BRIDEX will put Brunei on international map, says delegates

THE Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 is not only an opportunity to showcase the latest and most advanced military technology but also for Brunei to further establish itself on the international stage, said one of the visiting foreign delegates.

Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) Rear Admiral A S M A Awal from the Bangladesh Navy said that the exhibition serves an underlying purpose of exposing the country to its participants who had travelled to the Sultanate from all over the globe.

"This will help promote Brunei as a tourist area and further enhance the image of the country," he said, adding that his stay in Brunei has been pleasant so far.

"I am enjoying the country and culture, the people here are also very friendly," he said during the BRIDEX Reception at the Banquet Hall of Empire Hotel last night.

Admiral Awal said that he had particularly enjoyed the performances and exercises that had been organised.

"I am very impressed. The showcasing of the armed forces training, as well as induction of new weapons were very well done," he said in an interview.

The highlight of the conference for him however were the seminars and conferences where various topics such as C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) as well as challenges in the field were discussed.

"As a whole, the problems regarding terrorism and cross-national crimes were tackled and through today's demonstration, it is good to see the special forces take on such scenarios," he said.

However, he said that a longer timeframe should be set aside for the seminars. "Too many areas were covered in such a short time," he said.

Admiral Awal gave an example where the "Mentality of Terrorism" seminar was delivered during lunch, a time where most people would be uninterested and preoccupied.

"It would be much better if they extend the time for the seminars and conferences," added the admiral.

Meanwhile, Director of Techno-Sciences Brad Kidwell from the United States of America said that the exhibition is also a good opportunity to network and meet with old acquaintances.

Kidwell said that the highlight of his experience so far was catching up with a general from Cambodia whom he had met a year ago.

"Seeing him at the conference is very good," he said.

The director said that the exhibition provides an opportunity to meet with individuals who are decision makers, and to update them on the latest technologies.

"You don't have to travel to all the different countries, you can just meet them here," he said.

"It is also a good opportunity to expose Brunei. There are a bunch of defence contractors exposing various technologies to Brunei and vice versa," he explained.

He said that foreign countries, represented by their respective delegations, will also benefit from such a conference.

"Many companies in the US wants to be a part of the Southeast Asian market," he said.

"We believe we can provide good value for the cost and provide a solution to military leaders in the region," he added.

Deputy Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar said that participants should view BRIDEX as a platform for updating and widening their knowledge on current military systems and technology.

The reception concluded with a colourful and spectacular fireworks display which lit up the night sky.

The Brunei Times