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LANGKAWI: Momentum is already building ahead of the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) and the 4th National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia 2026), with nine leading companies confirming their participation. These early commitments reflect growing industry confidence and underscore the continued relevance of both events as premier platforms for defence and security engagement in the region. The contracts were exchanged during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. The event was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, YBhg. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali; Chief of Defence Force, YBhg. General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar; Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, along with other dignitaries. “This milestone sets the tone for what is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of DSA and NATSEC Asia to date,” said Nadzeem Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd. “These signed commitments speak volumes about the standing of DSA and NATSEC Asia on the international stage, and the trust industry players place in us to deliver meaningful engagement, visibility, and tangible business outcomes.” He added, “As governments and industry stakeholders grapple with evolving threats and rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced computing—they seek platforms that offer more than exposure. They want relevance, credibility, and results. That is exactly what we aim to deliver.” The companies that have formalised their participation include: Ada Vinci Global Sdn. Bhd. (AVG) Advance Defence Systems Sdn. Bhd. Cendana Auto Sdn. Bhd. IDC Technologies Sdn. Bhd. Mega Arms Sdn. Bhd. Nizra Group Rohde & Schwarz Weststar Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd. VR Universal Sdn. Bhd. Minister of Defence YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin welcomed the strong early response, describing it as a testament to the events’ enduring importance and Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub. “For over three decades, DSA has been a cornerstone of the global defence calendar. Meanwhile, NATSEC Asia, now in its fourth edition, continues to expand its relevance in the national security domain,” he said. “These events have long served as critical platforms for governments, industry leaders, and defence professionals to collaborate on pressing security challenges.” He continued, “I commend the companies here today for their early commitment. Their participation affirms not only their confidence in the event but also their trust in Malaysia as a centre for defence and security dialogue and innovation.” Held biennially with the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs, DSA and NATSEC Asia are unique in bringing together national policy, international cooperation, and industrial innovation. The 2024 edition saw record participation, with 1,324 companies from 60 countries and 588 foreign VVIP delegations from 45 nations—the highest in the event’s history. A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the CBRNE ARENA, a fully integrated exhibition and networking zone focused on the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) sector. Officially launched at LIMA 2025 by the Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, the arena underscores the strategic urgency of addressing complex and evolving threats. It will feature state-of-the-art exhibits, live demonstrations, and expert-led discussions to enhance global preparedness, crisis response capabilities, and innovation within the sector. DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 will return to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 20–23 April 2026, under the theme “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology.” Companies keen to connect with decision-makers, showcase their innovations, and help shape the future of regional defence and security are encouraged to secure their participation early. For more information, visit www.dsaexhibition.com.

In a significant ruling that reinforces Malaysia’s regulatory stance on insider trading, the Federal Court has unanimously dismissed an application by Dato’ Raymond Yap Wee Hin, former Deputy Chairman of Patimas Computers Berhad, to appeal a prior decision that found him liable for insider trading. The decision, delivered by a panel comprising Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat and Federal Court Judges Datuk Vazeer Alam bin Mydin Meera and Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, effectively closes Yap’s legal avenues to challenge the earlier rulings made by both the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Yap’s leave application stemmed from the Court of Appeal’s decision on 27 November 2024, which upheld the High Court’s finding that he had engaged in insider trading involving 43.8 million Patimas shares in 2012. Breach of Capital Markets Law In a civil suit filed by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in 2020, Yap was accused of breaching Sections 188(2)(a) and (b) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA). The SC contended that Yap, while in possession of material non-public information, had sold shares belonging to Law Siew Ngoh, then Managing Director of Patimas, between June and July 2012. The insider information pertained to audit queries and suspicious transactions between Patimas and its top debtors. These issues had been raised by the company’s external auditors in a meeting with senior management. The company later confirmed the seriousness of the concerns in an announcement to Bursa Malaysia on 31 July 2012, stating it would not be able to release its Annual Audited Financial Statements for the period of 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2012 due to unresolved audit findings. Significant Penalties Imposed Following a full trial, the High Court had ordered Yap to pay RM3.28 million in disgorgement—equivalent to three times the amount of losses avoided through the illegal trades—and a civil penalty of RM1 million. Additionally, Yap was barred from serving as a director of any public-listed company for five years from the date of judgment, which was delivered on 7 April 2022. With the Federal Court’s latest decision, those penalties remain firmly in place. Yap was also directed to pay RM30,000 in legal costs to the SC. Regulatory Signal The ruling marks a win for the Securities Commission and sends a strong message about the legal consequences of insider trading. The outcome underscores the judiciary’s support of robust market conduct enforcement and the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in Malaysia’s capital markets.

