The pilot academy at CENTEXS Concrete was developed in partnership with the private sector

BETONG, Sept. 26: The pilot academy or flying academy at CENTEXS Betong will be developed in partnership with the private sector to provide flight-related training including drone operation.

The proposal is in line with technological developments especially in the modern agricultural sector which increasingly require the use of drones to improve operational efficiency.

According to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the use of drones in agriculture requires operators with related skills and licenses.

"Modern farming needs drones. We need people who can operate drones and to fly drones, they need a license.

"That's why I support that we create a flying academy here with the private sector because it involves licensing", he said.

He said this while addressing the inaugural meeting of Sarawakku Sayang Program (SKS) Betong Division today.

He said these skills are essential for the younger generation in rural areas to master new technologies and then apply them to agriculture.

He said the airspace in Betong area could also be used as a training location to allow participants to learn practical aspects of drone operation.

According to him, mastering drone technology is just one of the skills needed in the face of a new era economy, with robotics also expected to play an increasingly important role in the future.

For the record, a proposal for setting up a permanent campus of CENTEXS in Betong was previously approved by Prime Minister Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Betong Division Stage Employment Programme in 2024.

In the meantime, Brother Johari said that human capital development must move with Sarawak's increasingly technological and knowledge-based economic transformation.

He said that younger generations should be equipped with knowledge and skills to meet the economic needs of the new era.

Under the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES), a total of 64 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based programs as well as several other fields are offered to students.

For 2026, RM200 million has been allocated for the FTES implementation involving about 8,000 new students. - TVS