Virtual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Program Covers Reliable Drone Technology

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtual program, “Supporting Safe Reliable Drone Technology to Address COVID and Routine Implementations”, occurred Nov. 23-24, 2021. The program was focused on the implementation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, and related standards and policies.

The self-funded APEC program, submitted by the United States and co-sponsored by nine APEC economies, provided the means for dialogue among domestic and international public and private sector stakeholders, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The APEC program gave participants the opportunity to learn and speak about the opportunities and challenges, as well as existing and needed standards that might support policy when implementing drones.

More than 160 participants from 16 nations attended the two-day program.  

The virtual program was overseen by Kent Shigetomi, assistant U.S. trade representative for WTO and multilateral affairs, and Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM International vice president of global cooperation. Phil Kenul presented opening comments. Kenul, chair of ASTM’s committee on unmanned aircraft systems, is senior vice president for aviation and operations, TriVector Services.

The event featured 11 additional speakers from the U.S.; Singapore; Hong Kong, China; New Zealand; Malaysia; Korea; and Canada. Topics ranged from UAS detection systems at airports to the future of drone technology.

APEC is the leading Asia-Pacific economic forum, with participation from more than 20 national economies. APEC’s primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.


Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
    
Release #11332
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November 29, 2021