Founded as Poladrone in 2017, Aonic’s initial vision was clear: leverage drone technology to modernize agriculture. The company, founded by Cheong Jin Xi, Chief Executive Officer of Aonic, designed agricultural drones to automate tasks like spraying and monitoring, helping farmers improve yields while reducing dependency on labour, a pressing need especially in Southeast Asia where agriculture accounts for over 25% of total employment (World Bank).
However, as Aonic delved deeper into the field, it became evident that the need for automation extended well beyond farming. “We realized early on that sectors like construction, security, and industrial services faced similar challenges — labour shortages, inefficiencies, and rising operational costs,” says Cheong.
Today, Aonic operates across six verticals: agriculture, industrial, lifestyle, retail, services, and academy. Its transformation from a drone company into an end-to-end automation provider was cemented with milestones such as becoming a DJI Enterprise Platinum Dealer and the official distributor of CHCNAV Machine Control Solutions in Malaysia.
Through partnerships with global tech leaders, Aonic now delivers AI-powered drones, precision automation for construction sites, and comprehensive support services that allow businesses to future-proof their operations.
Tackling the Cost Barrier Head-On
One of the greatest barriers to technology adoption in Southeast Asia is the high upfront cost. Research by PwC indicates that over 65% of SMEs in the region cite cost as the primary obstacle to adopting automation and AI solutions (PwC).
Aonic addressed this challenge by launching Aonic Flex in 2022, Malaysia’s first agricultural drone easy payment program. “We wanted to make it possible for even smallholder farmers to access cutting-edge technology,” says Cheong.
Since its inception, Aonic Flex has disbursed more than RM20 million in financing, enabling businesses across agriculture, logistics, construction, and security sectors to integrate automation without facing a crippling financial burden.
Encouraged by the program’s success, Aonic is now expanding Flex financing beyond drones to support full-scale industrial automation. “Flexible financing will be a key enabler in accelerating the adoption of automation,” Cheong emphasises. “Without it, transformation remains out of reach for most businesses.”
Revolutionising Industries with Smart Automation
Aonic’s technology portfolio is empowering industries to transition from traditional, manual workflows to AI-powered operations.
In construction, CHCNAV’s Machine Control Solutions automate site levelling, road construction, and earthworks with real-time AI and high-precision GNSS technology, significantly reducing human error and project timelines. A McKinsey study notes that AI-driven machine control can reduce construction project costs by up to 15% and cut project duration by up to 30% (McKinsey).
In agriculture, the DJI Matrice 4 Series offers farmers intelligent mapping, crop health monitoring, and precision spraying, enhancing yields while reducing fertiliser and pesticide use. These advancements not only improve profitability but also promote sustainability.
Meanwhile, sectors like energy and security are leveraging Aonic’s drones for real-time asset monitoring, thermal inspections, and intelligent surveillance. These capabilities are reshaping how companies manage large, remote assets by reducing risks, improving data accuracy, and enabling faster response times.
“We are not just providing products,” says Cheong. “We are offering a new way of working, one that is smarter, faster, and safer.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
However, technology alone is not enough. Southeast Asia faces a significant skills gap, with many workers and businesses unfamiliar with operating advanced automation systems. A recent report by the Asian Development Bank found that almost 40% of SMEs lack the technical expertise needed to integrate new technologies (ADB).
Aonic addresses this issue through end-to-end support, including hands-on training via Drone Academy Asia, deployment assistance, and comprehensive after-sales service. Their growing network of Aonic Service Centres across Malaysia and Thailand ensures businesses have access to the local expertise needed for successful adoption.
“We recognise that adoption is not just about the sale, but about training, education, and support,” explains Cheong. “Our goal is to make automation seamless.”
Scaling Across Southeast Asia
Aonic is actively strengthening its presence in Malaysia and Thailand and has set its sights on further regional expansion. The company’s strategy focuses on industries ready to scale their automation capabilities quickly, particularly agriculture, construction, and logistics.
As Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to reach USD 330 billion by 2025 (Temasek), businesses are under increasing pressure to modernise operations. Aonic’s holistic ecosystem — combining accessible financing, local service networks, and cutting-edge AI-powered solutions — positions it as a formidable player in this evolving landscape.
“Accessibility and integration will determine who succeeds in driving regional automation,” says Cheong. “We are committed to being the partner businesses can rely on.”
A Fully Integrated Automation Ecosystem
Looking ahead, Aonic plans to further invest in expanding its industrial automation solutions, enhance its financing models, and broaden its service centre footprint across Southeast Asia. New innovations, such as deeper AI integration into machine control and drone systems, are also on the horizon.
Most notably, Aonic aims to evolve into a full-scale industrial automation ecosystem provider, offering solutions that range from aerial intelligence to ground-based machine control, powered by data-driven insights and AI.
“We’re building more than a company; we’re building an ecosystem that empowers industries to embrace a smarter future,” Cheong concludes.
As industries across Southeast Asia race toward automation, Aonic’s approach, grounded in innovation, accessibility, and real-world application, marks it as a company to watch in the region’s technology transformation journey.
