First National Academy for Drone Sports can help produce new talents

KUANTAN, March 27 (Bernama) -- The county's first National Academy for Drone Sports Excellence (AKSADRON) in Tasik Paya Bungor here will be able to produce more new talents in the fast-growing drone industry in Malaysia, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

He said RM5 million AKSADRON, which is being developed on a 1.27-hectare piece of land owned by the Pahang State Development Corporation (PKNP), would be managed by Futurise, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cyberview Sdn Bhd under the Ministry of Finance.

"The AKSADRON will, among others, have an internationally-recognised drone racing track with space for drone control, spectator area and a tower control, besides being fully equipped with classrooms, workshops, flight simulators and accommodation.

"This will make the academy a one-stop centre for all related parties, including technical experts, with drone enthusiasts able to participate in aviation and drone maintenance clinics,” he said.

Mohd Shahar, who is also the Member of Parliament for Paya Besar, said this at a media conference after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony for AKSADRON here today, which was also attended by Futurise chief executive officer Rosihan Zain.

He said Tasik Paya Bungor, which is located about 40 kilometres from the Gambang Toll Plaza, was chosen as the location for AKSADRON as it has an open space and a nice view of the lake, which is suitable for drone flying activities. 

The setting up of AKSADRON, which is expected to be opened to the public by the end of this year, is also part of the township development plans in Paya Besar.

The Malaysian Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF) and Drone Racing Association of Malaysia (DRAM) have also been appointed as AKSADRON advisors.

"The establishment of AKSADRON is also part of an initiative to enable more Malaysians, including those in rural areas, to be involved in drone technology so that we are not left behind in the fast-growing drone market.

"We already have new talents in drone sports who have achieved success in various overseas tournaments. AKSADRON can play the role of a coordinator so that the drone academy in Malaysia can be mobilised more systematically,” he said.

-- BERNAMA