More drone applications in South Asia, greater demand for retirement living in Australia to drive Thakral’s growth

[SINGAPORE] Drone manufacturer DJI has been running tests in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal, with unmanned aerial vehicles that could remove debris – which increases the risk of an avalanche – left behind by climbers on Mount Everest.

The growing number of drone applications has helped boost the earnings of Thakral Corporation, a diversified company that distributes electronics and lifestyle products including those of DJI, as well as invests in property.

And its chief executive officer, Inderbethal Singh Thakral, is confident that its distribution of DJI drones in South Asia will continue to drive growth.

“Drones are (covering) such a vast area. For us, every new application means more revenue in the future – so we are very excited about this whole space,” Bethal, as he is popularly known, told The Business Times in an interview.

Besides environmental monitoring, drone applications are increasing in other sectors as well, including surveillance for mining and energy companies, as well as last-mile delivery for pharmaceutical firms.