New agreement with KISMEC connects certified drone operators to agriculture industry opportunities
On March 25, 2025, Terra Drone Corporation announced that its Malaysian subsidiary, Terra Drone Agri, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kumpulan Inovasi dan Sumber Manusia untuk Pendidikan (KISMEC). KISMEC is a Malaysian vocational training institution focused on workforce development.
This new partnership aims to create more job opportunities for certified drone pilots in agriculture. By working with KISMEC, Terra Drone Agri will have access to a pool of trained drone operators who have earned the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency-Basic (RCoC-B).
The agreement helps both sides. Terra Drone Agri gains access to job-ready talent, while KISMEC reduces the cost of in-house training by matching graduates with real job openings.
Addressing Malaysia’s Workforce Challenges
Malaysia has shifted in recent decades from a manufacturing economy to one focused on high-tech and services. But this shift has come with challenges, including youth unemployment and a lack of skilled workers.
To address these problems, the Malaysian government launched the 9th Malaysia Plan in 2006. This plan supports skills training and human capital development. KISMEC was founded as part of this effort and has trained over 18,000 skilled workers.
KISMEC’s drone pilot program prepares students with practical, industry-relevant skills. Terra Drone Agri, which often needs certified drone operators, can now connect with these graduates directly.
Streamlining Hiring and Training
The MOU was signed in Kedah, Malaysia. It marks a shared effort to improve job placement for drone pilots in the agriculture sector.
“Through this partnership, Terra Drone Agri will gain direct access to qualified candidates who have completed KISMEC’s drone pilot certification program and obtained the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency-Basic (RCoC-B),” the company stated.
This deal allows Terra Drone Agri to “secure skilled human resources more efficiently, contributing to the advancement of drone pilot workforce development in Malaysia through strengthened industry-training collaboration.”
With this system in place, Terra Drone Agri can reduce time and costs linked to hiring and training.
Looking Ahead: Building a Strong Workforce
Both parties hope this partnership sets a model for other industries. KISMEC will continue to train and guide students through real-world work experience. Terra Drone Agri will benefit from a steady stream of certified and job-ready pilots.
“KISMEC will play a key role in preparing trainees with the skills necessary for employment, including industry insights and practical work experiences,” the release notes.
The MOU also supports Malaysia’s wider goal of building a flexible and sustainable high-tech workforce.
“Terra Drone aims to contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth by prioritizing the recruitment of highly skilled drone operators and fostering a flexible and sustainable workforce.”
About the Organizations
Terra Drone Corporation is a Japan-based global drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions provider. With more than 3,000 projects completed worldwide, the company serves sectors including energy, agriculture, and construction. Terra Drone was recently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market and was named the world’s top drone service provider for 2024.
Terra Drone Agri, a subsidiary in Malaysia, offers drone-based services such as agricultural spraying and land mapping.
KISMEC, based in Kedah, Malaysia, was founded in 1993. It provides skills training for workers and students across various industries and works with both public and private sector partners.
For more information, visit:
Terra Drone Agri: https://terra-droneagri.com
Terra Drone: http://www.terra-drone.net
KISMEC: https://www.kismec.org.my/website
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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