“SEDIA Brings New Drone Technological Development Opportunities to Local Industries”

Kota Kinabalu — The Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) is driving forward efforts to drive economic growth in Sabah by utilising industrial drone technology, showcasing these possibilities at Sabah Drone Open Day 2024.

Organised by SEDIA, Sabah Drone Open Day 2024 is held from 29 until 30 October 2024, and showcases the latest uses of drone technology in economic sectors, offering a variety of activities such as Expert Talks sessions, drone demonstrations and showcase, drone soccer tournament between several local TVET institutions, business matching and networking sessions, as well as an exhibition with booths by key stakeholders in the field of drone technology.

The open day celebrates the progress and achievements of integrating drone technology into local industries. As a result of Sabah Drone Open Day 2023 which was held last year on 26 June 2023, the programme for 2024 not only introduces drone technology more deeply to the community, but also encourages cooperation between various parties, including industry, government and community. The programme has succeeded in opening a space for the exchange of ideas and innovation.

In the opening speech by Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, as read by State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship YB Datuk Ginger Phoong Jin Zhe, the Chief Minister said that “drone technology has proven to play a major role in increasing productivity, particularly in the agricultural, infrastructure, tourism, and environmental monitoring sectors. It has also helped reduce the issue of labour shortages in the agricultural sector, and assist in preserving Sabah’s ecosystem and natural heritage for future generations”.

The main objective of Sabah Drone Open Day 2024 is to enhance awareness about the various applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), better known as drones, and further identify how this technology can benefit the socio-economic and recreational sectors in Sabah. This programme also aims to promote the importance of drones in creating new job opportunities. With technology constantly evolving, there are many fields that require a trained workforce, thus allowing this programme to introduce career potential that can be produced through the use of drones.

Through Sabah Drone Open Day 2024, it is the hope of SEDIA that a platform exists for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experience, as well as a catalyst for positive change in Sabah.

As the implementing agency for the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), all programmes and initiatives carried out by SEDIA are guided by the SDC Blueprint 2.0 (2021–2030) which carries the tagline “Sustainable Growth with Equity and Social Inclusion”. The blueprint is a transformative plan with high aspirations formulated to stimulate economic growth while ensuring inclusiveness and sustainability, and sets a target of creating 70,000 additional jobs for Sabahans through SDC by the year 2030.

Through the SDC 2.0 initiatives, SEDIA supports investment in the agricultural sector, infrastructure, and green technology, in line with Sabah’s vision to achieve sustainable development and global competitiveness. SEDIA also plays a role in promoting drone technology as a tool to increase productivity and monitor development projects. This technology has helped SEDIA in speeding up the process of land planning and environmental monitoring, in line with the development goals of the state.

The institutional framework for SDC is well laid out, with SEDIA as an agency of the Federal Government, working under the State Government and in close collaboration with State Agencies, local authorities and the private sector. In his welcoming remarks during the opening ceremony, SEDIA Chief Executive Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hashim bin Paijan stated that he “hopes every individual involved today, especially the youth, local communities, industry players, government and private agencies and institutions can take the knowledge gained today and apply it in their respective fields. Hopefully this initiative will continue to foster the spirit of innovation and cooperation between all parties, further leading Sabah towards a more sustainable and competitive development. Together, we can make Sabah a centre of excellence in technology and agriculture for a brighter future”.