Yong (left) with Ungku Ahmad (right) looking at a drone football model at the forum in EduCity Sports Complex, Iskandar Puteri.
AROUND 25 countries are set to participate in an international drone soccer competition organised by Malaysian Autonomous Intelligence and Robotics Association (MyAIRA) next year.
MyAIRA president Yong Chong Soon said that the event aims to expose the local community to the sport of drone soccer.
It also aims to develop local talent to represent Malaysia on the global stage.
“We plan to hold the competition in August next year at EduCity Sports Complex in collaboration with Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP).
“Our goal is to establish Iskandar Puteri as a hub for drone technology, robotics and artificial intelligence,” he told StarMetro after the opening ceremony of a drone and robotics exchange forum with Taiwanese students at EduCity Sports Complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
“About 25 countries are expected to take part, including the United States, the Philippines, Morocco, Turkiye, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China and United Kingdom.”
Yong added that drone soccer could also be used as a tool for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects.
“In South Korea, drone soccer is played by people of all ages; from as young as seven to as old as 70.
“We also want to replicate what China calls the low-altitude economy in Iskandar Puteri.
A player deeply engrossed during the event.
“This involves using airspace below commercial aviation altitude for economic activities involving drones.”
He said the international drone soccer competition will boost preparations to send a Malaysian team to the Drone Soccer World Cup in South Korea in September next year.
“We must begin training early to ensure we have a strong team to compete in the tournament,” Yong added.
MBIP’s Community Development director Ungku Ahmad Ungku Mohd Zakaria said Iskandar Puteri is no stranger to hosting technology-oriented programmes and is open to future collaborations.
“We’re grateful that MyAIRA has partnered with MBIP for this initiative.
“We hope this marks the beginning of a nationwide drone soccer competition,” he said, adding that the event aligns with the Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.
“These type of events attract participants and their families, creating a significant economic impact.
“From hotels to tourist attractions as well as food and beverage outlets, the local economy benefits greatly,” he added.
