Written By Dr Mohd Haziq Dzulkifli
Edited by Nuratiqah Imani binti Noordin
Established the Strategic Partnership with MoU Signing Ceremony
For more details, visit the official news at: https://news.utm.my/2026/06/utm-and-neo-aeronautics-forgestrategic-
partnership-to-advance-advanced-air-mobility-insoutheast-asia/
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Singapore-based Neo Aeronautics have established a three-year strategic partnership to strengthen research, innovation, and talent development in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) document exchange ceremony held at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), UTM. Ir. Dr.-Ing. Mohd Nazri Mohd Nasir, a Senior Lecturer at FKM, plays a key role in driving the partnership and connecting UTM’s academic and research expertise with Neo Aeronautics’ industrial capabilities in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies.
The collaboration will focus on four main areas: research and innovation; education and professional development; infrastructure, economic and community development; and strategic partnerships. It also supports the objectives of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone by promoting cross-border cooperation in advanced technology, logistics, education and talent development.
A key initiative under the partnership is the proposed establishment of the Aerial Innovations & Mobility Systems Satellite Laboratory (AiMS Lab) at UTM. The laboratory will be a collaborative platform for advanced research, engineering design, prototyping, structural testing, and technology certification for eVTOL and AAM systems.
Through this collaboration, UTM researchers and students will gain access to Neo Aeronautics’ technical expertise and resources. Joint projects will support the development of the Crimson S8, a one-seater Personal Aerial Vehicle, and the SeaArcher, a cargo VTOL platform designed for humanitarian assistance, maritime oil-spill response, and firefighting operations.
The partnership will also provide FKM students with internship opportunities, industrial exposure, and hands-on aerospace engineering experience. Students will gain greater insight into designing and developing aerial systems that comply with aviation requirements set by regulatory bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
To support faster and safer technology testing, UTM and Neo Aeronautics also plan to apply for a regulatory sandbox under the Pre-Defined Risk Assessment framework. This initiative is expected to streamline approval processes while providing a secure and legally compliant environment for rapid prototyping and flight testing.
Led at FKM by Ir. Dr.-Ing. Mohd Nazri Mohd Nasir, the collaboration reflects the faculty’s commitment to strengthening university–industry partnerships, advancing future aerospace technologies, and preparing engineering graduates to contribute to Malaysia’s growing Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem.
