Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is the first university in Southeast Asia to offer the Applied Unmanned Technology Qualification (AUTQ) course, beginning in November, said its vice-president of Corporate Relations Datuk Fajura Juffa Mohd Mustafa Kamal.

She said the two-week course was opened to other university students, external professionals and hobbyists who wish to become qualified to fly unmanned aerial technology (UAV) or drones.

According to her, the university had entered into a global strategic partnership with the leading United Kingdom provider of commercial drone training, Strat Aero PLC last Wednesday which would enable Malaysia to have full potential in UAV technology.

"The courses are accredited by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. The graduates will be taught to understand UAVs, fly safely, deliver professional results through industry designed modules.

"Among the modules are air law, airmanship, airspace classification and aviation charts, commercial factors, meteorology, navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS)," she told a press conference announcing the partnership here today. Also present was Strat Aero chief executive officer Iain Mclure.

Fajura said Strat Aero had also designed an elective course for the new intake of Limkokwing University students from four selected faculties to enhance their skills set and professional employability as qualified UAV flyers.

These courses in Architecture & Building Environment; Design Innovation; Information Communication Technology; and Multimedia Creativity are expected to start in February next year.

Meanwhile, Mclure said Strat Aero was looking forward to work with Limkokwing University to roll-out its professional and expertise UAV training solutions especially in flood defence, building detailed 3-D (three dimension) model and forestry conservation project. -- Bernama