Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia Aviation Skills Standard Association (MASSA) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korean technology company Braindrop to explore aviation safety initiatives related to the risks posed by lithium batteries and power banks in aircraft cabins. The strategic collaboration was signed by MASSA president Dr Nur Zairahtul Amirah and Braindrop chief executive officer Kim James.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MASSA stated in a statement that the collaboration intends to introduce and technically evaluate the fire-control technology developed by Braindrop, including the 'TNFT Air-Pouch', which is a special fire-resistant bag to support efforts to mitigate the risk of battery thermal runaway incidents on board aircraft. The initiative aligns with increasing global awareness of lithium battery-related incidents in the aviation industry, particularly involving power banks and portable electronic devices carried by passengers.

Both parties are expected to explore technical evaluation and testing initiatives in Malaysia, in addition to holding engagement sessions with local aviation industry players and public awareness programs in the future. It added that the initiative is still at the engagement stage and does not currently represent any form of official confirmation or certification by the authorities, with the initial focus being on Malaysia before the potential expansion to the wider Southeast Asia region later.