LANGKAWI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia’s hosting of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima’25) underscores the nation’s strong commitment to defence preparedness, regional peace, and strategic collaboration amid rapidly evolving global security challenges.
Speaking at the Lima’25 opening ceremony at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) on Monday (May 19) night, Anwar described this edition as more successful than previous ones, crediting Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and international partners for their contributions in elevating Lima to greater prominence.
"So again, let me express my profound thanks to all of you, ministers and senior officials from various countries and companies who took time off and participate in this Lima exhibition to portray your spirit of cooperation and taking Malaysia as a great friend," he said.
Anwar noted Malaysia’s geopolitical position as a maritime nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Strait of Malacca, highlighting the importance of maintaining defence readiness while upholding peace in the region.
He emphasised that Asean remains a pillar of regional stability, and Malaysia welcomes the participation of global powers including China, India, Korea, the United States, and European nations in Lima’25.
The presence of these countries signals not only support and meaningful cooperation but also reflects the shared ambition to shape the future based on progress, resilience, and collaboration.
Despite Southeast Asia’s reputation as a peaceful and economically vibrant region, Anwar stressed that maintaining peace requires continuous investment in defence capabilities and preparedness against unpredictable global developments.
"I must state that any country to secure and ensure peace, there must be preparedness and must be able to appreciate the changing circumstances, the state-of-the-art in the defence industry."
He noted the unprecedented pace of change, particularly with new technology and AI, and how this year's Lima highlights these advancements.
Lima’25 also offers a critical platform to showcase the latest advancements and foster collaboration between nations and defence industries, both globally and within Malaysia’s own ecosystem.
With 860 exhibitors participating, Anwar described Lima as one of the world’s foremost defence and commercial aerospace exhibitions, supporting local enterprises and enhancing Malaysia’s strategic capabilities.
The exhibition is not just about military displays; it’s about building partnerships, supporting local industries, and keeping pace with innovation for national and regional security.
Anwar also touched on Malaysia’s engagement in multilateral security efforts, such as joint border committees, the Malacca Strait Patrols, and trilateral cooperation frameworks, which have yielded tangible outcomes in maritime safety.
"We ascribe to the Asean position of centrality, taking a strong committed position to engage with all neighbouring countries and partners, East and West."
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s global stance on peace and security, including its role in United Nations peacekeeping missions and support for initiatives such as the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Lima’25 is co-organised by the Ministry of Defence and Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), focusing on innovation and enhancing competitiveness among industry players.
Themed "Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements", Lima’25 (May 20 to 24) takes place in Langkawi, Kedah, and remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991. - Bernama
