‘LIMA’17: Youth plays vital role in line with TN50’

LANGKAWI: The participation of youths in this year’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace ( LIMA’17) exhibition plays an important role in shaping the future of transport and defence in line with 2050 National Transformation ( TN50) policy, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Defence Minister said 500 young individuals from various institutions had volunteered and a dialogue forum would be held to plan and look into the issue of both defence and transport.

“To me personally the highlight of LIMA’17 is the participation of youths who in 2050 will be the ones leading the country and the region,” he told reporters at an event with media practitioners, here yesterday.

Also present at the event were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.

Hishammuddin said among other highlights of LIMA’17 is the opportunity to navigate geopolitical landscape with the participation of Chiefs of Air Force and Chiefs of Navy from various countries.

“Getting all the Admiral and Chiefs of Air Force together to discuss ways forward and building bridges is another highlight of LIMA’17.

“It is not just about the assets and physical presence but also getting the ideas, building bridges and sharing best practices in the global landscape of uncertainties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said in the latest development, LIMA’17 had confirmed the participation of 555 exhibitors from 36 countries, higher than the last edition of 512 exhibitors and was expecting to see over 180,000 trade and public visitors from all over the world.

He said the organiser was also trying to close the gap between commercial and military aviation participation in the biannual event.

“Now we are talking about 65-35 participation between the military and commercial industries, by the next LIMA we hope it will be 50-50 participation between commercial and military aviation players,” he said.

LIMA’17 will be held from March 21 to 25 and this year marks the 14th edition in its 27-year history and is expected to be the best and biggest one to date. — Bernama