SYNOPSIS

As the world enters the 4th Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology begin to advance rapidly into miniaturization, low altitude flying in simplicity, low cost with strong adaptability and easy modifications. This favor its utilization in the field of civil applications such as survey mapping, forest fire prevention, public security surveillance, disaster relief and rescue, monitoring plant diseases and precision agriculture.

UAV is particularly useful in civil and structural engineering works such as bridges, highways, culverts, underpass/overpass and even railroad inspection.  Drones are also deployed for oil and gas pipeline infrastructure works.  In renewable green energy, UAV is used for inspection of solar plants, wind turbines, dams and water system structures.   For electrical power transmission and distribution, UAV can be of great assistance into areas not accessible by human.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances UAV performance in enabling it to work independently in partial or even fully autonomous modes. Frequency of human errors can be reduced with accuracy and consistency achieving close to 98%.  With 5G networks connectivity, collected and loaded data can be processed over cloud analytical program in much faster and better quality deliverables.  With faster output, decision making can be timely.  From the commercial perspective, this will result in better efficiency and lower cost.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Y. Bhg. Dato’ Lester Tay Kean Boon is the Founder and President of the Malaysia UAV Developments Association (MUDA).  He is Chairman of the World UAV Federation – Malaysia Chapter, Honorary Secretary of the International UAV Application Industry Alliance, and International Secretariat for Asia Pacific UAV Industry Union.  Dato’ Lester oversees liaisons with government, ministries and educational institutions for the promotion of development in UAV applications in border security and geospatial research in Malaysia.  Dato’ Lester supervises international collaboration initiatives with the Romania UAS Research Institute, Australia Drone Academy – The Ripper,  Taiwan UAS Industry Association, Greece Police Drone Headquarter, Ukraine Defence Ministry, Japan JUIDA (Japan UAV Industry Development Association), Korea Drone Association – South Korea, MUDA Airbase for UAV Training Academy in Shandong, World UAV Federation – China and UAV organizations in Taiwan, ASEAN and other countries.

Dato’ Lester obtained an Honours Master degree in Business and Administration from University of Wales, United Kingdom in 2013 and a B.Sc. Hons in Biology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah in 2005.  He is a recipient of the Global Distinguished Entrepreneurship Award by the Malaysia Ministry of International Trade and Industry.