Malaysia: Malaysia’s hosting of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25) reflects 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) tonight, Anwar described this edition as far more successful than the previous LIMA, crediting the ministers especially Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and international partners for their contributions in elevating LIMA to greater prominence.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his gratitude to ministers and officials from various countries and companies for their participation in the exhibition, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and friendship with Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of Malaysia’s geopolitical position as a maritime nation and the need for maintaining defence readiness while upholding peace in the region.
Anwar further noted that ASEAN, as a bloc, remains a pillar of regional stability. He welcomed the participation of global powers such as China, India, Korea, the United States, and European nations in LIMA’25. He stated that their presence signals support and the 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 the importance of continuous investment in defence capabilities to maintain peace. He cited the rapid pace of change in technology and artificial intelligence as reasons for the exhibition’s significance in defence learning and collaboration.
LIMA’25 also serves as a platform to showcase advancements and foster collaboration between nations and defence industries. With 860 exhibitors participating, Anwar described LIMA as one of the world’s foremost defence and commercial aerospace exhibitions. He highlighted the opportunities it provides for supporting local enterprises and enhancing Malaysia’s strategic capabilities.
The Prime Minister also discussed Malaysia’s engagement in multilateral security efforts, including joint border committees, the Malacca Strait Patrols, and trilateral cooperation frameworks, which have improved maritime safety. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s global stance on peace and security, including its role in United Nations peacekeeping missions and its support for inclusive 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 competitiveness among industry players. The exhibition, themed ‘Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Achievements’, will take place from May 20 to 24 in Langkawi, Kedah, and remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991.