CJMY
Drone sports took centre stage at the recent Sabah Drone Open Day 2024, as enthusiasts and professionals gathered to celebrate the latest in drone technology and its applications.
Held on 29 and 30 October at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, the event showcased the future of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) across sectors, from agriculture to sports.
The two-day event served as a collaborative platform for Sabah’s budding drone ecosystem, aligned with the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Blueprint 2.0.
Drone sports take flight at Sabah Drone Open Day
One of the main attractions of the event was the “Sky Battle” Mini Drone Soccer Tournament, which offered a thrilling introduction to drone sports, a rapidly growing field that captivates audiences worldwide.
The tournament featured 40 students from eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions who competed in fast-paced drone soccer matches.
Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hashim bin Pajian, Chief Executive of SEDIA, praised the event, saying, “The Sabah Drone Open Day 2024 represents a meaningful step towards positioning Sabah as a hub for innovation and technological advancement in the region.
By collaborating with Futurise, we are creating new opportunities for local talent and industries to explore and adopt drone technology, ultimately supporting Sabah’s economic development.”
The event not only offered live demonstrations and simulators for budding drone racers but also provided a hands-on learning experience for attendees.
The inclusion of these activities aimed to inspire young talent in Sabah to explore careers in UAV technology, helping to prepare them for roles in industries as diverse as security, agriculture, and logistics.
Futurise and SEDIA to advance drone technology
The event also marked an important collaboration between Futurise and SEDIA, as they jointly signed a Letter of Interest (LOI) to underscore their commitment to fostering innovation within Sabah’s technology landscape.
This partnership aims to support Sabah’s vision of creating a sustainable and competitive future through skill-building initiatives in drone technology.
Rosihan Zain Baharudin, CEO of Futurise, stated, “This event marks a significant milestone as the first Futurise initiative in East Malaysia, emphasising our commitment to advancing technology and community engagement.
Sabah Drone Open Day serves as a catalyst for future opportunities in drone technology and sports across Malaysia.”
The event’s collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors indicate strong local support for technological advancement.
With contributions from AKSADRON and SEDIA, the event has set the stage for more extensive drone training and education opportunities that could lead to new career paths in drone-related fields.
Building a future of innovation in Sabah
The Sabah Drone Open Day successfully attracted a diverse audience, including students, industry professionals, and government representatives, all eager to understand the potential of UAV technology.
The event facilitated networking, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration among the next generation of drone professionals.
The interactive sessions, ranging from forums to live demos, demonstrated the potential of drone technology to transform sectors beyond sports.
From improving efficiency in agriculture to enhancing public safety, drones have vast potential to contribute to Sabah’s economic growth and competitive edge.
Furthermore, the organisers hope the event will encourage further exploration of drone sports and technology, potentially making Sabah a significant player in Malaysia’s tech landscape.
By integrating drone education into local institutions, Sabah is equipping its youth with skills aligned with the digital economy and a globally competitive future.
Futurise Sdn Bhd with the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) and the National Academy of Drone Sports Excellence (AKSADRON) organised the open day.
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Jimmy Tan
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