KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12: The President of Yayasan Mahir Malaysia, Datuk P. Sri Ganes, has been conferred the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel (PA) by the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM).
This conferment is in recognition of his strategic contributions and unwavering commitment to empowering the agency’s operational capabilities through drone technology.
Sri Ganes, who is also the founder of SG TVET Group, has spearheaded a significant Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to develop and contribute Drone Mission Expertise specifically for APM.
This strategic collaboration has achieved several key milestones, including Core Capability Development in 2023 and the completion of training 20 selected APM officers from across the nation at the ALPHA Bangi Training Centre. This established a core team of certified drone instructors.
Other markers include official CAAM Accreditation in 2024, which successfully established and received approval for the first CAAM-certified RPTO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation) at the Eastern Civil Defence Training Centre (PULAPAT).
As a pioneer in drone skills education since 2016, Sri Ganes’ contributions have directly enhanced APM’s preparedness and effectiveness in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and disaster management.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel (PA). It is a profound honour to serve and contribute to our frontline heroes at APM,” said Sri Ganes.
“This recognition is a testament to the power of Public-Private Partnerships. Our mission is to ensure APM is equipped with the latest technology and sustainable expertise to continue protecting Malaysians. This is not the end, but the beginning of an even stronger commitment.”
The conferment of this rank further solidifies the relationship between Yayasan Mahir Malaysia and APM, marking another significant step in the integration of advanced technology within the nation’s civil defence services.