One hundred years of quantum mechanics – what’s next?

On 7 June, 1925, a 23-year-old physicist named Werner Heisenberg travelled to the island of Helgoland to seek relief from a severe bout of hay fever. While on the island, Heisenberg grappled with the problems of atomic theory.

After 10 days, he developed the framework for what would become known as “matrix mechanics”. This groundbreaking formulation of quantum physics describes atomic phenomena through observable quantities, emphasising transitions between energy states rather than classical particle trajectories. His pioneering work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.

To commemorate the centenary of quantum mechanics, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This year-long global initiative aims to raise public awareness, promote international collaboration, and highlight the potential of quantum science in developing sustainable solutions.

It “invites scientists, educators, and citizens worldwide to explore and celebrate quantum innovations”.

Quantum science reveals the peculiar behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scales. It provides a precise mathematical framework to describe the properties and interactions of electrons, protons, neutrons, photons, and other fundamental particles.

The first quantum revolution, sparked by the theoretical and experimental discoveries of scientists in the early 20th century, offered profound insights into the atomic and subatomic world, challenging our understanding of reality. It also enabled a variety of technological innovations – nuclear power, electronics, computers, atomic clocks, medical imaging, lasers, and superconductors.

While the effects of the first quantum revolution continue to reverberate in our daily lives, a second quantum revolution is now underway.

Whereas the first revolution described quantum behaviour, the second actively manipulates it, shifting from understanding to engineering quantum systems for transformative applications.

Three applications are attracting considerable scientific and commercial interest – quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Let’s explore each in more detail.

Quantum computing applies quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally different ways compared to classical computers. Unlike traditional bits, which are limited to 0 or 1, quantum bits (qubits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling faster computation for specific tasks.

Its primary applications include optimisation, simulation and artificial intelligence. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance, chemical engineering, aerospace, and logistics are exploring quantum computing for various purposes, including drug discovery, portfolio management, molecular analysis, and operational efficiency.

Due to the high cost and complexity of developing and maintaining quantum hardware, most companies are expected to access quantum computing capabilities through cloud services.

Quantum communication utilises quantum states to encode data, making eavesdropping detectable due to the disturbance of quantum properties. Its most prominent application is quantum key distribution (QKD), a method that enables two parties to generate a shared, secret cryptographic key with unconditional security, ensuring unbreakable encryption for secure data transfer. This is particularly valuable for protecting sensitive communications in sectors such as defence, finance, and healthcare.

Quantum sensing employs quantum mechanics to measure physical properties with exceptional precision. Unlike classical sensors, which are limited by noise and environmental interference, quantum sensors exploit quantum states – often in atoms or photons – to detect minute changes in gravity, magnetic fields, or time. Applications include navigation, medical imaging, and geological surveying.

Over the past decade, governments in the United States, Europe, and China have implemented strategic initiatives to advance quantum science and technology.

The US National Quantum Initiative Act, signed into law in December 2018, aims to accelerate quantum research and development for economic and national security.

It established a coordinated federal program involving agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The EU Quantum Flagship, launched in October 2018, is a €1 billion, 10-year initiative aimed at advancing quantum technologies in Europe. Under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), China has prioritised quantum science and technology as a key area for development. The plan includes significant investments in quantum research, aiming to enhance technological self-reliance and achieve breakthroughs in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.

Efforts in Southeast Asia are smaller but growing

Let’s look at Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia as examples. Singapore's National Quantum Strategy, launched under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE 2025) plan, is backed by close to S$300 million in funding over five years.

It focuses on four key areas – scientific excellence, engineering capabilities, innovation and enterprise partnerships, and talent.

As part of its national quantum strategy, Thailand has established the Quantum Technology Foundation, a social enterprise, to contribute to the development of quantum technology use cases.

On 25 February, 2025, the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics Systems (MIMOS), a strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), signed a collaboration agreement with SDT, a South Korean company, to establish the MIMOS Quantum Intelligence Centre by the end of this year.

According to the official press release:

“…[the] centre will serve as a collaborative hub bridging policy with actionable strategies, driving deep-tech advancements, and enabling national adoption across government and industry.”

Long-term investment in quantum technologies is a strategic priority for many nations. Collaborative efforts between governments, academia and industry are crucial for driving innovation and achieving technological breakthroughs.

Besides continued international cooperation and sustained funding, what else can be done to harness the full potential of quantum science and technology?

We suggest three priorities for Malaysia – a national quantum initiative, the right talent, and regional collaboration within ASEAN.

1. National Quantum Initiative

While the planned establishment of the Quantum Intelligence Centre is a positive first step, a broader national strategy is crucial.

The National Quantum Initiative should be embedded within Malaysia's National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030, but requires separate funding and milestone tracking.

For the next few years, building domestic quantum hardware need not be a priority. Instead, quantum computing simulators and algorithms for various commercial use cases can be easily accessed through the cloud.

2. Talent

The development of a robust quantum ecosystem hinges on having a skilled workforce with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Malaysia should invest strategically in STEM education and training across the entire pipeline – high school, trade school, university, and professional training.

Given that Malaysian students scored far below the OECD average in mathematics, reading and science in the 2022 PISA results, a renewed focus on enhancing the quality of mathematics, science and numerical reasoning education in secondary schools is particularly pertinent.

3. Regional collaboration within ASEAN

Quantum science knows no borders. By working with member states to pool resources, address shared challenges, create a regional market, strengthen supply chains, and develop joint educational programs, Malaysia can accelerate its own progress in this transformative field.

Discussions on regional collaboration started in April 2024 when representatives of five ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, met in Bangkok to explore the possibility of forming an ASEAN quantum consortium. The consortium is expected to be formed by the end of 2025.

Quantum science and technologies have the potential to redefine industries and enhance national competitiveness. For Malaysia to capitalise on this opportunity, a strategic effort is essential.

This includes a dedicated national initiative, a robust talent development pipeline, and proactive regional collaboration within ASEAN. By adopting these recommendations, Malaysia can position itself as one of the key players in the global quantum landscape, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and securing a technologically advanced future.