RM8.1bil worth of contracts expected to be signed at DSA NatSec 2024

RM8.1bil contracts targeted to be signed during DSA NatSec 2024.

KUALA LUMPUR: Contracts and memorandums of understanding (MOU) worth RM8.1bil are expected to be signed during this year's Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia exhibition.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry was expected to sign several contracts during the exhibition, which would be held from Monday (May 6) to Thursday (May 9).

"We have identified several contracts and MOU signings expected to be held worth about RM6bil," he told a press conference after a walkabout of the exhibition hall along with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Sunday (May 5).

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the Home Ministry had earmarked 14 contracts and MOU signings during the exhibition.

"The expected deals are with RM2.1bil," he said.

Mohamed Khaled said 1,324 companies from 60 countries would be involved in the exhibition.

"At the same time, 34 countries will have their own exhibition pavilions. The exhibition space has been increased to 48,000sqm to accommodate all exhibitors.

"We will also be expecting visits by foreign delegations of VIPs and VVIPs from several countries, including Brunei, Zimbabwe, Thailand, UAE, and Qatar," he said.

Mohamed Khaled said the presence of the exhibitors and foreign delegations showed the commitment to ensure the exhibition's success.

"Our target is to be an attraction for the region's defence and security Sectors.

"We are always looking to improve the quality of the exhibition so that its prestige could be recognised globally," he said.

Mohamed Khaled said that two seminars are among the highlights of the exhibition.

"One is on enhancing national security through good governance and credible partnership while the other is on non-traditional threats and emerging technologies.

"We believe the rigorous discussion and outcome will benefit all," he said. For the Home Ministry, Saifuddin, the focus will be on cybersecurity.

"One of the highlights is a town hall session on cybersecurity. It is a global matter that is very concerning; thus, it is an appropriate topic to focus on," he said.