Hands-on simulation: Khoo guiding Kurup on how to control a drone at Tech Dome Penang. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia’s drone industry has taken a big leap forward with its global Drone Readiness Index (DRI) rising to 21st spot from 30th last year.
Two local drone service provider companies – Aerodyne and Meraque – are also ranked first and 18th respectively, globally.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the government had initiated the Malaysia Drone Technology Action Plan 2022-2030 (MDTAP30) as a show of support for the growing industry.
“Drone technology is fast evolving. We can see that MDTAP30 has helped us rise in the DRI.
“Now, we are 21st globally compared to 30th spot last year.
“We have two local drone service providers which made it to the Top 20 worldwide.
“This shows that we are capable of doing great things in the global drone service provider industry,” he told reporters yesterday.
The DRI is updated yearly and is part of the Drone Industry Insights annual Drone Regulation Report that rates participating countries on six parameters – applicability, operational scope, human resources, administrative infrastructure, certification and airspace integration.
The report said countries with the strongest increase in drone readiness are the United Kingdom, Brazil, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and China.
Kurup said science, technology and innovation has played a key role and foundation in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in terms of economic, societal, safety and environmental aspects of the nation.
He also said the ministry had launched the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2021-2030) in Dec 2020.
The policy contained six thrusts, 20 strategies and 46 initiatives with the aim to turn the country into a high-tech nation.
MDTAP30, he said, was initiated as a national agenda to support the evolution of drone tech in the country.
“MDTAP30 has the potential to generate growth of RM50.71bil from the gross domestic product and create 100,000 job opportunities by 2030 through the integration of drones into many industries.
“The main objectives of MDTAP30 are to create a conducive environment for drone technology development, establish a regulatory framework for safe and secure drone operations, drone technology development programmes, promote the adoption of drones in various sectors and enhance the capabilities of local drone industry players,” he said.
Earlier, Kurup launched a drone gallery in Tech Dome Penang at Komtar here.
At the ceremony, Tech Dome chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said the gallery was the centre’s latest addition that showcased the marvels of science and technology.
“The world never stops changing and we, especially our next generation, need to keep on learning and exploring new things.
“As a science centre, we need to have a balance between pure science such as physics and biology, and introduce technologies to the future generations,” he said.
Those present were treated to a synchronised drone aerial display that was programmed for the exhibition.
The drone gallery allows visitors to experience flying a drone and cultivate interest in the technologies.
It also features multiple flyable drones as well as others for display, and includes a simulation station for visitors to experience drone flying.
