In a recent interview with Ta Kung Pao, Mr. Samuel Lam Hon Yuen, the CEO of XSocial Group, shared his insights on the challenges and potential of developing a low-altitude economy in the densely populated city of Hong Kong.
Mr. Lam acknowledged that Hong Kong's high population density poses a significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of low-altitude technologies, such as drones. "Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, which presents unique challenges for the implementation of a low-altitude economy," he said.
However, Mr. Lam emphasized that the potential benefits of drone technology in specific applications, such as medical services, emergency response, and disaster relief, should be prioritized. "Drones have the capability to revolutionize critical sectors like healthcare and emergency management in Hong Kong," he noted. "By focusing on these specialized use cases first, we can demonstrate the value and safety of low-altitude operations."
To achieve this, Mr. Lam suggested that the development of the low-altitude economy should start with the planning of flight routes, focusing on short-haul flights where drone technology is more mature. "By starting with shorter, more controlled flight paths, we can gather valuable data and gradually build confidence in the safety of these operations," he explained.
One of the key challenges, according to Mr. Lam, is the current legislative landscape. "The development of the low-altitude economy is currently constrained by legislation and the need for comprehensive airspace data to verify safety," he said. "To address this, we need to establish dedicated test flight areas and analyze real-world application scenarios to gather the necessary data and inform policymaking."
Without the opportunity to conduct these actual test flights, Mr. Lam cautioned that the drone industry in Hong Kong will be unable to progress further. "Without the ability to test and validate the technology in real-world conditions, we cannot make significant strides in promoting the low-altitude economy," he emphasized.
Overall, Mr. Lam's insights highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of developing a low-altitude economy in Hong Kong, while also emphasizing the potential benefits and the need for a comprehensive, data-driven approach to navigating the regulatory and technological hurdles.
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