BRIDEX shows Brunei's military might

VISITORS to the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 have expressed their anticipation and excitement of coming over to witness the nation's military capability up close and personal.

"It's a good exposure for the new generation. BRIDEX serves as a career boost for them, allowing them to see for themselves what the armed forces and the defence industry has to offer," said a mother of two who joined thousands of others at the BRIDEX new complex in Jerudong.

"I enjoyed looking at the guns and heavy artillery being on display. It's not everyday for us civilians to get to see those things live in front of us, so BRIDEX really gives us that opportunity," said 25-year-old Hamdillah.

"My kids are having a great time at BRIDEX today because they finally got to see all the military equipment and vehicles that they only get to see in cartoons and videogames. The exhibition is also very educational for them," said a father of three.

"It's really impressive. I hope to see such such a large-scale event to become a sort of 'culture' for Brunei. We should have more events as huge as this more often." said Hj Marjidi Hj Abd Rahman.

Hazwani Saiful Bahri, a student who will be leaving for her overseas studies next month commented that BRIDEX was impressive.

"It's nothing I've ever seen before. And the building structure is magnificent. But I've yet to see the entire exhibition because there's just so much to see and its just so packed today.

"The displays and the demonstrations are something I've only been able to see on television and the Internet, but today I am thrilled to get to see them with my own eyes," said Hazimah, a technical student.

"The most exciting experience was the demonstration. Clearly it shows that the Royal Brunei Armed Forces are capable of doing such extraordinary feat, which makes us all very proud," said a teacher who wished to remain anonymous.

"I've gained so much knowledge from the exhibition, mostly things that I've always been fascinated and wanted to know more, such as the different types of kevlar, different type of guns, the different types of combat and the different types of ammunition that they use," said Fairuz Zabady Zaini, an undergraduate.

"The only drawback is getting here. If it wasn't for the parking, this event would turn out to be just perfect," he added.

Pg Hj Abu Bakar Pg Hj Othman, 49, who like the others, gave positive response to the event. "I would normally experience this kind of exhibition outside the country, and I think it's good that Brunei is finally able to bring that thrill and excitement here," he said.

"Although I do hope that the authorities could improve on the shuttle service, perhaps spreading their locations for the public in more strategic locations in order to minimise the congestion in Jerudong."

"The exhibition is great, but they've got to do something about the parking here. I had to park really far and its really difficult to get here too," said Rebecca, a student from abroad.

"I guess the organisers weren't prepared to face such a huge turnout of people coming here. Some of us missed the demonstration because we were among those who have spent a long time finding a parking spot and waiting for the shuttle to pick us up," said a father who had brought his entire family to the event.

The Brunei Times