USM'S AEROSPACE STUDENTS DOMINATE HPTN 2024 DRONE CHALLENGE

BUTTERWORTH, 15 December 2024 – Students from the School of Aerospace Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have recently achieved notable success by attaining first and third place in the Drone Model Development and Testing Competition at Hari Profesion Teknikal Negara (HPTN) 2024.

The event, organised by the Public Works Department of Malaysia (JKR), served as a prestigious platform that celebrated innovation and technical excellence, thereby showcasing the nation's most accomplished talents in the domain of drone technology.

The competition, held on 11 December 2024 at the Penang International Convention, Cultural & Arts Centre in Butterworth, attracted top institutions from across the country.

Participants showcased their cutting-edge drone designs and technical expertise, but USM’s students stood out for their exceptional creativity, teamwork, and technical acumen, earning them top honors and high praise.

Themed "Technical Profession: Driving Excellence in Technology," the event served to emphasise the pivotal function of the technical workforce in the advancement and modernisation of nations.

The Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering, Professor Dr. Farzad Ismail, commended the students for their exceptional accomplishments.

“Congratulations to the students and kudos to the USM Aerospace Engineering team for their stellar achievement!

“Your success reflects your dedication and passion for advancing drone technology. Keep flying high!” said Professor Farzad.

He emphasised that this achievement is a testament to not only the students' hard work but also USM's commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation in cutting-edge fields such as aerospace and drone technology.

Their remarkable performance at HPTN 2024 further substantiates the university's position as a leading institution in technological innovation, setting a benchmark for excellence in education and research.

The event also underscores the significance of empowering human capital through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a mission that is being championed by JKR and its partners.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Hasfizani Haji Ariffin