UCTS sets up state’s first drone research, application centre

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Wong (right) checks out the simulation exercise for drones meant for beginners.

SIBU: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) has achieved a milestone with the establishment of the first ever Drone Research and Application Centre (DRAC) in Sarawak to spearhead the introduction of drone applications and training.

According to Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, the setting up of DRAC was also in line with the roadmap and aspirations of the Sarawak Digital Economy initiative.

DRAC was established through collaborative efforts between UCTS and its Taiwanese partners, namely Chang Jung Christian University and GEOSAT Aerospace and Technology Incorporated.

Wong, who is also Second Finance Minister, pointed out that by leveraging on the experience and expertise of their Taiwanese partners, DRAC can collaborate with the relevant government agencies and industry players to explore and develop applications that can provide value in potential markets like precision agriculture, land and surveying, security, logistics, tourism and construction.

“The DRAC is the first of its kind in the state and is going to have a lot of transformation in the application of drones. I can say it is really something which can be considered a milestone (for) – UCTS, Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan (and GEOSAT Aerospace and Technology Incorporated). This is going to be very good not just for Sarawak, and in this region.

“Because they will come and set up the drones, laboratory – teach students, develop the talent and not only pilot operations. Subsequently, they are coming here to set up a factory to produce drones for Asean using Sibu and UCTS as a base, which is really very good.

“Drones can be used for agriculture purposes – meaning, we can deploy drones to monitor for example, in oil palm plantation. You never know how many trees are planted.

“It is impossible to really count physically on the ground. There may be one or two million trees. By using drones – it can be very precise – you know exactly how many trees have been grown; how trees are growing in a healthy manner; how many trees are fruiting or are dying – things like that.

“Then, of course, we have the long porous border – it is important for security purpose – we can deploy drones to check the movement of people in and out of our border; (check) illegal logging – it can be done also. You know it is very difficult to check illegal logging. Perhaps, using drones – it is much easier,” Wong told reporters yesterday.

He was met after officiating at the launching of DRAC and drone seminar/workshop at UCTS campus here.

Also present were Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, UCTS vice-chancellor Professor Dato Dr Abdul Hakim Juri, president of Chang Jung Christian University Professor Dr Lee Yung-Lung, and chairman of GEOSAT Aerospace and Technology Incorporated Dr Lo Cheng-Fang.

In his speech earlier, Wong said as interests and the applications of drones start to grow, demand for drone operators or pilots will also increase.

Therefore, there would be enormous opportunities for DRAC to also provide education and training on drone piloting and operations, especially on the safety aspects.

He observed that similar to the Internet and GPS, drones originated from the military sector to become powerful business tools today, saying that they made a strong presence in the consumer market, and now, drones are being put to work in commercial and civil government applications.

It is enabling new market opportunities that are just too compelling to ignore, he noted.

“The fastest growth opportunity comes from businesses and governments. We are only just beginning to scratch the surface…according to Goldman Sachs Research, these sectors are projected to spend around USD13 billion on drones between now and the year 2020, putting thousands of them in the sky for applications such as precision agriculture, land and surveying, security and surveillance, enforcements, logistics, tourism, construction…the list is growing!”

Wong said drones come in different shapes and sizes with an array of sensors and are fast emerging as the preferred vehicles in capturing big data besides tackling jobs that can be dangerous or too costly for people or other aircraft to do.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hakim in his opening remarks, said DRAC would provide opportunity for the young people.

He also dwelled on the use of the technology in the right way and hence, necessitating for proper training and legislation.