The groundbreaking DRA International Championship 2023 made history as the world’s inaugural indoor vertical drone race, captivating audiences in Plaza Low Yat, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur from 1 to 3 December 2023. Spearheaded by Drone Race Asia, the foremost First Person View (FPV) drone racing organisation headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, this momentous occasion was a collaborative effort with Magic Beans Alchemy Sdn Bhd and the DRA Drone Racing Club. Over three exhilarating days, this event signalled the commencement of an exciting series of future drone races jointly organised by DRA and Magic Beans Alchemy across the region. Notably, the esteemed YB Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, presided over the event, marking its official commencement.
A gathering of 28 skilled pilots from 8 countries attended the race, marking Malaysia’s inaugural drone racing event that successfully drew international participation. After intense competition, Marvin Schaepper from Liechtenstein (pilot call sign ‘MARV_FPV’) was crowned the Champion, while Minjae Kim from Korea (pilot call sign ‘Minjae’) was first runner up. Meanwhile, the 8-year-old Worawit Subsri from Thailand (pilot call sign ‘PEPPER FPV’) snagged the second runner up prize.
YY Choy, Director of Magic Beans Alchemy Sdn Bhd, said, “We’re proud to see the overwhelming support from the Malaysian government and local communities. Not only that, we have also managed to secure international pilots, further cementing this race as one to remember. This event will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a prime location for future drone races.”
“DroneRaceAsia International Championship 2023 is not just a race. It’s a mission to cultivate Malaysia’s professional drone racing scene. We aspire to unearth raw talent from the grassroots. Besides that, it’s a catalyst for the master drone racers to become mentors and role models, inspiring future drone racers to take flight towards greatness,” said Johnson, President of DRA Drone Racing Club.
“In the 2023 Drone Readiness Index (DRI), Malaysia emerged as the leading nation in Southeast Asia for its burgeoning drone industry. Malaysia has been effectively using drones to boost efficiency and minimise risks across various industries such as agriculture, mapping, surveillance, and more. Alongside these applications, high-speed drone races have gained global recognition, steadily rising in popularity worldwide,” said YB Hannah Yeoh.
“It is exciting to note that as of 2020, being a professional drone pilot has evolved into a lucrative career option. As businesses increasingly recognise the potential and diverse applications of drones, skilled pilots now have the chance to pursue a fulfilling career in fields like aerospace and agriculture. Proficient drone pilots can anticipate promising career growth opportunities, aligning with the government’s goal to empower the workforce and enhance the employability of fresh graduates,” she added.
Drone racing stands out as a thrilling sport that caters to the adventurous soul intrigued by technology. It is one of the pioneering sports globally that offers athletes an unprecedented experience by enabling them to control drones through a first-person view (FPV). Zooming at incredible speeds surpassing 120km/h, FPV drone racing consistently delivers an electrifying spectacle, captivating enthusiasts and bystanders alike. What makes it truly exceptional is its fusion of the virtual realm with tangible reality, creating an immersive blend unlike any other sport. Essential gear encompasses specialised goggles, a controller, and the drone itself.
“Since its establishment in 1999, Plaza Low Yat has remained the premier destination for tech enthusiasts. This aligns perfectly with the cutting-edge world of FPV drone racing. We take great pride in hosting the world’s first-ever vertical drone race within our premises,” said Ng Wei Ling, Area General Manager of Plaza Low Yat.
Malaysia served as the inaugural site for the DRA, with upcoming locations to be announced in the future. Envisioned as an annual fixture, this championship aims to expand its horizons in the future, exploring diverse facets of drone racing, and potentially introducing a freestyle competition among its highlights.
In closing, the organisers extend their heartfelt gratitude to KBS for the GPS grant, and to RakanMuda, Ministry of Youth and Sports, MSAF, and our esteemed sponsors, whose unwavering support and contributions were instrumental in elevating this event to an extraordinary success.
To find out more about drone racing and how you can participate, please visit Drone Race Asia’s website at www.droneraceasia.com.
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