Drone room at estate Tamil school earns minister’s praise

PETALING JAYA: An estate Tamil primary school’s initiative in setting up a drone room has won praise from the minister for science, technology and innovation, Chang Lih Kang.

Drone technology has unique advantages that can attract students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Chang said at the launch of the drone room at SJKT Ladang Katoyang in Tanjong Malim, Bernama reported.

He said a more interactive and engaging learning approach using drones could help make science and technology more accessible to schoolchildren while encouraging them to explore science and technology-related knowledge.

“The launch of the drone room is an initiative that brings together collaboration among all stakeholders, including industry players, the government, the community and educational institutions,” Chang said.

“This is a model that we believe can succeed in developing talented young people in science, technology and the arts,” he told reporters.

Although drones are often seen as an appealing and accessible technology, their use involved a wide range of STEM-related skills, including coding, artificial intelligence, engineering and data analysis, he added.

“Through drones, students can directly observe how technology is applied in smart agriculture, search and rescue operations, disaster management and air transport. Early exposure to drone technology is important in preparing the younger generation for the rapid growth of the industry, which is expected to require a larger skilled workforce in the future,” he said.

He added that drone technology education could also pave the way for high-income professional careers in the increasingly important industry.

In a separate development, Chang said the government recognises the importance of solar energy in addressing the global energy crisis, but noted that it cannot serve as the country’s primary source of electricity supply due to its dependence on weather conditions and sunlight availability.

“Therefore, we also need to explore alternatives beyond solar because it cannot function as a baseload energy source. At present, natural gas and coal serve as the baseload sources. In the future, we will explore other options such as hydropower, geothermal energy and nuclear power,” he said.