USM Signs MoU with Tenchijin Inc. for AI and Satellite Data Research

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

Effective from February 25, 2025, the one-year MoU establishes a framework for collaboration until a more detailed cooperative agreement is finalized. The partnership aims to advance joint research on water leakage risk assessment and renewable energy site selection while fostering cooperation in research, education, and training programs. Under this agreement, both parties will engage in joint research on water leakage risk assessment for pipelines and renewable energy site selection utilizing AI and satellite data. Additionally, they will work together to develop a white paper on the implementation of Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak and Compass Renewable Energy applications in Malaysia.

The collaboration will also promote industry partnerships and other cooperative activities mutually agreed upon by both organizations.

The MoU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Cheah Chee Ban, Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation & Consultation (Technology Transfer, Commercialization & Company Monitoring), representing the USM Vice-Chancellor. Representing Tenchijin Inc. was its Representative Director and CEO, Mr. Yasuhito Sakuraba. Also present as witnesses were Dr. Mohd Shahrimie Mohd Asaari, Manager of Industry & Community Network, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering USM, and Yohei Nishiyama, Business Development Lead at Tenchijin Inc.

Tenchijin Inc., a Japanese company, provides innovative land appraisal services by leveraging wide-area, high-resolution remote sensing data, including weather and topographical information. It is the first company to receive investment from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and is recognized as a JAXA Venture. By utilizing JAXA's intellectual property and expertise, Tenchijin aims to address global environmental and social challenges through a space-based perspective that transcends cultural and national boundaries.