Jerudong, Tuesday, 11 August 2009 – The Second Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 is deemed the premier defence and security event in South East Asia. Prior to the commencement of the well awaited exhibition, a one-day International Conference was officially opened today at the BRIDEX Centre in Jerudong.

Present to officiate the event was the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar who also presented the official opening Address. This was later proceeded with a Keynote Address by the Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan, General (Rtd) Ehsan Ul Haq.

BRIDEX Conference is a collaborative between the Ministry of Defence and Jane’s Information Group. The Conference examines the full spectrum of emerging threats via a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions. The event focuses on four key themes of relevance to defence forces and national security agencies in South East Asia’s fast-changing defence and security environment, namely Emerging and future security threats in Southeast Asia; C4ISR and the Evolution of Network Centric Capabilities; Homeland Security and Border Protection; and Application of C4I to peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

With an attendance of approximately 380 participants, BRIDEX Conference brings together high level international government and defence & security officials, and leading defence & security industry experts. It also provides an ideal platform to network, exchange ideas, information and knowledge, and discuss technology advancements and industry developments.

The aim of the Conference is to provide participants with a better understanding of defence and security priorities and challenges facing political and military leaders in South East Asia, as well as an appreciation of how to translate that understanding into actionable insights that will shape business plans in 2009 and beyond.

Prominent invited speakers will enlightened the Conference over three Sessions. For the first sessions, focusing on C4ISTAR and the Evolution of Network Centric Capabilities, the Conference will bring forward speakers like Mr Soh Kong Pheng, Chief Executive, Defence Science and Technology Agency, Singapore; Rear Admiral Chris A Snow, Flag Officer Sea Training, Royal Navy, UK; and  Lieutenant General Johan Kihl, Former Chief of Staff, Swedish Armed Forces, Sweden.

At luncheon, participants were enlightened with a presentation by Professor Dr Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Professor of Psychology, Head of Graduate Program of Police Studies, Postgraduate Programs, University of Indonesia, Jakarta.

After lunched, the Second Session began, touching on homeland security and border protection – trends, challenges and technologies, the speakers will include Inspector General (Police) Dr Ito Sumardi, Expert Chief Advisor to Indonesian National Police Chief, Indonesia; Mr Nick Gibbons, Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat, Cabinet Office, UK;  Mr Giles Noakes, Chief Maritime Security Officer, BIMCO, Denmark; and Mr Warren Prentice, Business Development Manager, Defence & Public Safety, APAC Microsoft, Singapore.

In the Third and Final Session, participants were presented with the theme C4I in Peacekeeping Missions, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations. Speaking at this session were Mr Sudhir Mahara, Director, International Training Programs, BlueForce LLC, USA; Mr Michael Marx, Senior Civil-Military Coordination Advisor, United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN/OCHA), USA; General Boonsrang Niumpradit, Former Supreme Commander, Royal Thai Armed Forces and Former Force Commander, United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), 2000-2001.

After every session conducted, participants had the opportunity for a question and answer session.

Prior to BRIDEX Conference, a reception event was held last night at the Empire Theatre Hall Lobby, The Empire Hotel & Country Club. The reception provides a useful networking avenue for the participants, speakers and conference organiser. Present as the Guest of Honour at the reception was, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

Written by Normasitirena Hj Suhaini