A more prominent BRIDEX 2009

THE Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) and Conference 2009 is set to be more prominent than the previous effort come August 12 official opening at the newly built BRIDEX building Jerudong next week.

The Defence Permanent Secretary II Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Majid Mangarshah announced the official statement of the BRIDEX during a press briefing held at the new building, yesterday.

"Looking back at the first BRIDEX in 2007, the Ministry of Defence is further encouraged by the positive and excellent responses from the exhibitors and the public, therefore with the support of the Royal Brunei Technical Services as the co-organiser, it remains our desire to see BRIDEX 09 to be more prominent," he said.

The theme this year will focus on four areas of Command control communication computer and Intelligence (C4I), Homeland Security, Supporting Deployed Forces on Peacekeeping/Humanitarian Support Missions and Border Surveillance and Protection.

BRIDEX 2009 is aimed at providing a venue for interaction for members of the private sector, defence manufacturer and suppliers, senior defence military officers, researchers and other decision makers especially on matters pertaining to defence procurement.

"The exhibition will offer a unique opportunity for them to exhibit their product and to look at the development of the latest defence technology that is available on the market," he said.

The exhibition was also aimed at promoting interest in the development of defence industry in Brunei Darussalam, which will support the country's defence and generate awareness from the huge economic and business opportunities that the defence sector can offer.

A one-day conference will be held a day before the official launch for the handover ceremony of the building.

Some 12 international speakers addressing issues revolving around the theme of "Emerging and Future Security Threats and Challenges in Southeast Asia" and secondly the trends in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR); and the Evolution of Network Centric Capabilities, Homeland Security and Border Protection; and Application of C4I to peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations. This will bring together high level international government and defence and security officials and leading defence and security industry experts.

"It will provide an ideal platform to network, exchange ideas information and knowledge ..." he added. The Brunei Times