Other facilities include an internationally sanctioned drone racing track with a pilot pit, spectator stands and a control tower 

by AZALEA AZUAR / pic source Futurise

CYBERVIEW Sdn Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Futurise Sdn Bhd, has launched Malaysia’s first National Academy for Drone Sports Excellence (AKSADRON) in Kuantan, Pahang. 

The academy would be Malaysia’s first drone sports hub, as well as for high-performance drone activities where it would feature a drone racing track and will play host to internationally sanctioned drone sports events. 

Other facilities included are an internationally sanctioned drone racing track with a pilot pit, spectator stands and a control tower. 

AKSADRON is meant to be a centre for drone enthusiasts and technical experts and even include classrooms, workshops, flight simulators, workspaces and accommodation. 

The academy will also lead unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development programmes to foster local talents in this new industry. 

Measuring approximately 3.15 acres (1.27ha) wide, the AKSADRON is located at Tasik Paya Bungor within the Paya Besar vicinity in Pahang’s capital.

The facility is also surrounded by open space to enable high-performance drone flying and is expected to be opened to the public by the end of 2022. 

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah where he said that this is an important step towards Malaysia becoming a global drone industry and an Asean drone hub. 

“With AKSADRON, we will see greater cultivation of our Malaysian talent to meet the demands of the growing drone industry in the nation and across the globe. 

“It also marks a catalytic push to stimulate and facilitate the skill of the youth through drone sports,” he said in a statement. 

He encourages all Malaysians to participate in AKSADRON’s programmes in order to increase their technical knowledge and capabilities in drone technology so that Malaysia would progress. 

Shahar also expressed his excitement that the state of Pahang has been chosen for this drone academy which is in line with Paya Besar’s township development plans. 

“As the first drone sports zone in the country, AKSADRON will help open doors for talents in Pahang and the entire East Coast region, creating diversified economic activities and ensuring inclusive growth and equitable development for all,” Mohd Shahar added. 

Meanwhile, Futurise CEO Rosihan Zain also commented regarding Malaysia’s drone industry which is not only rapidly flourishing throughout the country but all over the world too. 

He is confident that Malaysia is in a good position to capitalise this opportunity. 

“Drone technology possesses a multitude of compelling potential for many sectors from agriculture to defence, proving to be a game-changer in industry transformation. 

“AKSADRON will prime Malaysian talents with the necessary high-level UAV expertise through various training programmes,” Rosihan said. 

The academy will play a role in drone recreational activities while also enhancing the skills of talents for multiple sectors. 

The CEO also added that this academy marks another milestone in Futurise’s commitment to develop UAV in Malaysia which started out back in 2019 when Cyberjaya was established as the country’s first Drone Testing Zone. 

The launch was also attended by industry players from both the public and private sector and also opened with a drone racing demonstration and presentations from the Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF) and the Drone Racing Association Malaysia (DRAM). 

These two parties will be AKSADRON’s advisors alongside other stakeholders. 

On the other hand, Futurise will manage and administer the academy, as well as partner with MSAF and DRAM to enable a variety of training programmes spanning from beginner to advanced levels. 

Worldwide, the drone market is estimated to be worth US$41.3 billion (RM174.29 billion) in 2026 at a 9.4% compound annual growth rate.