Malaysia Must Move Fast On Drone Industry Technologies - PM Anwar

SEPANG, June 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must accelerate its adoption and development of new technologies, particularly in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone industry, to bolster its global economic standing, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the drone industry, which intersects with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, has emerged as a powerful catalyst for innovation, productivity and economic growth.

"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 MyDrone Expo 2026 (MDX2026) closing ceremony here today.

Co-organised by the World UAV Federation (WUAVF) Malaysia Chapter and the Malaysia UAV Development Association (MUDA), the three-day expo surpassed expectations by featuring more than 100 exhibition booths and attracting thousands of visitors and industry delegates from 46 countries.

Anwar pointed out that the global UAV market is projected to exceed USD55 billion by 2030, while the low-altitude economy is becoming an increasingly important driver of investment.

To seize these opportunities, Anwar has directed Cabinet ministers, policymakers, science research establishments and all related agencies to extend full regulatory and ecosystem support to the industry.

"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.

To further drive the industry, Anwar said the government is committed to improving the regulatory framework, enhancing research funding, testing and certification.

He also urged closer collaboration between private players, government research establishments and universities to build a robust talent pipeline, similar to existing faculties in AI and quantum computing.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia must boldly venture into strategic technologies to ensure the country remains competitive amid geopolitical uncertainty, great power rivalry and global economic volatility.

In a Facebook post, he said Malaysia must continue to uphold its principles and national stance while remaining ready to adapt to the rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated technological landscape.

He said the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and drone technology are no longer peripheral sectors but have become new pillars of a nation's strength.

“Countries that are slow to adapt will be left behind, while those that are bold enough to venture forward will lead with confidence,” he said.

In this regard, the Prime Minister welcomed the organisation of MyDrone Expo 2026, describing it as an important platform to foster interest and aspiration in future technologies.

He also reaffirmed the MADANI Government's commitment to further strengthening an ecosystem that supports innovation and research so that Malaysia will not merely be a consumer of technology, but emerge as a creator, leader and contributor to global progress.

-- BERNAMA