UMP, Terra Drone collaborate to improve expertise in air mobility technology

KUANTAN, 6 August 2021 - The development of air mobility technology requires the cooperation of all parties in expanding research and development (R&D) activities in areas related to drone technology in line with the transformation of automation technology that will affect the future workforce.

The collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Terra Drone Technology Malaysia (Terra Drone), especially in the field of drone technology, will create new job opportunities for the community by cultivating higher knowledge in line with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Industry Revolution 4.0.

The online signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) saw the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff and Terra Drone Managing Director, Izwan Zainal Abidin signed the memorandum in a ceremony organised by the Centre For Industry & Community Network.

Also present were the Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Development Department, Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin and Terra Drone Business Development Manager, Mohammad Firdaus Che Ismail.

Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar said this collaboration is another important milestone in extending UMP strategic networking with the industry in producing holistic graduates.
 
This smart partnership is not only limited to the knowledge and expertise exchange but also fulfils the needs of the country through the knowledge-based university-industry involvement covering research, education, services and strategic promotion.

“Terra Drone is one of the largest drone service providers in the world, offering advanced technology for works such as aerial survey, infrastructure inspection and data analysis.

“Therefore, the experience and expertise of Terra Drone can help increase the ability and employability of UMP graduates to seize job opportunities in the future,” he said.

He said Terra Drone’s readiness to work with UMP indicates the confidence of industry players in the university’s ability to also add value for the benefits of this smart partnership.

Apart from that, he said UMP appreciated the contribution of drones, laptops, flight drone simulators and smart controllers for learning and research purposes at this university.

According to Izwan, Drone Industry Insights from Germany has recognised Terra Drone as the world’s number one drone service provider (remote sensing category), while remaining number one in the world in the mapping, surveying and inspection businesses.

“Currently, Terra Drone is involved in all aspects involving drones, namely hardware, software, services and enforcement.

“It is important for us to ensure that the supply of potential and high-performing skilled workers is sufficient so that Terra Drone Technology Malaysia will remain relevant locally and globally,” he said.

In addition, they are proud of UMP’s initiative in improving drone building skills based on TVET and education.

He believed that this collaboration will provide short- and long-term benefits for both parties, making UMP a leading drone technology pioneer university in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Corporate Communications Unit, The Office of The Vice-Chancellor

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology