Singapore.  13 May 2019. IMDEX Asia 2019, the biennial international maritime defence event in Asia Pacific, plays host to 25 chiefs of defence forces and navies, vice chiefs, directors-general of coast guards and senior naval officers who will congregate for strategic conversations to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in Asia Pacific. This 12th edition of IMDEX Asia will also be attended by 236 participating companies from 30 countries, and 10,500 trade visitors from 65 countries, from 14-16 May, at the Singapore Changi Exhibition Centre.

Delegates and visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour the 25 warships from 15 countries, and view the array of amphibious crafts, naval systems and ships that are on display at the Changi Naval Base. A key highlight includes one of Australia’s big decks – HMAS Canberra – which will be making its debut appearance at IMDEX Asia 2019.

Tapping on tech innovation to drive greater growth in the region

Overall defence spending in Asia Pacific is set to rise to US$515 billion from 2015 to 2019, and is forecasted to be the world’s biggest military spender by 2029. Against an evolving landscape and a resurgence in defence spending, the next generation of innovation takes centre stage at IMDEX Asia 2019.

More than 236 participating companies from 30 countries, both returning and new ones, will showcase game-changing ideas and exploration of innovative solutions. Building on the importance of innovation, IMDEX Asia 2019 will launch What’s Next, a programme that avails a unique platform for start-ups to network with industry heavyweights, showcase their innovations and establish new business development leads. The inaugural What’s Next features a total of 13 start-ups from France, India, Philippines, Singapore and USA.

Additionally, the What’s Next programme features a Shipyard 4.X pitch challenge, where start-ups pitch solutions to potential investors, corporate businesses and end-users. What’s Next will provide start-ups with an avenue to showcase their ideas to the global maritime community that will inspire novel solutions for the shipbuilders, ship and port operators, as well as business owners from the supply chain and logistics sectors.

“IMDEX Asia embodies the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines the region’s naval and maritime defence sector. The breadth and depth of technological advances that are on display will empower naval defence and maritime stakeholders to harness the vast potential of technological innovation for solutions within a complex security landscape in Asia Pacific. With the presence of every emerging innovation in an environment of collaborative mindset, IMDEX Asia is truly where the finest in naval defence and maritime sector meet,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events Pte Ltd.

Navigating Asia Pacific’s complex maritime security landscape with a common language

At the heart of IMDEX Asia 2019 is the exclusive International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), where over 400 delegates from the naval defence sector will gather for pivotal conversations to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in Asia Pacific. This edition of IMSC focuses conversations on the theme Safe and Secure Seas: Promoting Mutual Security in our Maritime Commons, and comprises three panels that cover assessment of current rules-based maritime order, maintaining peace and strengthening cooperation and trust. 

“This year’s conference will provide a forum for discussion and discourse on the maritime security challenges we face today. The sixth edition will see an exciting line-up of practitioners and academia who will speak at plenaries on the current rules-based maritime order, maintaining peace in our maritime commons, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation and engender trust,” said Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Ho Jee Kien from the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Complementing the IMSC are two business forums that will focus on Cybersecurity in the Maritime Domain and Innovation in the Maritime Domain. In the former forum, industry experts will explore how cyber is changing the landscape of the defence sector; while in the latter, conversations will examine how innovations are further changing the way navies operate.

Growing and grooming future talents 

With the partnership of the Singapore Maritime Foundation, IMDEX Asia 2019 will introduce the Maritime Campus, a 360° platform that aims to groom the next generation of talents by educating and showcasing higher education opportunities and careers in the maritime and naval industries. About 1,000 students from 13 participating secondary and tertiary institutions, and full-time national servicemen are expected to attend the inaugural edition that include talks, walk-through exhibitions and engagement.