LANGKAWI: Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), a key player in Malaysia’s artillery systems industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s PT Lentera Sumber Makmur and France-based KNDS to supply, assemble and integrate the 105mm LG1 MK III Light Gun for the Indonesian Armed Forces (Marinir). The collaboration was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during LIMA 2025 at the Malaysian Pavilion. It marks a significant move in strengthening regional defence ties and enabling advanced artillery system capabilities across Southeast Asia. ADS will take the lead in assembling and integrating the systems locally at its facility in Segamat, Johor—leveraging its previous experience delivering a full regiment of 105mm LG1 MK III units to the Malaysian Army. The project will also support technology transfer and aims to establish ADS as a regional centre of excellence for artillery sub-systems, especially in inertial navigation systems. PT Lentera, a prominent Indonesian defence partner known for introducing the 155mm SPH CAESAR to Indonesia, will use the systems to support the country’s military modernisation. The collaboration is also expected to generate economic benefits through local job creation and defence industry growth in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The 105mm LG1 is among the lightest and most accurate artillery systems in its class, offering rapid deployment and a firing rate of 12 rounds per minute. The system is already in service in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Senegal. The MoU was signed by Lt Col Shane Chin (R) for ADS, Major General (Ret.) Gen Sonhadji for PT Lentera, and Amaury de Poncins for KNDS, with Malaysian Deputy Minister of Defence YB Adly Zahari witnessing the event. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to regional security, technological advancement, and self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.

Global Component Asia (GCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GCM AI Tech and Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment to establish a framework where the supplier, Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment, appoints GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor and sales representative for its technology products in Malaysia. This partnership aims to ensure mutual commitment, focused market presence, and avoid any conflict of interest within the designated territory. Under the terms of the agreement, GCA, GCM AI Tech, and Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment will appoint GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor for the products in Malaysia. GCM AI Tech will be responsible for promoting, selling, providing after-sales support, preparing regular reports, and complying with all relevant local regulations. The supplier, Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment, will provide product information, promotional materials, technical support, and ensure timely delivery of products to GCM AI Tech. This collaboration is expected to enhance operational efficiency and drive success for all parties involved. The partnership reflects a strong commitment to expanding and strengthening market presence in Malaysia. It highlights confidence in Malaysia’s strategic importance and growth potential, while aiming to deliver advanced technological solutions, improve service delivery, and contribute to local industry development. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for GCA as we deepen our commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions in Malaysia. By partnering with a trusted supplier, we are not only strengthening our market position but also reinforcing our dedication to innovation, service excellence, and regional growth. We look forward to building a strong, results-driven partnership that benefits our customers and the broader Malaysian industry,” said Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi, Chairperson of GCA. “We bring deep market insights, a strong local network, and a proven track record of achieving strategic growth in Malaysia. Through this collaboration, we offer our partners not only access to a rapidly growing market but also a dedicated team committed to operational excellence and success. Our presence and expertise on the ground will ensure their products are effectively positioned, professionally supported, and tailored to the evolving needs of the Malaysian market,” she added. Darren Yong Loong Yi of GCM AI Tech stated, “This partnership represents a strategic step forward for GCM AI Tech as we expand our footprint in Malaysia. Working with a trusted local agent like GCA allows us to leverage their market expertise and strong relationships to introduce our technology products effectively in the region. Together, we are well-positioned to drive innovation, meet customer needs, and accelerate growth in a dynamic and promising market.” Chen Jing Jun of Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment stated, “This partnership is a significant step in our international expansion strategy. Appointing GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor in Malaysia gives us confidence in their ability to deliver our technologies effectively. With the support of GCA, we believe we can capitalise on Malaysia’s digital market, drive innovation, and create lasting value.”

