CYBERJAYA: Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof said he does not have a problem if the ministry’s flying car project was deemed as nothing more than a hobby.
He said this was because, even if a project were to begin its life as nothing more than a mere hobby, it could be turned into a successful business project, as has been done in developed countries.
Redzuan was responding to former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz who questioned the need for the government to develop a flying car.
“I think she (Rafidah) doesn’t quite understand what is behind the ministry’s objective in developing a flying car.
“Whatever business we do, it must start from a hobby, and hobbies cannot be realised if there isn’t any room, necessary ecosystem and required law to turn it into a business,” he said.
Redzuan said this after launching the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC)’s third cohort in its Global Accelerator Programme (GAP), here, today.
Rafidah, who was speaking at the 21st Perdana Discourse Series, said: “If it were really feasible, you think Malaysia would be the first to do it?”
Redzuan further explained that the project did not involve funding from the nation’s coffers.
“We have to encourage innovation to expand and develop (new economic sectors) in the country.
“Tan Sri (Rafidah) is definitely an intelligent and smart person, but we want to stimulate our community by creating an ecosystem for future industries.
“Other countries are already far ahead of us.
“I don’t have a problem if the project is regarded as a hobby because it does not cost the government (anything),” he said.
“The flying car project, developed by a local talent, which started as a hobby, will be showcased this year.
“And, we may develop this as an industry.”
The first prototype of the flying car, known as Air Mobility, is expected to be launched as early as October.
The development of the prototype involves several private companies.
Redzuan had previously stated that it was one of the new entrepreneurship areas that had been identified to have high potential in the local and international markets, particularly in the infrastructure, security and agriculture sectors.
He said Air Mobility would apply the latest technologies such as drones, big data analytics and artificial intelligence that were developing fast internationally.
Redzuan had said that the ministry only played the role of facilitator in developing the Air Mobility industry ecosystem, especially in terms of formulating policies, regulations and local industry support.