Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is experiencing rapid growth, with applications expanding well beyond traditional uses such as aerial photography and agriculture. Today, UAVs play increasingly vital roles in logistics, transportation, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, smart city initiatives, and the emerging low-altitude economy.
In line with these developments, 28 students and instructors from VTAR Institute’s electronics and electricals programs have embarked on a one-month training program at the Nanjing Vocational Institute of Transport Technology in China. The scholarship-funded initiative, which began recently, is designed to provide Malaysian technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students with exposure to advanced UAV technologies.
VTAR Institute’s chief executive officer, Tan Cheng Liang, emphasized that UAV technology integrates multiple disciplines including mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, automatic control, communication networks, artificial intelligence, and data applications. She noted that the program aims not only to develop students' operational skills but also to deepen their understanding of the underlying technological principles, system design, and industrial uses of UAVs.
Tan highlighted the institute’s broader objectives of fostering cross-disciplinary learning, enhancing international exchange, and promoting closer ties between industry and education. She explained that by gaining hands-on experience with UAV technology, the students could link their existing technical knowledge with emerging fields, cultivating a well-rounded approach to technology and problem-solving.
She also encouraged the participants to adopt a proactive mindset and embrace continuous learning. “Future workplace competition is no longer simply about possessing skills in a single discipline. Employers increasingly need versatile talent who can think across disciplines, integrate different technologies, and apply innovative approaches to solve real-world problems,” Tan said. She urged students to take full advantage of the international exposure by actively engaging beyond academic instruction, and to bring back valuable knowledge that could benefit Malaysia’s technological development.
Student representative Goh Jia Weng described the program as both meaningful and valuable, providing insights into China’s vocational education system and highlighting the strong link between innovation and industry application. He said the experience was not only educational but also a chance to challenge personal limits, explore unfamiliar technologies, and encounter new teaching methods and cultural perspectives.
“This is not just a learning journey, but also an opportunity to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zone,” Goh said. He added that these experiences are expected to play a significant role in shaping their future personal and professional growth.