LANGKAWI: MILDEF International Technologies Sdn Bhd (MILDEF), Malaysia’s leading local defence vehicle manufacturer, has signed a strategic Teaming Agreement with ASELSAN, a global defence technology giant from Türkiye, during a ceremony at the MILDEF Pavilion at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. The signing was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Malaysia, YBhg. Dato Lokman Hakim bin Ali. On behalf of ASELSAN, the agreement was signed by CEO Mr. Ahmet Akyol and Vice President Mr. Zekeriyya Sahin, while MILDEF was represented by Managing Director YBhg. Dato’ Sri Mohd Nizam bin Kasa and General Manager Mr. Salimuhar Ali. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between Malaysia and Türkiye. It focuses on integrating advanced military technologies into MILDEF’s locally designed, developed, and manufactured Tarantula 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicle—a key platform for the Malaysian Army. In addition to enhancing military capabilities, the collaboration includes cost-saving measures and technology transfer initiatives, bringing added value to Malaysia’s national defence sector and fostering the development of homegrown expertise in advanced defence technologies.

LANGKAWI:  The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Naval Air Wing marked a significant milestone at LIMA ’25 with the commercialisation of its award-winning innovation, the Compact Tactical Light (CTL), through a landmark procurement deal. The CTL was developed in response to operational challenges faced during the rescue mission of the hijacked MV Bunga Laurel in the Gulf of Eden, where RMN Special Forces encountered difficulties distinguishing between friend and foe in complete darkness. The CTL addresses this issue by transmitting coded signals that are invisible to the naked eye, enabling precise visual identification in low-light environments. Having garnered widespread recognition, the CTL has received several accolades, including: Champion, National Intellectual Property Award Champion, Perak Innovation Competition Champion, Royal Malaysian Navy Innovation Award Silver Award, Seoul International Invention Fair In a major step forward, CTL has been selected to represent the RMN in the Innovation Segment of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Pavilion at LIMA ’25. The technology has officially entered the commercial phase through a partnership with Choppertech Services Sdn Bhd, which now serves as its marketing partner for the defence industry. The signing ceremony between Choppertech Services Sdn Bhd and Lorenco Defence Private Limited for the official procurement of CTL took place today at the MINDEF Pavilion. The agreement was witnessed by First Admiral Ruzman bin Mat, Commander of the Naval Air Wing. This milestone underscores the RMN Innovation Team’s commitment to delivering impactful, home-grown defence solutions. It also reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to advance its capabilities in cutting-edge defence technology and contribute to the global maritime innovation landscape.

LANGKAWI:  The Malaysia Maritime Conference 2025 (MMC 25), held today at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), brought together policymakers, defence officials, academics and industry leaders to explore forward-looking governance frameworks for a prosperous maritime future.     Co-organised by the Royal Malaysian Navy and Global Exhibition & Conference Sdn. Bhd., MMC 25 was officiated by Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and witnessed by the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, along with 250 invited delegates. First launched in 2019 as the National Maritime Conference, the event has since evolved into an internationally attended platform, reflecting Malaysia’s growing maritime aspirations and its role in shaping regional maritime discourse. This year’s theme, “Synergising Good Governance Through Effective Policy for Maritime Prosperity”, focused on two core areas: Harnessing the Blue Economy and Charting Maritime Policy. In his opening remarks, the Defence Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the conference, calling it “a crucial platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnership and refining policies to propel Malaysia forward as a prosperous maritime nation.” The first session explored strategies to unlock the potential of Malaysia’s blue economy while balancing sustainable development and environmental protection. Speakers included Rear Admiral Dato’ Pahlawan Mohd Fadzil Kamal (Royal Malaysian Navy), Mr. Handan Ramli (PETRONAS), Dr. Do Thanh Hai (Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam), and Dr. Young Kil Park (Korean Maritime Institute), moderated by Datin Paduka Dr. Adina Kamarudin from Malaysia’s Maritime Affairs Department. The second session, Charting Maritime Policy, addressed the complexities of maritime governance, offering policy insights and lessons from around the region. Key panellists included Professor Stuart Kaye (University of Wollongong), Air Vice Marshall Dr. Jorry S. Koloay (Indonesian Defence Forces), Professor Atsuko Kanehara (Canon Institute for Global Studies), and Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed (National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan), moderated by First Admiral Mohd Yusri bin Yusoff (Royal Malaysian Navy). As Malaysia continues to position itself as a maritime leader in Southeast Asia, MMC 25 reinforced the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, regional cooperation, and policy innovation in ensuring long-term maritime prosperity.