Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob     

9th Prime Minister of Malaysia 

The 9th Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is a prominent Malaysian politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia from August 2021 to November 2022. Born on January 18, 1960, in Pahang, Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has a diverse political career spanning several decades.

He entered politics in the early 1980s and quickly rose through the ranks of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), a prominent political party in Malaysia. He held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and Minister of Defence, before assuming the role of Prime Minister.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob focused on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the nation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He implemented initiatives to revive the economy, strengthen public health measures, and support the well-being of Malaysians. Additionally, he emphasized unity, inclusivity, and the importance of working together to overcome challenges.

Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s leadership and contributions have had a significant impact on Malaysia’s political landscape. His tenure as Prime Minister has left a lasting impression on the nation’s governance and policies.

Dato’ Sri Azharuddin Bin Abdul Rahman

Honorary Chairman, Malaysia UAV Developments Association 

Dato’ Sri Azharuddin bin Abdul Rahman is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the field of aviation, known for his vast experience and significant contributions to the industry. With a distinguished career spanning several key positions, he has made a lasting impact on aviation in Malaysia and beyond.

As the former Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Malaysia’s airspace. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he oversaw the development and implementation of crucial regulations and policies, contributing to the growth and modernization of the aviation sector in Malaysia.

In addition to his role as Director General, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin holds several prominent positions within the aviation industry. He serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Malaysia UAV Developments Association, actively promoting the development and adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Malaysia. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing UAV technology and its applications across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety.

Dato’ Sri Azharuddin also holds the position of Chairman of Layang-layang Flying School, a renowned institution dedicated to training and producing skilled pilots. Through his leadership, the flying school has maintained its reputation for excellence, producing highly competent aviators who contribute to the growth and safety of the aviation industry.

Furthermore, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin serves as the Chairman of Strat Aero (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a prominent aviation services company. In this role, he oversees the strategic direction and operations of the company, driving innovation and efficiency in aviation services and technologies.

As a Co-Founder of Myairline Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin has played a pivotal role in establishing this aviation company, contributing to the development of the aviation industry in Malaysia and facilitating seamless air travel experiences.

Moreover, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin’s expertise extends to his position as a Board Member of Kuantan International Airport, where he actively contributes to the growth and development of this vital aviation hub.

Adding to his accomplishments, Dato’ Sri Azharuddin is an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia, where he imparts his wealth of knowledge and experience to aspiring aviation professionals. Through his role as an educator, he nurtures and inspires the next generation of aviation leaders.

Dato’ Lester Tay

President of World UAV Federation Malaysia Chapter

Dato’ Lester Tay is the President of the Malaysia UAV Developments Association (MUDA) and World UAV Federation – Malaysia Chapter who oversees liaisons with government, ministries and educational institutions for the promotion of development in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications in various industries including unammned traffic management (UTM) system, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection & audit, border security and geospatial application in Malaysia. Dato’ Lester has also established Strat Aero Malaysia for providing professional services mainly in UTM system, UAV operator training courses, trading and merchandisation of the drone-related product, and providing effective solutions to conventional industries by integrating augmented intelligence drone application in the operation and management.

He is pursuing indepth research in his PhD for Defence Science and Technology from the National Defence University of Malaysia majoring in UAV Data Analytic and Regulatory Framework of Utilizing Unmanned Traffic Management System for Security Governance in Malaysia, obtained an Honours Master degree in Business and Administration from the University of Wales, the United Kingdom in 2013 and a Bachelor Science Honors in Biology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah in 2005.

Lieutenant Colonel Khairil Anwar bin Che Khalid

Director of Geo-Bigdata Management Section in Defence Geospatial Department in Malaysia Survey and Mapping Department

Lt Col Khairil Anwar bin Che Khalid was commissioned to Royal Engineer Regiment in 2006 and is currently the Director of Geo-Bigdata Management Section in Defence Geospatial Department in Malaysia Survey and Mapping Department. He holds a Degree of from National Defence University (2006) and Post Graduate Diploma Strategic & Defence from National Defence University (2021). He has held several notable appointments such as Commanding Officer of 5TH Squadron Royal Engineer Regiment, SO 2 Career in Engineer Directorate, Army Head Quarters and Deputy Director of Geo-Bigdata Management Section in Defence Geospatial Department in Malaysia Survey and Mapping Department.

Malaysia

Malaysia has its origins in the Malay kingdoms, which, from the 18th century on, became subject to the British Empire, along with the British Straits Settlements protectorate. During World War Two, British Malaya, along with other nearby British and American colonies, was occupied by the Empire of Japan. Following three years of occupation, peninsular Malaysia was unified as the Malayan Union in 1946 and then restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948. The country achieved independence on 31 August 1957.

Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963, Malaysia comprised the territories of Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia), the island of Singapore, and the colonies of Sarawak and Sabah in northern Borneo. In August 1965 Singapore seceded from the federation and became an independent republic.

Malaysia’s economy has been transformed since 1970 from one based primarily on the export of raw materials (rubber and tin) to one that is among the strongest, most diversified, and fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. Primary production remains important: the country is a major producer of rubber and palm oil, exports considerable quantities of petroleum and natural gas, and is one of the world’s largest sources of commercial hardwoods. Increasingly, however, Malaysia has emphasized export-oriented manufacturing to fuel its economic growth. Using the comparative advantages of a relatively inexpensive but educated labour force, well-developed infrastructure, political stability, and an undervalued currency, Malaysia has attracted considerable foreign investment, especially from Japan and Taiwan.

Since the early 1970s the government has championed a social and economic restructuring strategy, first known as the New Economic Policy (NEP) and later as the New Development Policy (NDP), that has sought to strike a balance between the goals of economic growth and the redistribution of wealth. The Malaysian economy has long been dominated by the country’s Chinese and South Asian minorities. The goal of the NEP and the NDP has been to endow the Malays and other indigenous groups with greater economic opportunities and to develop their management and entrepreneurial skills. Official economic policy also has encouraged the private sector to assume a greater role in the restructuring process. A major component of this policy has been the privatization of many public-sector activities, including the national railway, airline, automobile manufacturer, telecommunications, and electricity companies.