Selangor to open Drone Centre of Excellence in Bestari Jaya

Selangor is now the first state in Malaysia to establish a Centre of Excellence for Drone (SDEC) in Bestari Jaya to further spur the industry’s progress.

Selangor Aviation Technology and Innovation Sdn Bhd (Selati) managing director Mohd Zulkifli Zakaria said the state government had mandated the company to develop SDEC.

The mandate encompasses several components: drone testing, training, development, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and drone games.

“SDEC has all the facilities needed for drone testing, including land, water and air.

“Our testing space spans 40 kilometres, and we also provide professional drone training for pilots.

“The pilots will be challenged to fly the drone not only under ordinary circumstances but also during critical times, including fires, accidents, stormy weather and disasters,” he said.

SDEC and Sky Futures (M) Sdn Bhd (Sky Futures) inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2022.

The MoU marked the collaboration between both parties for developing the SDEC, where Selati will provide a training centre for Sky-Futures.

Mohd Zulkifli added that Selati had conducted testing procedures for a few companies since March this year.

“Next, we will be conducting tests with one of the biggest government-linked companies in Malaysia for three months. Following that, we will be manufacturing a drone prototype for a local petroleum company.

“The company will purchase the drone, and we will provide space for testing. It is not easy to find testing space. Therefore, with all our facilities, we will try and help players in the drone industry to test their prototypes and obtain flying approval.

“As Selangor is an industrial state, we have to ensure we can provide the best facilities for the industry according to its current needs and requirements,” he said.

SAS 2022 takes place at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre (RAC), Subang, from September 8 to September 10.

The companies confirmed their participation in the event include Dassault Aviation, Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, and Superb Access Solutions Sdn Bhd.

Source: Selangor Journal