Ian Lim Yeong Kiat is a distinguished aviation and security expert with over three decades of leadership experience in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). A former fighter pilot and retired Chief of Staff – Air Staff, he possesses deep expertise in military strategy, security affairs, operations management, and large-scale project execution. His exemplary service earned him the Public Administration Medal – Silver (Military) and the SAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Beyond the military, Ian remains deeply engaged in the aviation and UAV industry, leveraging his vast experience to bridge military and commercial sectors. He has successfully facilitated aerospace technology sales, managed startups in UAVs and carbon fiber aircraft component fabrication, and provided strategic consultancy for aviation businesses.

As the President of the Singapore Chapter of the World UAV Federation, Ian is committed to advancing UAV technology and fostering industry collaboration. He is also the Founder and Director of Primus Aviation Pte. Ltd., a Director at Airtitude Consultancy, and Senior Advisor at Imrex Pte. Ltd., where he continues to shape the future of aviation and unmanned systems.

1. Would you mind provide the insights into the current state and future prospects of UAS technology from both a global and Southeast Asian perspective?

As a preamble, I'm pleased to provide insights into the current state and future prospects of UAS technology from both a global and Southeast Asian perspective.

The unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry has experienced significant growth, driven by advancements in several areas. UAS are now equipped with sophisticated AI systems, enabling autonomous flight, obstacle avoidance, and mission planning without human intervention. This enhances their capabilities for a wider range of applications. Improvements in battery and propulsion technologies have extended flight times and payload capacities, making long-range and heavy-lift missions more feasible. Additionally, advanced sensors and imaging systems have improved data collection for applications like environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

The global UAS market is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2025, driven by both military and commercial demand. The defense sector continues to invest heavily in UAS for surveillance and combat roles. Meanwhile, industries such as agriculture, construction, logistics, and energy are adopting drones to boost efficiency and cut costs, with rapid growth expected in the commercial sector.

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key player in the UAS market. The region holds potential for transforming sectors such as agriculture, where drones are used for crop monitoring and precision farming. UAS are also crucial for disaster response in Southeast Asia’s diverse landscapes. Countries like Singapore and Malaysia are leading the way in UAS adoption and innovation, though regulatory frameworks must evolve to balance technological advancement with safety.

Looking ahead, the UAS industry is poised for continued growth. Swarming technology, where multiple drones work together, is expected to grow in military and commercial applications. Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft could revolutionize urban transportation, and regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve to accommodate the growing use of drones. As UAS technology expands, ethical considerations, particularly around privacy, will become increasingly important.

The UAS industry is at an exciting point of innovation and growth, with Southeast Asia poised to benefit economically. Responsible development and regulation will be essential to fully realizing UAS technology's potential while addressing emerging challenges.

The regulatory landscape for commercial drones in Southeast Asia presents several challenges that hinder the growth and adoption of drone technology. One of the primary issues is the lack of harmonized regulations across the region. Each country has its own set of rules, creating a complex environment for drone operators and preventing regional expansion.

Additionally, many Southeast Asian countries have been slow to update their regulatory frameworks to keep up with advancements in drone technology. This slow adaptation leads to uncertainty for drone operators and investors. For example, regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, essential for many commercial applications, remain underdeveloped in several countries.

Drone operators in the region also face bureaucratic hurdles due to complex and time-consuming approval processes involving multiple government agencies. For instance, in Malaysia, operators need to obtain permits from at least four different bodies, which can delay projects and increase costs. Many countries also impose strict operating restrictions on drones, such as limitations on altitude, payload, and no-fly zones, which can stifle innovation.

The absence of specialized regulatory frameworks for emerging drone applications, like urban air mobility and drone delivery services, further complicates the situation. Additionally, concerns around privacy and data security are growing as drone usage increases, with many countries still struggling to balance technological benefits with privacy protection.

Enforcement of regulations is another challenge, with inconsistent or ineffective enforcement in some countries. For example, in Vietnam, there are no specific sanctions for drone-related violations, causing confusion among authorities. To overcome these challenges, Southeast Asian countries must work toward harmonized, adaptive, and streamlined regulations. Collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies is essential to create frameworks that support innovation while ensuring safety and privacy.

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2. How can unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) benefit from advancements in alternative energy storage and generation?

Advancements in alternative energy storage and generation technologies are greatly benefiting UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) by addressing challenges like flight time and overall performance. One promising solution is hydrogen fuel cells, which offer extended flight times of up to 10 hours and distances of 500 km. They also provide high energy efficiency, rapid refueling (within one minute), and produce no direct pollution, with only water and heat as byproducts. Companies like Honeywell Aerospace are collaborating on hydrogen fuel storage systems to further enhance this technology.

Solar power is also advancing to make solar-powered drones more viable. These drones can stay airborne for days or even weeks, making them suitable for long-duration missions. Solar drones are cost-effective, reducing the need for battery replacements, and are environmentally sustainable by lowering the carbon footprint of operations. Companies like XSun have developed solar-powered drones with impressive payload capacity and endurance.

