CYBERJAYA — The National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap (Nadsar) was launched today to drive the growth of drone sports and foster talent in Malaysia’s expanding drone industry.
Selangor state executive councillor for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship, Mohd Najwan Halimi, highlighted the roadmap, developed by Futurise Sdn Bhd, as a key initiative to establish comprehensive strategies, including regulations, for drone sports.
He emphasised that drones have evolved into a sport, capturing public interest and raising awareness, particularly among youth, about the advanced technology.
“There are currently drone racing and drone soccer. In the future, we could see even more sports emerging from this technology,” he told reporters after launching Nadsar and officiating Drift 2024: Drone Hub Innovation for Future Talents here today.
The event also featured the signing of Letters of Intent (LOI) between Cyberview Sdn Bhd and Drone Academy Asia, as well as between Futurise and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
Najwan expressed optimism that the National Sports Institute (NSI) would support the initiative by organising drone competitions at various levels, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on embracing technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI).
“Drones represent one area we can explore and develop further. The key is to ensure drones add value and benefit to the youth and the nation as a whole,” he said.
Futurise CEO Rosihan Zain Baharudin noted that Nadsar is essential for strengthening collaboration in drone sports development across schools, universities, and grassroots communities.
He said the roadmap seeks to strengthen Malaysia’s drone sports ecosystem through coordinated efforts involving drone technology regulators and relevant sports bodies.
“Through Nadsar, we aim to work with grassroots, particularly youth, to provide exposure and training, enabling them to participate in drone sports,” he said.
Rosihan highlighted that over 200 youths have been trained in drone technology, reflecting encouraging growth in the sector.
“Their response has been very positive. Through our training programmes, participants not only learn about drone operation but also related technologies such as 3D printing and software design.
“These elements in drone sports spark significant interest, encouraging youth to engage not only in the sport but also in the broader drone industry,” he added.
Regarding the LOI with UMPSA, Rosihan said it would enable the development of an online training module, making drone activities accessible to a broader audience.
“These online training programmes will allow us to reach a larger group, especially among the youth,” he said.
Earlier, Cyberview CEO Kamarul Ariffin expressed pride in supporting drone sports development, which contributes to Selangor’s economic resilience and sustainability.
“Our contribution includes providing a technological landscape, including infrastructure and support for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the drone technology field in Cyberjaya,” he said. — November 29, 2024