A student from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has secured a prestigious research internship at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Nanyang Technological University (NTU)—marking another proud achievement for UTM on the international stage. UTM is delighted to announce the success of Fiony Soh Zhouni, a physics student who completed this highly competitive international research training in the cutting-edge field of quantum technology.
Fiony Soh Zhouni, a Year 3 student from the Department of Physics, underwent her internship at CQT, Singapore, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rainer Helmut Dumke and with academic guidance from Dr. Yap Yung Szen of UTM. This international placement reflects UTM’s strong commitment to nurturing globally competitive students and fostering meaningful research collaborations with world-leading institutions.
Her internship became a meaningful journey into the world of quantum science. She shared that it was her first real experience working in quantum computing research—both challenging and exciting. During her time at CQT, she observed real experiments, learned how professional labs operate, and connected classroom theories with real-world applications. The experience sharpened her problem-solving and critical-thinking skills while deepening her appreciation for the precision and patience behind every scientific discovery.
Fiony noted that her placement was made possible through UTM’s academic mobility programme, supported by her advisor Dr. Razif Razali and the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS). She expressed gratitude for the smooth and well-organized process that provided her with guidance and assurance every step of the way.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared that the internship completely changed how she views research — realizing that every experiment requires careful planning, deep thinking, and a lot of patience. Through it all, she gained confidence in tackling complex challenges and found renewed motivation to pursue her passion for quantum science. Her project was carried out at the CQT, which operates jointly under NTU and the National University of Singapore (NUS), giving her the opportunity to experience the collaborative research culture between both leading institutions.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for the opportunity to undergo my research training,” Fiony said.
“I am deeply thankful to my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rainer Helmut Dumke, for his invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the internship. It has been an honour to conduct research under his mentorship,” she added.
She also extended appreciation to UTM, particularly the Faculty of Science, UGS, and her dedicated lecturers — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dr. Yap Yung Szen, and Dr. Razif Razali for their unwavering support, as well as to her family and friends for their encouragement throughout her journey.
Fiony’s research experience not only enhanced her academic and technical knowledge but also broadened her perspective on the limitless potential of quantum technologies. She shared that observing how research teams at CQT integrated physics, engineering, and computer science to address complex quantum challenges inspired her to think beyond traditional boundaries. She believes that quantum research is one of the most promising fields shaping the future of computing, communication, and data security — and hopes to continue contributing to its advancement through future research and innovation.
Looking ahead, Fiony aims to further her studies in quantum information science and continue exploring research opportunities that bridge academia and industry. She believes that early exposure to international research environments helps students build confidence, develop professional networks, and better understand the collaborative nature of modern science.
“My advice to other students is to never be afraid to take the first step. Step out of your comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and keep learning. You’ll never know how far you can go until you try. Be open to new challenges — that’s how we discover our true potential,” – Fiony Soh Zhouni
This experience serves as an inspiration for more UTM students to explore global opportunities, strive for excellence, and give back to the nation with pride. Built on innovation and global excellence, UTM remains committed to providing the best support and opportunities for its students to grow. Through strong international collaborations, access to top research, and dedicated mentorship, UTM continues to empower students to become future leaders and changemakers on the world stage.
