KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions from May 6 to 9 will witness the signing of contracts and memorandums of understanding worth more than RM5bil.
DSA 2024 executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman said several contracts have been identified and will be signed on the third day of the exhibition involving the Home Ministry and the Defence Ministry.
"So far, the contract value has almost reached RM5bil but there are still several more contracts that will be decided by the two ministries soon, namely before the start of DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024. It could be more (in contract value),” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
At the 17th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia two years ago, the Ministry of Defence signed 54 defence contracts and memorandums of understanding worth RM4.6 billion while the Home Ministry signed one memorandum of understanding and eight contracts worth RM2.596 billion.
The upcoming 18th edition of DSA and Natsec Asia 2024 is scheduled to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Nadzeem said that several side events would be held, namely the 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 startups to promote and bring to market their innovations, products, and services.
"The Future Forces segment is set to revolutionise the way 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 of the defence & security industry, featuring interviews with captains of industries as well as 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 would also be other events such as technical presentations and product demos, forums, conferences and seminars.
"I hope this exhibition will bring great benefits to the local defence and security industry so that 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. - Bernama
