Contracts, MOUs worth RM5bil to be signed at annual meet
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions from May 6 to 9 this year will witness the signing of contracts and memorandums of understanding worth more than RM5bil.
DSA 2024 executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman (pic) said several contracts have been identified and will be signed on the third day of the exhibition involving the Home Ministry (KDN) and the Defence Ministry (Mindef).
“So far, the contract value has almost reached RM5bil but there are still several more contracts that will be decided by the two ministries before the start of DSA and Natsec Asia 2024. It could be more,” Nadzeem told Bernama recently.
At the 17th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia two years ago, Mindef signed 54 defence contracts and memorandums of understanding worth RM4.6bil while KDN signed one memorandum of understanding and eight contracts worth RM2.596bil.
The upcoming 18th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia 2024 is scheduled to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here.
Nadzeem said several side events will be held, namely DSA and Natsec Asia Lab, Future Forces segment, DSA and Natsec Asia TV, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Drone and Robotics Pavilion.
He said DSA and Natsec Asia Lab are premier platforms that provide opportunities for small enterprises and start-ups to promote their innovations, products and services.
“The Future Forces segment is set to revolutionise the way armed forces engage in modern warfare that requires technology integration, multi-domain operation, net-centric warfare, stealth and precision.
“DSA Natsec Asia TV is a media channel that will cover DSA and Natsec Asia 2024’s daily activities. This platform also provides the latest updates in the defence and security industry, featuring interviews with captains of industries as well as the various delegations,” he said.
According to Nadzeem, the UAV, Drone and Robotics Pavilion is the result of a joint venture with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (Naico) Malaysia to provide an opportunity for local companies to showcase capabilities, efficiency and innovation of drone technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the defence and security sector.
Apart from that, Nadzeem said there will also be technical presentations and product demos, forums, conferences and seminars.
“I hope this exhibition will bring great benefit to the local defence and security industry so they can take this opportunity to highlight their ability to penetrate the international market.
“Hopefully, DSA and Natsec Asia this time will become a starting point for innovation and lasting cooperation in developing more effective and efficient solutions in meeting current and future security challenges,” he said.
