Terra Drone Agri, a subsidiary of Terra Drone, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kumpulan Inovasi dan Sumber Manusia untuk Pendidikan (KISMEC), an industrial skills and management development center in Malaysia. The agreement aims to enhance employment opportunities for certified drone pilots by facilitating job placements and recruitment efforts in the agriculture sector.
Addressing Workforce Challenges Through Industry Collaboration
The collaboration between Terra Drone Agri and KISMEC is set against the backdrop of Malaysia’s transition from a manufacturing-based economy to one driven by high-tech industries. This shift has highlighted challenges such as a shortage of skilled labor and rising youth unemployment. In response, the Malaysian government initiated the 9th Malaysia Plan to strengthen human capital development through education and vocational training programs, leading to the establishment of institutions like KISMEC.
KISMEC’s drone pilot certification program provides trainees with industry-relevant skills, including the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency-Basic (RCoC-B), which aligns with the growing demand for drone operators. While KISMEC focuses on equipping trainees with the necessary expertise, Terra Drone Agri requires skilled professionals to support its operations. Through this partnership, certified graduates from KISMEC will have direct access to employment opportunities within Terra Drone Agri, ensuring a smoother job-matching process while reducing the need for additional in-house training.
The signing ceremony took place in Kedah, Malaysia, in the presence of key representatives from both organizations. KISMEC was represented by Executive Director Haji Mohd Yusuri Bin Yusof and Assistant General Manager Kamal Harmoni Bin Kamal Ariff, while Terra Drone Agri was represented by Operational Manager Mohd Hafizuddin Shah Bin Abd. Latip and Region Head Muhamad Firdaus Bin Azman. The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to bridging the gap between vocational training and industry needs.
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
KISMEC’s role in this initiative extends beyond certification, as it prepares trainees with practical work experience and industry insights. Terra Drone Agri, on the other hand, benefits from a steady influx of certified talent, allowing it to adapt more effectively to the evolving labor market. As part of this collaboration, Terra Drone Agri has already recruited eight drone pilots referred by KISMEC, who are now actively contributing to the company’s operations.
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By facilitating direct employment pathways, this partnership supports Malaysia’s economic development by enhancing workforce readiness in the high-tech sector. It also reinforces the importance of aligning vocational education with industry demands to ensure long-term sustainability in the job market.
Future Prospects
The MOU represents a step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s drone pilot workforce through closer cooperation between education and industry. By focusing on structured recruitment strategies and skills development, Terra Drone Agri and KISMEC are working towards creating a competitive workforce capable of meeting the demands of the drone industry.
Through this collaboration, Terra Drone Agri aims to play a role in the nation’s economic growth by prioritizing the recruitment of highly skilled drone pilots while fostering a more adaptable and job-ready workforce.