Hybrid energy systems are being explored to optimize UAV performance. These include solar-RF hybrid systems, which combine solar and radio frequency energy harvesting, and battery-solar hybrids that use advanced batteries for power during low-light conditions and enable quick energy replenishment. Another innovation is airborne wind energy (AWE), where tethered drones harness high-altitude winds for power generation, potentially offering more energy than ground-level turbines at a lower cost.

Finally, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are enhancing energy management in UAVs. AI can optimize flight trajectories and intelligently control battery usage, while power cognition, a method using reinforcement learning, optimizes energy harvesting and flight efficiency. These innovations are set to revolutionize UAV capabilities, enabling longer flights, reduced costs, and increased sustainability.

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3. How do you foresee advancements in energy storage (e.g., batteries, fuel cells) affecting the design and capabilities of future drones?

Advancements in energy storage technologies are set to transform the drone industry, offering significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and versatility. These innovations will enable drones to operate in a broader range of applications across various sectors.

One of the key impacts of improved energy storage is increased flight times and operational range. New battery technologies, such as those developed by BEI, offer energy densities of up to 410 Wh/kg, allowing drones to fly twice as long and cover 70% more distance than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells can enable flight times of up to 10 hours and distances of 500 km, while solar-powered drones, in combination with high-capacity batteries, can stay airborne for days or weeks.

Energy storage improvements will also enhance drone performance in extreme conditions. Advanced batteries allow drones to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C for up to 40 minutes, compared to conventional batteries that fail within seconds. Drones will also be better equipped for all-weather operations, enabling them to function in high winds and adverse weather.

Higher energy density will also increase payload capacity, allowing drones to carry heavier and more sophisticated equipment. This includes advanced sensors, communication devices, and even weaponry for defense purposes. The ability to carry more payloads will open up new applications in aerial photography, mapping, inspection, and delivery services.

Design innovations will be driven by these energy advancements. Drones will feature modular payloads for adaptability, aerodynamic designs to maximize range and endurance, and integrated solar panels to complement battery systems for longer operations. Improved energy storage will also enable more sophisticated onboard systems, such as real-time data processing and advanced autonomous operations, including self-charging and adaptive mission planning.

These advancements will have wide-reaching impacts across various industries. In defense and security, drones will enhance surveillance and reconnaissance. In environmental monitoring, they will allow for continuous data collection. In infrastructure inspection, drones will conduct more thorough evaluations, and in agriculture, drones will cover larger areas for precision farming applications.

In conclusion, energy storage advancements will significantly boost drone capabilities, enabling longer flights, greater payloads, and better performance in challenging conditions, driving innovation across many sectors.

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4. What are the most common uses of drones in the aviation industry today?

Drones have become essential in various areas of the aviation industry, offering significant improvements in safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities.

In maintenance and inspection, drones are used for detailed aircraft inspections with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, LiDAR, and gas sensors to identify potential issues. They also inspect airport infrastructure, runways, and ground equipment, enhancing operational safety.

For security and surveillance, drones patrol airport perimeters 24/7, detecting unauthorized intrusions and potential threats. They also monitor wildlife near runways to reduce the risk of bird strikes and other animal-related incidents.

In logistics and delivery, drones efficiently transport aircraft parts and emergency supplies within airports, improving operational efficiency. They can quickly deliver medical supplies or essential equipment during critical situations.

Drones also play a crucial role in data collection and analysis. They gather environmental data for impact assessments around airports and create detailed aerial maps of airport facilities and surrounding areas.

For operational efficiency, drones assist with de-icing aircraft wings, reducing time compared to traditional methods, and streamline cargo inspection for potential security threats before reaching the tarmac.

In emergency response, drones with thermal imaging can aid search and rescue efforts, locating survivors or assessing damage in hard-to-reach areas.

Overall, drone integration in aviation has led to enhanced safety and efficiency, and as technology advances, we can expect even more innovative applications in the future.

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5. What role do you see drones playing in advancing the logistics and delivery sectors, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure?

Drones are set to revolutionize logistics and delivery, especially in regions with limited infrastructure, by improving efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

In last-mile delivery, drones offer significant advantages by bypassing traffic, reducing delivery times, and cutting operational costs by 30-50%. They also provide access to remote areas with poor road infrastructure, such as islands and mountainous regions.

In healthcare, drones are enhancing medical supply distribution by delivering critical items like vaccines and diagnostic samples to remote locations. They can also transport time-sensitive medical supplies, reducing delivery times significantly—like in Tanzania, where drone deliveries cut down medical supply delivery from 6 hours to just 40 minutes.

Drones also offer environmental benefits. Their electric-powered systems reduce emissions and can lower energy use by up to 94% compared to traditional delivery vehicles.

Drones are overcoming infrastructure challenges by navigating geographical barriers such as mountains and forests, improving rural connectivity and enabling delivery to areas otherwise difficult to access.

