Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2010 closed on 22 April 2010 today after four eventful days at the Putra World Trade Centre, which had been a hive of activity involving 304 foreign delegations from 39 countries which included five Defence Ministers, ,22,740 trade visitors from xx countries and 830 participating companies from 42 countries.

Said Datuk Azzat Kamaludin, Director of DSA Exhibition & Conference Sdn Bhd, “By all accounts and based on feedback received, it was a very successful and fruitful event for exhibitors and trade visitors alike. This was despite the challenges faced by several overseas participants from UK and Europe, who eventually managed to fly in through other operating airports in Europe, due to flight disruptions caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland.”

The Ministry of Defence, Malaysia (MINDEF) signed 20 contracts, Letters of Agreement (LOA) and Letters of Intent (LOI) valued at RM10.355 billion. They included a RM128.5 million contract with DCNS of France for the supply of equipment for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Scorpene submarines, a RM1.6 billion LOA with Eurocopter of France for the delivery of 12 EC725 Cougar utility helicopters and a RM8 billion LOI with DEFTECH for 233 8x8 armoured personnel carriers (APC) and other support vehicles.

In terms of strategic alliances and business collaborations, several local companies entered into joint venture agreements with foreign companies. IGTEC Sdn Bhd inked an agreement with Rohde & Schwarz to establish RSI Technik Sdn Bhd which will set up a RM15 million plant to service, maintain and repair Secure Communications equipment. Another company Ujit Sentosa signed an agreement with Irkut Corporation for the establishment of a regional centre to promote new Transport and Civil Aviation projects of Irkut Corporation in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Pindad (PERSERO) to establish a platform for both parties to work together in areas of common interest and possible areas of co-production or workshare.

Recognised as Asia’s largest and one of the top defence and security exhibitions in the world, DSA 2010 showcased cutting edge defence and security technology and services and provided the platform for successful networking, business collaborations and strategic alliances. It also enabled armed forces and security personnel to avail themselves of the latest developments in the industry.

Fully supported by the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia (MINDEF), the exhibition attracted the participation of 22 country group pavilions including Australia, Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom, USA, Italy, France, South Africa, Poland, Switzerland, Korea, China, Singapore as well as hosts Malaysia. The largest international exhibitor was Fimmeccanica of Italy occupying 460 sq metres while the largest local exhibitor was DEFTECH with 1,700 sq metres.

To enhance the local defence industry, the Malaysian Government has put into motion several initiatives. They include broadening the scope of the Malaysian Defence Industry Council which was re-named the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence, Enforcement and Security (MIDES) and the establishment of the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) which will be the leading centre for targeted research and a knowledge sharing centre for academics focussing on defence and security at local and international levels. Work is also in progress to establish the Malaysian Defence and Security Technology Park or MDSTP. This regional defence industrial hub will cater to the growing requirements of the defence and security industry and aims to forge close defence industrial cooperation with ASEAN nations.

During the Thank-You reception held at the close of DSA 2010, the Minister of Defence, Malaysia announced that DSA 2012 will be held on April 16-19, 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre. He also witnessed the presentation of pledges by 25 companies who have committed their presence at DSA 2012. This included : Armour USA, Arcus Co, Arsenal 2000, SAMEL - 90 and Optix Co of Bulgaria,Cybertech, Tatronics and Trijicon Inc, Australia, Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), Denel, South Africa, Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), Pakistan, Finmeccanica, Italy, Ministry of Defence, Turkey, MKU, India, State Administration of Science, Technology & Industry for National Defence (SASTIND), China, Thales, France, Yugoimport - SDPR of Serbia, Omnipol of Czech Republic, Sapura Group, Weststar Group of Companies, System Enhancement Resources & Technology, SME Ordnance, Shafleena Group, DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) and Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad of Malaysia.

Official Sponsors of DSA 2010 included Bavarian Nordic, CBC - Cis Bras Cartuchos, DCNS, DEFTECH, EADS, RUAG, WESTAR LDV, Affin Bank, Thales, BAE Systems, the South African National Pavilion, UKTI DSO, the German National Pavilion, the Czech National Pavilion, Asian Defence & Diplomacy, Pico International and R E Rogers.

A full Post Show Report will be available within the next month.