Mr Zaqy Mohamad: IMDEX Asia Remains Invaluable for Fostering Dialogue

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad delivered the opening address during the opening ceremony of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEX) Asia 2025.

Mr Zaqy viewed the exhibits on display at IMDEX Asia 2025.

Participants at the Opening Ceremony of Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX), which is hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Mr Zaqy aboard the Royal Thai Navy warship, HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad opened the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) this morning. IMDEX Asia will feature a physical exhibition at the CEC and warships display in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base (CNB).

At the opening ceremony, Mr Zaqy emphasised the continued significance of encouraging mutual understanding and dialogue via multilateral platforms such as IMDEX Asia, especially amongst uncertainties brought on by seismic shifts in global politics. He said, “IMDEX has become a crucial platform where defence and military leaders and the defence industry converge to exchange perspectives, establish new partnerships and address common security challenges that affect our region. It is heartening to see such strong international participation, especially amidst the backdrop of a more turbulent world.”

Over 56 delegations, including over 43, comprising of Navy Chiefs, Coast Guard Directors and Heads of Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies and representatives from more than 35 countries, attended the opening ceremony. Over 230 exhibitors from around the world are participating in this year’s exhibition, with 17 ships from 13 countries taking part in this year’s IMDEX Asia Warships Display.

Mr Zaqy, together with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng visited the defence technology and shipbuilding exhibition booths after the opening ceremony. Later in the afternoon, Mr Zaqy, Mr Chan, and VADM Beng will also visit the Warships Display.

In conjunction with IMDEX Asia 2025, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is co-organising the 9th International Maritime Security Conference with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and the Maritime Information-Sharing Exercise from 6 to 8 May 2025. These exchanges serve as platforms for navies and maritime agencies to exercise practical cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding.

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SPEECH BY SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE MR ZAQY MOHAMAD, AT THE 14TH INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DEFENCE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE OPENING CEREMONY ON 6 MAY 2025