Kota Kinabalu: Companies and industries related to agriculture, industry and tourism in Sabah can grow by integrating the use of drones in their daily operations, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the development of drone technology needs to be adopted immediately by industry players, given that the technology has a wide range of uses to solve, including labour shortages in the agricultural sector.
“We acknowledge that the integration of drone technology into Sabah’s economy has great returns for the progress and prosperity of our State.
“However, it requires collaborative efforts from all government stakeholders, industry players, researchers and the community itself,” he said when officiating the Sabah Drone Open Day 2023 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here, Monday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell’s Access to Energy helps power lives of isolated communities in Sabah Kota Kinabalu: In 2017, Sabah Shell Petroleum Co Ltd (SSPC) launched Access to Energy (A2E), a Shell Social Investment programme aimed at providing affordable and continuous supply of electricity from renewable sources for communities who live without connection to the electricity grid. Read more Hajiji said drones have become part of modern technology and their applications are growing rapidly across various industries, from agriculture to infrastructure, from services, delivery to environmental monitoring.
“Drones can also help in ensuring the preservation of our fragile ecosystem for future generations and conserving our natural reserves which are important for tourism and environmental conservation.
“It is a new field that needs to be pioneered and of course we on the government side welcome and also want to facilitate the development and growth of this drone field.
“Although safety rules and drone regulations are important to follow to ensure the responsible and safe use of drones, it is equally important that these regulations should not be a barrier that restricts the potential application of drones in our economic sector,” he added.
According to him, in an era driven by rapid technological progress, it is important for us to realise the importance of technology and innovation in improving our economy and society as a whole.
He said Sabah, which is blessed with rich natural resources, cultural heritage and a vibrant tourism industry, should not be left behind in the race for technological adaptation to ensure sustainable and competitive growth in the economic sector.
“It is important for us to compete and seize the opportunities offered by technology which will pave the way for diversity, increased productivity, job creation and sustainable development.
“Therefore, it is important that we prepare the workforce to empower the digital era through skills improvement initiatives,” he said.
Hajiji said technology and innovation have been the driving force behind economic growth and development that is changing industries, improving traditional business models and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and jobs.
“Furthermore, it attracts investment and fosters entrepreneurship by providing a platform for young people and innovative businesses to thrive.
This in turn contributes to the creation of job opportunities, economic growth and building a better standard of living for the entire community.
Technology becomes a tool for us to build a better world for us today and for future generations”, he said.
He said the organisation of Sabah Drone Open Day 2023 marked an important event to explore the great potential of drones and how drones can revolutionize our economy.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) Chief Executive Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan.
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