KUCHING: The response to the Borneo International Drone and Robotics Explore (Drobotex) 2019 has been described as remarkable, with as many as 2,000 students from 20 schools appearing for its opening day yesterday.
According to Urban Development and Resources Assistant Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh, the inaugural Drobotex 2019, a programme which combines drones and robotics, also expects visits from college and university students as well as enthusiasts.
“Participation from neighbouring countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, and Thailand have given it a lot of leverage,”
said the Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) chairman.
He said this in his speech during the Drobotex 2019 opening ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
“Drobotex 2019 aims to put Sarawak on the world map as a state that champions digital innovation along with other countries in this region,” he remarked, adding that another goal is to develop new talents in the digital sector.
Touching on the three-day programme which will conclude tomorrow, Len said there are exhibitions, workshops, and competitions, all of which seek to enhance the knowledge and understanding of visitors, students, and the digital technology community.
“Visitors can learn about the ways of operating drones and robots, as well as their types and benefits,” he said.
Among the topics for the talks and workshops are ‘Introduction to Drone Operation’, ‘Drone Pilot Careers’, ‘Exploring the Internet of Things (IoT)’, and ‘Hackathon and Coding Game: Battle of Bots’.
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman remarked that 17 exhibitors from three industries specialising in drones, robotics, and digital innovation are participating in Drobotex 2019.
The 200 individuals and teams from the participating countries will be competing in the Line Follower Race, Maze Solver Challenge and Drone Obstacle Race.
Drobotex 2019 is organised by Tegas and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) with the cooperation of several other agencies.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Transport Assistant Minister and Tegas deputy chairman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department and Tegas secretary Abdullah Saidol, and Demak Laut assemblyman and Tegas member Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
