SAFETY and security are cornerstones of the prosperity of any nation. Ensuring that citizens feel safe and secure is one of the principle tasks of a democratic government after all.

       The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2022 exhibitions being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC) (March 28-31) showcase the security elements of the nation.

       “The most important thing for Malaysians to know about these exhibitions is that it’s all about understanding the complexities of the security and defence of our country,” said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

       This year’s DSA 2022 exhibition is the 17th iteration in its series which started back in 1988. NATSEC Asia, on the other hand, was first introduced in 2018 and this year will mark its second exhibition.

       The exhibitions were organised by DSA Exhibition & Conference Sdn Bhd with the cooperation and support of the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

       While DSA involves static exhibitions of the latest equipment, defence technology and weapons systems to meet the needs of defence and security forces for countries in the Asia-Pacific region, NATSEC Asia focuses on the security and enforcement sector for security agencies.

       NATSEC Asia also serves as a platform to enhance the capabilities of enforcement agencies in Malaysia through the introduction of new technologies in the field of security and enforcement.

       During a pre-event walkabout at MiTEC on March 27, members of the press got an early preview of DSA and NATSEC which opened yesterday. Present at the preview with the Home Minister was Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       “I hope this (exhibition) will also mark our transition to the endemic phase. This is a signal that Malaysia is open for business and that we are an ideal destination for investment and trade,” Hishammuddin said.

       He announced that he would meet with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Phillipine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

       “We’re using this opportunity to revive the trilateral understanding between the three countries. Once we put in place the defence arrangements between the three ministers, we can expand that to the internal securities of the three countries,” he said.

       This Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) would be used to bolster security in the Sulu Sea, Sulawesi and Sabah’s east coast, he added.

       About 25,000 visitors from over 50 countries are expected to attend the four-day DSA and NATSEC 2022 exhibitions.

       “To understand defence, one also needs to know the different assets and strategies that can be used to bolster it. The same thing goes for security,” Hamzah said.

       “Currently, there are so many new technologies that our nation and enforcement bodies can explore.

       “For example, when we look at border security, we can leverage on radars, imagers, and unattended ground sensors, and related communication and power technologies to protect our borders,” he said, adding that the exhibitions would be a good avenue for the public to be kept informed on border security issues.

       On the flipside, technology is also being used by criminals as we have seen an increase in cybercrimes as well.

       “Over the years, we’ve looked at improving our available assets to make sure it’s current and that our technology remains state-of-the-art to safeguard the interests of our nation.

       “NATSEC would be a good way for us to look at any areas where we can improve our technologies,” he said.

       A stable and secure nation is able to create confidence for international investors to invest in Malaysia as well. To address the broad spectrum of not only border security concerns but also on investor relations, the Home Minister revealed that there will be a “comprehensive strategic plan for border security”.

       “To properly create this comprehensive border security plan, we’re not only using the exhibitions as a yardstick and to update our own security technologies; we’re also cooperating with the technology providers to make sure that we get tech that’s suited for and implementable in our country’s climate,” he said.

       “The draft is in place but the complete comprehensive border security plan is still being studied as it involves the input of other parties like the Police and Immigration Department and other ministries like Mindef.

       “By this year, perhaps in June, I will table this plan with the Cabinet to look into the security of our nation to safeguard future generations.”