CYBERJAYA, 25 February 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan-based Tenchijin Inc. to advance AI-driven research in infrastructure assessment and renewable energy site selection using satellite data.

The one-year MoU, effective from 25 February 2025, lays the groundwork for collaboration between the two institutions while paving the way for a more comprehensive collaboration agreement in the future.

The partnership will focus on joint research into assessing the risk of water leakage from pipelines and identifying optimal locations for renewable energy projects, as well as promoting cooperation in research, education, and training initiatives.

As part of the collaboration, both parties will develop a white paper on the application of Tenchijin’s COMPASS KnoWaterleak and COMPASS Renewable Energy solutions in Malaysia, while also facilitating industry partnerships and other mutually beneficial activities.

The MoU was signed by the Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation & Consultation (Technology Transfer, Commercialisation & Company Monitoring), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Cheah Chee Ban, on behalf of the USM Vice-Chancellor, and Representative Director and CEO of Tenchijin Inc., Yasuhito Sakuraba.

The signing was witnessed by the Manager of Industry & Community Network at USM's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. Mohd Shahrimie Mohd Asaari; and the Business Development Lead at Tenchijin Inc., Yohei Nishiyama.

Tenchijin Inc. uses high-resolution remote sensing data, including weather and topographical insights, and is the first company to receive investment from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), earning recognition as a JAXA Venture.

By utilising JAXA’s intellectual property and expertise, Tenchijin, a pioneering Japanese firm specialising in land appraisal services, aims to address global environmental and social challenges through advanced space-based technologies.

Text: Dr. Mohd Shahrimie Mohd Asaari, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, USM