By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SUBANG, Nov 25 — The Selangor government is exploring the drone industry, particularly in the commercial drone industry, due to bright prospects in the market.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the acceptance of commercial drones in service for multiple economic and social sectors are increasing rapidly with substantial demands and interests.
Citing a report from Grand View Research in April 2021, he said the global commercial drones market was valued at US$13.44 billion in 2020, with solid up-trend growth in the coming years.
“More importantly, the Asia-Pacific region itself is expected to see an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 63.1 per cent between 2021 to 2028, making it potentially the fastest growing commercial drone market in the world in terms of volume.
“Therefore, Selangor wishes to be in a position to tap into this fast-growing market by having the most optimal infrastructure and ecosystem, both in terms of upstream and downstream.
“Technology will be a key game changer, and substantial domestic and foreign investments will be required to be in the game. Likewise for the services industry supporting the commercial drone industry,” said Amirudin in a pre-recorded video broadcast during the official ceremony of Selangor Aviation Show 2021 (SAS 2021) at the SkyPark Regional Aviation Centre, here, today.
Themed “Selangor, the Asean Business and General Aviation Hub”, the event focuses on the business and general aviation industry, especially in the state, as worldwide data has shown the sector to be more resilient to the pandemic impact.
The inaugural show, which runs from today until Saturday, is expected to garner up to 5,000 visitors, including trade visitors and students.
Meanwhile, speaking of investments, Amirudin said the state is constantly engaging with other stakeholders in government and private entities on the subject of airport infrastructure development.
“The Selangor Aerospace Action Plan 2020-2030 is addressing this challenge quite aggressively and significantly, and we hope to have more to say on it soon.
“We already have a diamond in the rough with Subang Airport, and we are determined to help unlock the potential in this airport to support and sustain growth in the Business and General Aviation industry, as well as other aviation activities,” said Amirudin, adding that the state is anticipating a built-for-purpose Subang Airport in the coming years which would become a significant capital and investment undertaking within the state.