The economic impact of drone logistics is also significant. China's low-altitude drone economy is expected to grow to 120-150 billion RMB ($16.8-21 billion) by 2025, and drone logistics is creating new jobs in operations and maintenance, even as it reduces some traditional roles.

Despite their potential, drone deliveries face challenges such as regulatory hurdles, technical limitations (like battery life), and weather sensitivity. Solutions are being developed, including extended range via quick-charge waypoints, advanced weather prediction, and wildlife detection systems to mitigate interference.

In conclusion, drones are transforming logistics and healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with poor infrastructure. By overcoming barriers, reducing costs, and improving efficiency, drones are reshaping the future of delivery services and healthcare logistics in challenging environments.

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6. What is the level of interests in Drone E-Sports globally and in South-East Asia?

Drone e-sports is rapidly gaining popularity both globally and in Southeast Asia, signaling a bright future for the sport.

Globally, drone racing has garnered millions of fans, with events like the Drone Racing League (DRL) being broadcast on major sports networks. The sport will also feature at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, and the International Air Sports Federation (FAI) launched the E-Drone Racing World Cup series in 2024 to attract newcomers and gamers.

In Southeast Asia, the enthusiasm for drone e-sports is growing, with Singapore hosting its first professional race in 2019. Malaysia has allocated RM5 million to develop a Drone Sports Centre of Excellence, and Thailand will host DronTech Asia 2025, a major exhibition and conference on drone technology.

The FPV (First Person View) Racing Drone market is also expanding, with a projected growth from USD 35 million in 2020 to higher values by 2025, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which benefits from a strong drone racing tradition and major manufacturers.

Several factors are driving interest in drone e-sports, including advancements in drone technology, more affordable drones, and the integration of AI and 5G connectivity to enhance both the pilot experience and spectator enjoyment.

While challenges remain, such as evolving regulatory frameworks and the need for standardized rules, these also present opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector.

In conclusion, the rise of drone e-sports, driven by significant investments, technological advancements, and growing market potential, positions it to become a prominent player in the global e-sports scene in the near future.

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7. What is the profile of Drone E-Sports participants and which E-Sport is most popular?

Drone e-sports is attracting a growing demographic, primarily young, tech-savvy individuals aged 16-34, referred to as "Tech Setters." This audience is expected to increase from 820 million to 1 billion by 2030, driven by rising interest in STEM and digital technologies. However, the gender gap is significant, with 96% of drone owners in the U.S. being male and only 4% female.

Several drone sports have gained popularity, including traditional drone racing, which involves pilots navigating high-speed quadcopters through obstacle courses. This is typically done using First Person View (FPV) goggles, with up to eight pilots competing at once in indoor or outdoor courses. E-Drone racing, a virtual version using advanced simulators, has also grown, with the FAI launching its E-Drone Racing World Cup in 2024. Other forms include freestyle tricks, where pilots showcase maneuvers, and drone soccer, a team-based sport that gained official recognition in 2019, with its first international tournament held in 2023.

Although drone racing, particularly through leagues like the Drone Racing League (DRL), is growing in popularity, it hasn't reached the mainstream success of top e-sports. Nevertheless, the DRL has successfully engaged the "Tech Setters," indicating potential for significant future growth in the sector.

Drone racing can be organized in different formats, including individual time trials, team time trials, and multi-drone races, catering to a variety of skills and interests within the drone community.

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8. What is Drone Basketball and what are your plans to generate interests in South East Asia?

Drone basketball is an innovative sport that blends drone technology with traditional basketball elements. Players use custom quadcopter drones, housed in protective spheres, to score points by navigating through hoops or goal posts while avoiding aerial obstacles. The objective is to score as many points as possible within a set time frame. Matches typically last 3 minutes, and teams consist of strikers and defenders. A key rule involves an offside system, requiring players to return behind the center line after scoring. Scoring is valid only when the drone fully passes through the goal post or hoop. Pilots wear First Person View (FPV) goggles to navigate from the drone’s perspective.

Drone basketball represents an exciting intersection of sports and technology, offering a new form of competition that challenges both technical skills and athletic abilities. The sport is gaining popularity, particularly in Southeast Asia. Singapore recently hosted its inaugural Drone Basketball Championship from January 9-11, 2025, at Temasek Polytechnic, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.

To promote Drone Basketball, a comprehensive marketing strategy can be implemented. This includes creating captivating visual content like exciting match videos and social media clips, leveraging influencers and social media for wider engagement, and organizing live demonstrations at tech and sports events. Interactive sessions and educational programs in schools and universities could also generate interest. Partnerships with drone companies, sponsorships, and esports organizations will help reach a broader audience. Additionally, hosting competitive leagues and international tournaments can further elevate the sport’s visibility. Traditional media coverage will also be crucial in spreading the word. Through these efforts, Drone Basketball can attract both tech enthusiasts and sports fans, building a strong, engaged community. We hope to create a buzz around Drone Basketball, attracting both tech enthusiasts and sports fans to this innovative and exciting new sport.

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