KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has congratulated Chemsain Group of Companies and Drone Academy Asia on the launch of their Drone Technical Centre Kuching (DTCK) recently.

He said the launching of the centre augurs well with Sarawak's digital and Industry 4.0 economic revolution. DTCK has made it possible to bridge world-class institutions like DJI into the niche market of Sarawak and Sabah, be it in industrial services, consumer products business or high technology investments.

"DJI in drone technology is akin to the brand name Apple in the mobile phone industry, and the state-made a lot of effort to bring in high technology companies in order to create valuable spin-off effects in knowledgeable and skilled workers, high-value economic activities and sustainable development," he said.

According to a press statement, DTCK fits well into the social transformation initiatives by the Sarawak government that seeks to increase investment in the industrial sector, among others, through the modernisation of various sectors via the use of drones.

Drones could enable faster and well-informed decision-making process as they can be deployed first to the field for situational analysis like flood occurrences, search missions, environmental monitoring, haze observations, drought monitoring, engineering or building inspections for safety.

The Sarawak government is positive that the use of drones and the presence of DTCK will contribute to better management of the environment and environmental development in Sarawak, and crucial to its sustainability in the long term.

The chief minister said: "DTCK may also precipitate spin- off beneficial socio-economic ecosystems as part of their services like training, certifications and accreditations where trained drone pilots, drone operators and even drone enthusiasts could benefit through DTCK by having them more knowledgeable and responsible, and safer drone piloting.

"In addition, DTCK encourages entrepreneurship, especially among the youth and the younger generation."

He stressed that the Sarawak government is relentless in its various development endeavours and services for the people.

"Drones could play a significant role in managing information that touch on critical areas like urban-rural infrastructure and hinterland planning, development and redevelopment, management of water resources, environmental stewardships and socio-economic analytics."

The chief minister wished DTCK and its partners - Chemsain Group of Companies, Drone Academy Asia, Poladrone and the technology provider, DJI - the best in their endeavour while reiterating that the state government would continue to be committed to and support development of private initiatives like the creation of DTCK.

His text-of-speech was read by Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.