KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions saw the Defence Ministry signing contracts and deals worth RM7.3 billion, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
The defence minister said this involved 17 acceptance letters worth RM3.3 billion, seven contracts totalling RM1.9 billion, four letters of intent amounting to RM1.83 billion, 10 memoranda of understanding between various Malaysianl, regional, and international organisations and players worth RM0.28 billion and two Malaysian Corporate Integrity System certificates.
"I must reiterate that the investments and value creation witnessed during this week are still growing and expected to achieve higher figures.
"I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all involved for their commitment, trust and continuous support for the Defence Ministry, the armed forces and our defence industry players," he said.
He said this at the Thank You and Announcement Reception for the DSA 2026 and Natsec Asia 2026 Exhibitions at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here on Thursday.
Present was the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The biennial exhibition, now in its 18th edition, began on Monday.
Khaled said the Defence Ministry and the armed forces successfully hosted 10 courtesy visits and bilateral engagements at the defence minister level with various countries and counterparts.
He added that there were five courtesy visits and engagements at the deputy defence minister level, along with 11 courtesy visits and engagements at the secretary-general and top management levels.
"Also held were 70 courtesy visits and engagements for all branches of service in the armed forces. Of these, 36 involved the chief of the defence forces and the army, 19 involved the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and 15 the Royal Malaysian Navy."
Reflecting on the success of the shows, Khaled emphasised that "DSA and Natsec Asia have exemplified the strength of international defence cooperation".
"With significant contracts and memoranda of understanding totalling RM7.3 billion, these events highlight not only their economic impact, but also strengthen our collaborative defence capabilities, representing a global commitment to shared security and defence readiness.
"By uniting the best minds and technologies worldwide, we set a precedent for future international defence engagements, essential for navigating the complex challenges of our geopolitical environment."
DSA 2024 featured several meaningful events, including the Putrajaya Forum, an international conference which drew the participation of policymakers, stakeholder agencies, think tanks and academicians to discuss, share knowledge and promote understanding of regional issues.
Also held was the National Security International Seminar, which saw participants deliberating on the topic titled "Enhancing National Security Through Good Governance and Credible Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges".
Khaled delivered the keynote address at both forums.
Following the success of the exhibitions, DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd announced its pledge to support Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia in the education and development of deserving children of armed forces and police personnel.