The commercial drone revolution is affecting industries that range from agriculture to replacing dangerous jobs to the delivering of medicines to remote areas. According to a study by Price Waterhouse Cooper, the global market value for business services that use drones is over US$127 billion. The value quantifies the impact of drone technology through examination of commercial applications across different sectors.
If we are to derive the maximum socioeconomic benefits from Industry 4.0, we should not confine ourselves to merely importing and using the technologies associated with it. We must also look at potential business opportunities that it will bring. A key opportunity is in the manufacture of components that make up robotics, artificial intelligence products and the like.
Seeing an opportunity in the Malaysian market, the two women heading Best Events Productions Sdn Bhd, Ms Sarah Bakri and Ms Hanniz Efni decided to create an event to build awareness and move the industry forward.
The inaugural Global Drone Conference held on the 21st October 2019 with the theme “Asia’s Flightpath: Future Growth, Industry Verticals” co-hosted by Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) had speakers representing FlyingLabs (Nepal), Zipline (United States), UniKL MIAT, UiTM (Sarawak), Altınay Aerospace & Advanced Technologies (Turkey), Aeronerve, and Aerodyne (Malaysia with a global presence) sharing their experiences and solutions with industry leaders, the academia and general public. Showcases by Zipline, Aerodyne, Acis Technology, Average Drone, MUDAS, Aeronerve and Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM) was free for the public to visit.
The conference was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development, YB Datuk Wira Dr. Mohd Hatta Ramli.
“We are committed to building an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem that ensures the marginalised are given opportunities via the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030. This policy is in line with the government’s priority in creating high skilled jobs as we embrace a digital economy.
It is time we see more Malaysians venturing into non-traditional businesses such as the commercial drones sector. This will also create opportunities for work in other ASEAN countries who are also seeing a demand in the use of drone technology.” stated YB Datuk Wira Dr. Mohd Hatta Ramli.
“For Malaysia to move into the Industry 4.0 effectively it will require the convergence of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Big Data into drone technology. This will mean that we will see drones playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives and business activities”. States Hanniz Efni the organising chairman of the Global Drone Conference.
“Currently, drones are used extensively to carry out inspections or survey and map terrain in harsh or hazardous environments. For work on power lines or oil rigs, the benefits to the health and safety of human workers are clear”. Sarah Bakri added.
The Global Drone Conference was established to empower local and international drone solution companies in Malaysia with a support system to assist them to scale and ensure that a sustainable ecosystem is created for the growing drone industry globally.
This year’s conference focused on Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Public Safety & Emergency Services, Security; and Surveying & Mapping.
This first event is an introduction to what’s in store for the next conference to be held on 2 & 3 March 2020 at MITEC.
“We’re hoping to have a bigger showcase next year with round table sessions, workshops and a Drone Hackathon. We’re working closely with MITEC, local and international partners to make next year’s event even more exciting!” Shared Hanniz Efni.
ABOUT BEST EVENTS PRODUCTIONS
Best Events Productions is a brand experience and cause marketing agency which also produces its own events such as the Global Drone Conference. With over 10 years in the events industry, Best Events Productions has special skills in public events, exhibits, immersive and inventive technology and connecting people and businesses. Working alongside great brands such as McLaren, CHANEL, SHELL and Spirit Aerosystems worldwide, Best Events Productions is committed to doing something extraordinary every day.
ABOUT MITEC
MITEC was created to meet the growing demands of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry. Positioned as an economic catalyst and Gateway to Southeast Asia, MITEC’s modern corporate philosophy is closely aligned with its vision to see Malaysia becoming the leading MICE destination in the Southeast Asia region. The Venue is the game changer in the business events industry, giving Malaysia the capability to compete and meet the demand in new growing markets, including regional and international exhibitions, particularly the ‘mega-exhibition’ market which will attract over 100,000 visitors and conferences or conventions between 200 to 20,000 delegates.
THE SUN 22 OCTOBER 2019
BERITA HARIAN 22 OCTOBER 2019
