MIRI: Eight students from Curtin University Malaysia were awarded scholarships by Drone Academy Asia (DAA), securing a place in one of the region’s most sought-after professional drone training programmes.
Crystal Yap Yin, Angellica Hui Xin Xuan, Kunaal Haridas, Lai Yong Jun, Jacky Darwin Chandra Uvat Albert, Allan Kong Anak Giraw, and Awangku Zuhairi Awangku Feazirroeddin underwent intensive training to become certified drone pilots, with each scholarship valued at RM6,500.
The five-day Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency Basic (RCOC-B) course, held from June 30 to July 4, saw the students train alongside industry professionals, learning how to navigate regulatory frameworks, master safety protocols, and operate drones with precision.
All eight passed their final examinations, gaining industry-recognised certification that could open doors to careers in agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspection- fields where drones are increasingly transforming the way work is done.
Lim Guang Ming, General Manager of Drone Academy Asia, presented the awards in Miri, calling the achievement a milestone.
“We are committed to equipping the next generation of leaders with the certified skills to harness drone technology safely, effectively and within Malaysia’s aviation regulatory framework,” he said.
This is the second year Curtin Malaysia students have received the scholarships, underlining a growing relationship between the university and DAA.
Several of the awardees are founding members of Curtin Malaysia’s newly established Drone Club, guided by lecturer Foad Motalebi from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
He said the certification gave students not only technical expertise but also the confidence to innovate responsibly.
“These scholarships show the real impact of industry partnerships. They bridge classroom learning with real-world application, and our students are now well placed to contribute to Malaysia’s fast-growing drone sector,” added Associate Dean for External Engagement Dr Lim Chye Ing.
