CCI Drives Cutting-Edge Drone Innovation Between Chongqing and Singapore

Chongqing - Launched in 2015, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative (CCI) advances the information and communications sector, focusing on fostering innovation between Chinese and Singaporean enterprises through the Joint ICM Innovation Development Fund (JIDF).

The project recently achieved a milestone with the launch of new drone technology for firefighting and emergency responses.

Chongqing Zhongyue Aerospace Equipment Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd, a national high-tech enterprise, has developed a machine vision-assisted landing system for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) that boasts significant improvements in handling high-rise fires. 

The workshop of Chongqing Zhongyue Aerospace Equipment Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Photo/Xinhua News)

"Our UAVs, which can now carry loads between 100 kilograms and 200 kilograms, are primarily used in firefighting in high-rise buildings and forest areas as well as for emergency rescues," said Cao Bing, chairman of Chongqing Zhongyue Aerospace Equipment Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

This technology was spotlighted during the ninth meeting of the Joint Trial Committee of the CCI in June 2024, where Zhongyue signed a new R&D agreement with Singaporean companies.

"In 2019, we conducted a firefighting exercise in Singapore. They have shown great appreciation for our high-rise firefighting drones, and we are hopeful that our technology will soon be integrated into the Singapore Fire Brigade," Cao added.

A UAV made by Chongqing Zhongyue Aerospace Equipment Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd in action during a firefighting exercise. (Photo/Xinhua News)

The JIDF has successfully co-sponsored 24 innovative application projects in areas such as international logistics, smart manufacturing, smart education, and high-definition video. 

Ganwei Software partnered with Singapore Vilota to develop intelligent low-altitude cloud eye solutions, while Chongqing Zhirong Yunlian collaborated with Singapore TradeGo on a cross-border electronic bill of lading application, boosting Sino-Singaporean trade digitization and efficiency.

Sun Xiyong, deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, highlighted that these projects fill technology gaps and boost China's global drone competitiveness.

Sun said the CCI has spurred significant economic ties between Chongqing and Singapore, generating $25.95 billion in cooperation projects and 262 cross-border financing projects worth $20.91 billion.

The CCI has facilitated significant economic engagement between Chongqing and Singapore. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

"Singapore has emerged as the largest source of foreign investment in Chongqing, with bilateral trade and import-export activities totaling 72 billion yuan (about USD 10 billion). These collaborations have enhanced connectivity between western China and ASEAN countries, setting a new benchmark in international cooperation and technological advancement," said Sun.

(He Le, an intern, also contributed to this article)