Curtin Malaysia and Drone Academy Asia team up to offer cutting-edge drone training and safety programmes

Miri – 6 February 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) and Drone Academy Asia (DAA), Malaysia’s premier Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)-approved remote pilot training organisation, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for transformative industry-academia collaboration reflecting their shared commitment to fostering innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving field of drone technology.

This partnership also aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, advancing awareness of regulatory standards for safe drone operation.

Signing on behalf of Curtin Malaysia was Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Simon Leunig, while Director and Accountable Manager Erin Hoo signed for Drone Academy Asia.

Under the MoU, Curtin Malaysia and Drone Academy Asia will jointly promote awareness among students, the public, and industry professionals in Sarawak about regulatory requirements for safe drone operation. They will also jointly conduct a CAAM-certified remote pilot programme at Curtin Malaysia.

“This programme will provide participants with cutting-edge training that meets the highest industry standards and ensure they are well-equipped to navigate the skies responsibly,” Prof. Leunig said.

He said the collaboration was also about empowerment of Curtin Malaysia’s staff and students whereby Drone Academy Asia will offer staff discounted rate for Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency Basic (RCoC-B) training Programme. Drone Academy Asia will furthermore provide two scholarships for students to undergo the RCoC-B training quarterly for the duration of the MOU.

“These initiatives will be key to driving innovation and excellence at Curtin Malaysia, enhancing the skill set of our staff and students, and aligning with the demands of today’s dynamic market,” he remarked.

He added that Curtin Malaysia remains open to exploring other areas of cooperation with Drone Academy Asia that may benefit both parties. “We recognise the importance of other forms of collaboration as necessitated by the dynamic nature of both the drone and education industries. By leveraging on Drone Academy Asia’s cutting-edge training facilities, highly-experienced professional drone pilot instructors, and quality training courses, along with our strengths in research, academia, professional development, and training, we can stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.”

Meanwhile, Hoo gave a briefing on Drone Academy Asia’s industry-leading drone innovation and training programmes, saying that the programmes are both approved by CAAM and certified by technology giant DJI (SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd). She added that the academy’s training programmes have received recognition from Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC).

Besides providing certified drone training courses, Drone Academy Asia is a DJI Enterprise Distributor in Malaysia. The company offers other services such as equipment and software supply, compliance documentation, consultation and proof of concepts, customised advanced equipment, and application-based courses.

Also present at the signing were Curtin Malaysia’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Lee, Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Prof. Tuong-Thuy Vu, Associate Dean of External Engagement Associate Prof. Ir. Lim Chye Ing, Dean of Learning and Teaching Prof. Tang Fu Ee, and Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong, while Drone Academy Asia was also represented by Chief Remote Pilot and Maintenance Controller Lim Guang Ming, Safety Manager Arvin Raam, and Bryan Ting, Sales and Marketing Coordinator of Drone Academy Asia’s partner, Chemsain.

For additional information about Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Prof Leunig (left) and Hoo signing the MoU

Prof Leunig (5th right) and Ho exchanging copies of the MoU while Leong, Ting, Arvin, Lim, Prof Lee, Chong, Prof Vu and Assoc Prof Lim look on.