'Exhibitors made BRIDEX successful'

BRIDEX 2009 could not have been a success without the strong commitment displayed by the participating exhibitors, said the host of the premier regional defence and security exhibition during the BRIDEX International Night yesterday.

Deputy Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Singamanteri Col (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, in his remarks at the Theatre Hall of the Empire Hotel and Country Club, expressed his gratitude towards the exhibitors, organiser and relevant parties in helping to make BRIDEX a platform for networking, business dealings and strengthening existing friendships among those present.

He conveyed his appreciation for their support and contribution, and hoped that BRIDEX would facilitate cooperation among defence agencies, so that they can work "together as partners" in military technology.

Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin also invited the exhibitors to participate in the next BRIDEX in 2011, coinciding with the golden anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Laden with colourful backgrounds and costumes, a line-up of cultural performances was in store to entertain the guests at the International Night. Complete with local artists, the dinner gave an insight to Brunei's diverse culture and homely beginnings.

The international delegates also had the opportunity to join in the festivities as they were invited on stage for a run of traditional dance as well as participating in a mock Bruneian wedding.

"Beautiful" was how Peter Temander, the vice president of Saab International of Sweden, described the evening's proceedings.

"BRIDEX 2009 has been fantastic. A great deal of work and investment has gone into organising it," he told The Brunei Times, adding that the list of delegates clearly shows how BRIDEX has made itself known in the international defence and security arena.

A participant of the first BRIDEX in 2007 and based in Bangkok, Saab International specialises in military equipment and technologies, such as fighter aircraft, which it supplies to countries across Southeast Asia.

Brunei is not exempted from its list of potential clients as the vice president said that Saab is "very much prepared" to supply technologies to the Sultanate.

Over 200 exhibitors comprising local and international companies were treated to the enjoyable evening, with some even walking away with coveted souvenirs as an additional token of their participation in BRIDEX 2009.

Winner of the "Most Creative Booth" was KADBB from Jordan, while UK's Northrop Grumman nabbed the "Most Informative Booth" award. "Most Outstanding Domestic Booth" was local company EDS Mobility Technology, while Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd won the international award for their booth. Dubbed the "Most Popular Booth" was that of Poly Technology Inc from China.

India's Pavilion came out on top with the "Overall Best Booth".

A surprise was in store for the guests as a lucky draw was also held. The Director of Bumar Sp. z o.o. Regional Office, Krzysztof J Splawiec won himself a ticket to Perth, courtesy of Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA). RBA also sponsored a ticket to Bangkok, while Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd paid for Ms Alonso of EADS ticket to Hong Kong.

Today marks the final day of BRIDEX 2009, which saw distinguished defence and security companies such as Harris Corporation, Bell Helicopter, Raytheon and Thales Angenieux SA from a host of countries including France, Germany, UK, US and Sweden.

The Brunei Times