADANI Community groups under the Information Department nationwide. We also aim to collaborate with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)... and with Student Representative Councils at public institutions of higher learning to help reach out to schools as a start,' he said. More than 1,800 participants, including students from 22 schools, teachers, parents, community leaders and representatives from various relevant agencies took part in the programme today. The campaign is a continuation of efforts to enhance digital literacy among the public, especially children and teenagers, in facing challenges such as cyberbullying, online scams, cyber gambling and child sexual exploitation. Throughout this year, over 100,000 participants across the northern zone comprising Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak are expected to be involved in the campaign. Previously, SK Bidor 2 in Tapah, Perak was the first location for the implementation of the campaign, which was launched on April 10.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Communications Ministry brings safe internet campaign tour to Northern Zone
LANGKAWI: The Ministry of Communications, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has brought the Safe Internet Campaign Tour to schools in the Northern Zone as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and build a resilient digital community. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Melaka here is the starting point of the tour for the Northern Zone, which will subsequently be expanded to other schools in the region. 'We are starting at SK Ulu Melaka but will later move on to 21 primary schools and seven secondary schools throughout the Langkawi district. 'The intention is to deliver the message especially to primary school students to avoid using social media and to raise awareness among parents about the benefits and dangers of social media and the internet,' he told reporters after launching the Northern Zone Safe Internet Campaign Tour here today. Also present were the Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Commissioner General (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Fahmi said the tour will be expanded to other zones after this, with the goal of reaching the over 10,200 schools nationwide by the end of this year. 'It's not an easy task, but I have asked MCMC to leverage its network with NADI ((National Information Dissemination Centres). We have 1,099 NADI centres across the country and 1,878 MADANI Community groups under the Information Department nationwide. We also aim to collaborate with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)... and with Student Representative Councils at public institutions of higher learning to help reach out to schools as a start,' he said. More than 1,800 participants, including students from 22 schools, teachers, parents, community leaders and representatives from various relevant agencies took part in the programme today. The campaign is a continuation of efforts to enhance digital literacy among the public, especially children and teenagers, in facing challenges such as cyberbullying, online scams, cyber gambling and child sexual exploitation. Throughout this year, over 100,000 participants across the northern zone comprising Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak are expected to be involved in the campaign. Previously, SK Bidor 2 in Tapah, Perak was the first location for the implementation of the campaign, which was launched on April 10.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
NADI advances Malaysia's defence ambitions
KUALA LUMPUR: National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) is positioning itself as a national champion and regional leader in defence technology to strengthen Malaysia's sovereign capabilities through innovation, partnerships, and talent development. Its group president Datuk Edron Hayata Ahmad said NADI, originally established in 1983 as Aerospace Industries Malaysia (AIM), has evolved into a strategic partner for the government. The company's activities now span aerospace manufacturing, systems integration, and indigenous technology development. "This mirrors Malaysia's broader defence transformation, shifting from reliance on imports to building sovereign capabilities," he said. NADI's current mission is to act as a catalyst for national defence readiness, aligned with the Defence White Paper and the push for self-reliance. "We aim to reduce external dependency by investing in indigenous research and development, workforce development, and critical technologies, ensuring Malaysia can defend its interests with locally sustained capabilities," he said. Edron said the company is actively investing in advanced manufacturing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, mission-critical systems, and obsolescence management. "NADI has partnered with local universities and global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to co-develop intellectual property within Malaysia. "Our subsidiaries are producing solutions for fighter jets and transport aircraft. We are driving programmes to transition Malaysia from a service-based defence industry to one that assembles, manufactures, designs, and engineers its own capabilities," he said. Among NADI's key initiatives includes its subsidiary Airod, which leads aircraft upgrade and life-extension programmes for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and international clients. "ATSC's aircraft Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), developed in-house and in collaboration with the RMAF and local firms, exemplifies our engineering capabilities," he said. Another subsidiary, SME Aerospace (SMEA), delivers around two million aerospace parts annually and co-produces structural components for global OEMs. NADI is also engaged in joint ventures focused on regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hubs, and technology transfer agreements to enhance Malaysia's export potential and regional supply chain integration. A key partnership was with France's Satys, aimed at enhancing Airod Subang's aviation painting capabilities to serve future aircraft for both military and commercial sectors. In the area of unmanned systems, Edron said NADI is collaborating with US-based Ghost Robotics on its quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle (QUGV), the Vision 60, and with Korea's Nearthlab to explore AI capabilities for defence drones. "These collaborations with proven global OEMs are being brought into Malaysia and will be featured at the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima '25)," he said. Beyond engineering, NADI also supports the armed forces and national security agencies with end-to-end lifecycle services, including spare parts, inventory management, upgrades, and round-the-clock technical support. "We manage logistics for strategic assets and ensure mission readiness with rapid deployment of maintenance teams, especially in remote operational theatres," he said. To cultivate a future-ready defence workforce, NADI works with the Aviation Design Centre (ADC) and local universities to provide accredited technical training and specialised aerospace programmes. "These initiatives prepare job-ready graduates and offer upskilling pathways for current personnel. We're building a talent pipeline that supports both present defence needs and future innovation," he said. NADI is also reinforcing export readiness through certified standards, strategic alliances, and proprietary technologies. Edron said NADI's branding is built on reliability, sovereign capacity, and cost-effective innovation. This, he said as NADI has an active presence in global defence exhibitions and industry associations to attract contracts and technology transfers. Edron added that NADI is also a founding member of the Coalition of Defence Industry (CDI), a platform for capability-building among local defence players. "Our long-term vision is to build a vertically integrated, innovation-driven enterprise that supports Malaysia's defence autonomy and contributes to economic resilience through high-value exports. NADI aspires to be the cornerstone of a future-proof, sovereign defence ecosystem," he said.
