‘Early exposure to drone tech essential to spark interest'

The Star

2 days ago

Zuraidy (left) watching participant Anis Zahra Rahmat (second from left) at the competition which was held at a Johor Baru mall. — Bernama
Primary school pupils as young as nine can be introduced to drone technology.
Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) Automation and Drone unit head Zuraidy Shamsudin said early exposure was essential to capture their interest especially as they witness the growing use of drones in today's world.
He said initiatives such as the Madani Rakyat Junior drone competition would provide early exposure, especially for primary school pupils.
'By the time they reach Form Two, many of them are introduced to coding classes, and drones are closely linked to coding, particularly for autonomous functions,' he told Bernama.
'That's where they can further nurture their interest in drones, applying the coding skills they have learned.
'From there, it is up to them to continue advancing to higher levels in the future.'
Categorised as an air sport, the drone operating competition, organised as part of the Johor Madani Rakyat (PMR) programme, was held at Toppen Shopping Centre in Johor Baru.
It drew participation from more than 100 schoolchildren as well as members of the public.
Zuraidy, the chief coordinator of the programme, said learning about drones offered promising career opportunities in the future.
Three categories were contested – primary school, secondary school and public.
A total of 27 participants qualified for the final competition in their respective categories.
'For the final, only 15 primary school participants, seven secondary school participants and five individuals for the open category were selected to compete for cash prizes and certificates,' Zuraidy said.
He said most participants brought their personal mini-drones, while CIAST prepared units for those who needed them in the competition.
A participant Muhammad Aisy Fareeq Abdus Shakur, 12, from SK Seri Kencana, Simpang Renggam, said his interest in gadgets drove him to participate in mini drone competitions regularly.
'The most important thing in operating a drone is managing takeoff and navigating through obstacles because the controls are sensitive and require a lot of patience,' he said.
For Avery Li Theepakaran, 16, from SMK Taman Desa Jaya, this was his first time participating in a drone competition.
He said the experience has deepened his interest in operating drones, something he had previously only seen on social media.