Dsa & Natsec Asia 2024 Set To See Highest Participation In Its History

By Ahmad Syabil Sultan Noordin Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Defense Service Asia (DSA) and National Security  (NATSEC) Asia 2024 exhibitions from May 6 to 9 are set to see the highest participation in its history, involving over 1,200 companies from 45 countries.

DSA 2024 executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman said that among the countries that have confirmed their participation in the biennial exhibitions so far were Australia, the United States, Brazil, China, Germany, India, France, Italy, South Korea, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom.

“Overall, the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 will see the participation of over 1,200 companies from 45 countries, focusing on the development of local industries and international cooperation.

“The participation of exhibitors for this year has surpassed the records of the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2022, and we aim for it to exceed by more than 25 per cent compared to the previous edition. This year’s edition will also highlight various new strategies in addressing current security challenges,” he told Bernama at his office recently.

The 18th edition of the DSA and NATSEC Asia will take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Nadzeem said that the participation of local and international companies in this year’s exhibitions will be the highest since the inception of the DSA Exhibition in 1988, with increased participation from companies based in countries such as China, the UAE, Italy, and the United States.

He said that, just as in the previous edition, Turkiye will once again emerge as the largest contingent at the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 with nearly 70 companies from the country having confirmed their participation, including Aselsan, Canik, Dearsan Shipyard and Turkish Aerospace Industries.

“They will showcase electronic systems, simulators, weaponry and ammunitions, maritime, flight platforms, unmanned and guided missile systems, armoured vehicles, and various other advanced technologies,” he said.

Nevertheless, Nadzeem said the involvement of local companies such as DEFTECH, Advanced Defence System, OpenApps, MILDEF, Sapura, Malvus Sense, Weststar Group, Nadi Corp, SME Ordnance, System Consultancy Services, and Mindmatics should not be underestimated.

“They will showcase their expertise in the manufacturing, supply, integration, and innovation of defence and security technology systems, including armoured vehicles, weapon platforms, Network Centric Operation, ammunition, drones, UAVs, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), radar systems, and tactical communication,” he said.

In the 17th edition, 380 distinguished delegations from 40 countries and 35,567 trade visitors attended DSA and NATSEC Asia, with the participation of approximately 1,000 companies from major defence industry-producing countries.

Nadzeem said that DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024, with the theme 'Building Resilient Nations for the Next Generation,' will discuss current critical issues and propose the best formulations to ensure stability for the next generation.

“The aspects of defence and security of any country need to be viewed as an investment because a strategically invested country will be able to produce a credible nation that can safeguard its sovereignty to ensure that the people can live safely and enjoy economic prosperity,” he added.

-- BERNAMA