(TechWireAsia) With quantum computing gaining traction in the Asia Pacific, quantum engineers are now being highly sought after by companies looking to leverage the technology. From Japan launching its most powerful quantum computer last month to China developing its quantum computers, quantum engineers are a key ingredient in the quantum computing workforce.
To ensure the development of the technology keeps going, big tech vendors are working with universities to develop next-generation quantum engineers with the hope of having sufficient talent available once the technology becomes mainstream.
In Southeast Asia, the skills shortage gap is a big concern. While the region has one of the fastest tech adoptions in the world, the skills shortage is still hindering most companies from going all out in their digital transformation.
Higher learning institutions in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia are offering more courses on the subject and are hoping to develop more quantum engineers in the near future.
The National University of Singapore and AWS are collaborating to boost the development of quantum communication and computing technologies, as well as explore potential applications of quantum capabilities.
QEP has supported eight major research projects to further the development of quantum technologies. They include exploring more powerful hardware and software solutions for quantum computers for commercial tasks like optimizing delivery routes for goods, simulating chemicals to help design drugs, or making manufacturing more efficient.
According to Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Research & Technology), Singapore’s journey to becoming a knowledge-based economy requires a right mix of world-class talent, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a well-established knowledge transfer ecosystem.
With NUS looking to develop more use cases and skilled professionals in quantum engineering and other tech-related fields, Singapore can become a hub for quantum computing in the region in the years to come.