during the International Conference on Computer and Drone Applications (IConDA) 2017, held at Damai Beach
Resort, yesterday. PHOTO: DESMOND MARKUS
KUCHING: International Conference on Computer and Drone Applications (IConDA) 2017 attracted about 200 participants including those from foreigners in the event which was held yesterday at Damai Beach Resort, here. Among the international participants were from India, Singapore, Iran, Australia, Nigeria and others.
The objective of the conference is to share and create a networking among the academics, scientists, and others that will be of exceptional value regarding the drone applications and systems. The first of its kind, the event was organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak under the leadership of its Rector Professor Dato Dr Jamil Haji Hamali.
The three-day conference starting yesterday until this Saturday was officially opened by the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
A total of 26 academic papers were accepted to be presented by the speakers and presenters during the conference. “Drone is the product of revolution by using system and sensor which is also known as pilotless vehicle. Instead of being used for taking photograph and video, it is also used to collect a data especially to our forest.
“It is very useful to become our drone ranger instead of forest ranger. The profile of the forest can be detected through camera; the camera can be zoomed which enables us to see the movement on the ground and this will enhance our supervision on our resources as well as a method to go against the illegal logging,” said Johari.
In line with the digital economy, the drone which is under the digital connectivity will rely much on the internet high speed. “With the State government allocation of RM1 billion to upgrade our high speed internet, this will enable our drone to be used widely around the state. At least 50 to 100 MBps will be upgraded which is estimated to complete within two-years; then we can connect with the remote area.
“In technology, the fundamental must be taking in consideration first, then the rest will be able to be realised especially the use of drone.
This drone project is a cooperation to protect our forest that has been implemented between Finland and our Forestry Department recently,” he pointed out.
With regard to the licencing of the drone, Johari noted that the State will work with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). “However, if anything to do with our land that is under the state list, Sarawak Multimedia Authority will be the one who become the deciding authority,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joha r i a l s o revealed that the state will able to roll out the first version of Big Data by April 2018. With the existence of Big Data, Businesses can develop new and innovative products based on information provided by the government.
