Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said unmanned aviation systems, or drone technologies, and operations hade been evolving rapidly, spurring new aviation entrants and a multitude of new products and services.

He said the ministry acknowledged drones as the future of aviation.

So supporting this dynamic growth must be guided first and foremost by the priority to ensure the safety, security, efficiency and sustainability of UAS operations.

“UASTM is an integrated system that allows all drone owners to complete the processes, from registration to monitoring operations, at their fingertips.

“It also allows authority for oversight, issuing authorisation and airspace management,” he said.

Loke said to enable the drone industry to grow in a conducive and safe environment, it has to be filled with a vast number of competent operators with the right UAS knowledge.

“The government is also amending regulations to support and spur the growth of the drone industry without jeopardising the safety elements,” he said.