The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is calling on Malaysian companies, innovators, and entrepreneurs to step up their involvement in the rapidly growing drone technology sector. Drones are no longer just tools for hobbyists or military operations—they are becoming essential in agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and even disaster response.

Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong highlighted that the world is still in the early stages of mass drone adoption, which means Malaysia has the opportunity to catch up quickly—if local players actively build and apply practical use cases.

Lessons from Abroad

Citing developments in China and the use of drones in the Ukraine war, Liew noted that the technology is advancing at breakneck speed. But he stressed that Malaysia is not necessarily behind. "Everyone is starting almost at the same time," he explained, "and the key now is to build a wide range of capabilities and focus on developing real-world applications."

By doing so, Malaysia can not only adopt drones but also build homegrown expertise in designing, deploying, and exporting drone technology solutions.

Priority Sectors for Drone Adoption

While drones can be applied across almost every industry, MITI is prioritising a few strategic verticals where the technology could have an outsized impact:

Government Support and Industry Partnerships

To strengthen the industry, MITI is backing drone development through the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia). The agency aims to nurture local players, provide support structures, and ensure Malaysia becomes a competitive hub for aerospace-related technologies.

DronTech Asia 2025: A Launchpad for Innovation

Deputy Minister Liew made these remarks at the DronTech Asia 2025 Opening Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, where 75 companies from 10 countries gathered between September 30 and October 2.

Datuk Dr. M Ghandi, Director of Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, the event organiser, described the expo as more than a showcase—it's a marketplace of ideas and a platform for global partnerships. "Our role is simple but vital," he said. "We provide a trusted space where governments, businesses, and innovators connect, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

He urged participants to engage openly, share knowledge, and form collaborations that extend beyond the exhibition halls.

Looking Ahead

Malaysia's push for greater involvement in drone technology is more than a call to action—it's a chance to secure the country's place in a trillion-dollar industry that's still taking shape. With strong government support, growing international collaboration, and an emphasis on real-world applications, local companies now have the opportunity to move from passive adopters to global leaders in the drone ecosystem.