KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must urgently accelerate the adoption and development of emerging technologies, particularly in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone sector, to strengthen its position in the global economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the drone industry, which is closely linked to artificial intelligence (AI) and wider digital transformation, has become a key driver of innovation, productivity and economic expansion, Bernama reported.
"If Malaysia wants to become a more successful country in terms of its economy, it must be fast in developing new technologies and fields.
“Drones are related to digital technology and AI, and we need to build an ecosystem that is suitable and reasonable for them," he said at the closing ceremony of MyDrone Expo 2026 (MDX2026) here on Saturday.
The three-day expo, co-organised by the World UAV Federation Malaysia Chapter and the Malaysia UAV Development Association, exceeded expectations with more than 100 exhibition booths and thousands of visitors and industry delegates from 46 countries.
Anwar noted that the global UAV market is expected to surpass US$55 billion by 2030, while the emerging low-altitude economy is increasingly shaping investment trends worldwide.
To capitalise on these opportunities, he has instructed Cabinet ministers, policymakers, research institutions and relevant agencies to provide full regulatory and ecosystem support for the sector.
"The policy is clear. Drones and the related industry are given full support, not only for the air force and defence industry but also for civil activities, such as plantations, to enhance productivity," he added.
He also said the government is committed to strengthening the regulatory framework while enhancing research funding, testing facilities and certification processes.
Anwar further emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between private sector players, government-linked research bodies and universities to develop a strong talent pipeline, similar to existing efforts in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
The remarks were made at MyDrone Expo 2026, which showcased the growing interest in Malaysia’s drone and unmanned systems industry. – June 27, 2026
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