Dsa, Natsec 2024 Conclude With Rm9 Bln In Agreements

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- The Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 exhibitions have drawn to a close after witnessing the signing of numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements involving local and international companies, as well as ministries related to the defence industry.

Throughout the four-day exhibition, agreements worth more than RM9 billion were inked, with significant participation from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), alongside local and international companies.

Mindef signed a total of 40 agreements valued at RM7.3 billion, including seven contracts (RM1.90 billion), 10 MoUs (RM280 million) and 17 letters of acceptance (LOA) worth RM3.30 billion. 

Additionally, four letters of intent (LOIs) were signed, totalling RM1.83 billion, along with two Corporate Integrity System Malaysia certificates.

Among the notable LOIs signed was with Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd, for the acquisition of floating pressure turbines (LPT) A400M aircraft for the Royal Malaysia Air Force, valued at RM392 million.

Another significant agreement was signed with BHIC Aeroservices Sdn Bhd for in-service support related to the supply and services of EC725 helicopters, totalling RM378 million.

In closing remarks, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised the inevitability of investing in emerging defence technologies in the 21st century. 

He stressed the importance of considering and strategically adopting environmental, social and governance principles in such investments.

“In ensuring effective defence collaboration, credible international partnerships must be continuously pursued. Good governance and trust must serve as the bedrock of such a healthy engagement,” he said during the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 Thank You Reception ceremony here, today.

Mohamed Khaled also announced that preparations for DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 are already underway, with the 19th edition scheduled to take place from April 20-23, 2026.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted the symbolic significance of signing 14 contracts valued at RM2.16 billion with local companies. 

"The contract segments signed include information technology, logistics, as well as asset upgrades.

"It demonstrates that the ministry views the Royal Malaysian Police as an important agency that requires support to maintain its state of readiness," he told reporters after the contract signing ceremony held here on Wednesday.

For four days, the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) served as a global hub for cutting-edge technologies and high-level discussions, marking a new milestone in the history of the exhibitions.

With a legacy spanning over three decades, DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 continued to set industry standards with an unprecedented gathering of global stakeholders.

This edition welcomed a record-breaking 1,324 participating companies from 60 countries, encompassing a sprawling 48,000 square meters of occupied space.

This represents a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous edition, underscoring the escalating global interest and relevance of the DSA series.

During the opening ceremony, DSA Exhibition & Conferences Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin anticipated an overall economic impact of around RM700 million from the exhibitions.

“With 34 international pavilions and 588 foreign VIP delegations, DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 promise unmatched global networking and business opportunities,” he said in his speech on Monday.

In addition to highlighting advancements in defence and security, this showcase marks the third time NATSEC Asia has been held concurrently with DSA, aiming to encourage broader involvement among security professionals and stakeholders in the global defence and security industry.

Jointly organised, supported, and hosted by Mindef and the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Malaysian Armed Forces, these co-located shows attracted over 50,000 trade visitors from 70 countries.

Key international players in the defence and security industry who participated in this year’s events include Airbus Group, BAE Systems, Beretta Defense Technologies BDT, EDGE, Leonardo, MBDA, Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi, SSM (Turkish Industry Association), Tawazun, TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries) and Yugoimport.

-- BERNAMA