Liew: Semiconductors, drones to drive Malaysia’s transformation

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia needs to transition from being primarily a trading nation to becoming a technology-driven country that develops solutions for real-life problems, anchored by the semiconductor industry and integrated with drone technology.

Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong said the shift is necessary as the world currently faces headwinds in global trade, presenting significant challenges.

He said that drones could be a key enabler of transformation across various sectors of the economy, particularly when linked to Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.

“Our mindset should not be just about selling drones. We must begin asking ourselves how we can move from selling drones to applying and using them in new ways.

“Drones can be linked to semiconductor, as Malaysia has a very interesting and sophisticated semiconductor industry,” he said in his keynote address at the DronTech Asia 2025 Soft Launch Ceremony, here, today.

Liew added that drone technology has rapidly evolved to become more efficient and essential, and Malaysia should play an active role in this technological evolution.

Meanwhile, he said a programme such as DroneTech Asia 2025 could serve as a catalyst to inspire the nation to take drone technology more seriously.

DronTech Asia 2025, jointly organised by Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd and GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co Ltd, will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from Sept 30 to Oct 2, 2025.

Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, in his opening remarks, said the event will host over 100 participating companies from 15 countries and is expected to receive 5,000 trade visitors.

“DronTech Asia 2025 will present an extensive programme of high-level conferences, technical talks by industry experts, live interactive demonstrations, and showcases of the latest in drone technologies,” he said. — BERNAMA