UMPSA and Futurise launch the Eastern Zone Dronecubator

PEKAN, 27 August 2024 – For the first time, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Futurise have launched the Eastern Zone Dronecubator, an event held today at Block 1 Field, Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (FTKEE), UMPSA.

The Dronecubator is a drone sports incubator programme designed to develop new talent among the youth in Malaysia. 

The programme is managed by the National Drone Sports Academy of Excellence (AKSADRON), a company focused on the development of the drone industry in Malaysia. AKSADRON is fully under the control of Futurise.

Futurise has previously launched Dronecubator programmes at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (West Zone), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (South Zone), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (North Zone), while UMPSA has been selected to represent the Eastern Zone.

Since November 2023, UMPSA, under the Drone Research Network led by Ts. Dr. Mohammad Fadhil Abas, has trained 50 students, selecting 10 of them as Drone Facilitators for related programmes. 

This initiative provides training in drone sports technology, equipping students with new skills and improving their abilities in the field of technology.

By participating in this programme, students gain valuable experience and skills, which can increase their employability in Malaysia's rapidly growing drone industry. 

The programme also fosters creativity, encouraging students to generate new and innovative ideas for using drone technology across various fields.

The Dronecubator is part of the Malaysia Madani initiative, which aims to integrate smart mobility and data into smart cities for sustainable development. 

Participants in the programme are also made aware of the importance of sustainable development and environmental protection.

According to UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the strategic collaboration between UMPSA and Futurise will strengthen and diversify the skills needed for drone installation and operation in the Eastern Zone.

“The implementation of this programme is an important step for UMPSA, aligning with our goal of becoming a Smart Campus by 2025, which supports the government's National Digital Agenda,” he said.

Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin expressed his hope that more UMPSA students and youth from the East Coast will be encouraged to participate in the field of drone operation, benefiting from the opportunities provided by the programme.

“I hope this collaboration with Futurise will extend beyond this initiative, opening up new avenues for collaboration such as student industrial placements, staff exchanges, and sharing of expertise and technology,”  he added.

The ceremony today featured Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin officially launching the Dronecubator, witnessed by Futurise Chief Executive Officer, Rosihan Zain Baharudin and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha.

Also present were Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (FTKEE), Professor Dr. Hamdan Daniyal, Head of the UMPSA Drone Research Network, Ts. Dr. Mohammad Fadhil Abas, department heads, deans, and the Futurise delegation.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)