In this first TechBurst Asia podcast, we interview Bernard Leong, Vice President of Airbus Aerial and founder and host of the Analyse Asia podcast, to discuss the future of drones.

What are the roles of drones in society? More importantly, just because it is technically feasible to deliver a package or person via drone, does that mean we should? Will drones take over the skies and transform our lives? Or will the potential security risks hold the industry back and hinder innovation and progress? 

Show notes and timestamps:

01:30 Bernard's background - university and early career

04:10 The move from academia to the start-up world

05:45 Leaving the start-up world for the corporate life

09:56 The rationale behind starting the Analyse Asia podcast

11:05 Tell us something about yourself that we won't know

13:15 Ok, time to discuss drones. Tell us about your role in delivering the world’s first drone postal deliver for SingPost (Sept 2015).

20:29 How has the drone industry evolved since 2015? And what is the impact of the recent drone security scares (e.g. Gatwick airport)

21:34 The economics behind drone parcel delivery (e.g. Uber drone deliveries of McDonalds in San Diego). Are the financial and business models really viable?, including cost per delivery in western markets versus China. And how China leads the low cost delivery race despite having a lower cost labour base than the more developed markets like the US and Australia. 

26:37 Will B2C drone deliveries create new security risks? What is the role of government regulation to ensure the safety of drones. And tell us about China's drone regulatory environment compares to the rest of the world. 

31:10 Air Taxis - are we ready for for it?

34:55 The enterprise use cases for drones - including real estate, emergency services, mining, etc. 

37:45 Which markets excite you for the future of drones (besides China)?

38:42 What challenges to governments need to overcome to help drive drones in the future

40:30 Bernard's view of the best case scenario for drones in the coming 3 - 5 years - and the worst case. 

41:50 The main question - will drones move beyond the hype in the coming years and deliver true value and use cases - or will drones become an overhyped toy?

43:20 How can the audience find out more about you and the Analyse Asia podcast?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bleongcw/ 

Twitter: @BernardLeong

Analyse Asia podcast: www.analyseasia.com 

Bernard's Blog: www.bernardleong.com  

Note: This interview was recorded at the end of June 2019. Bernard has since left Airbus Aerial to pursue other career opportunities.