Abd Hafiz bin A Bakar,
Managing Director, LIMA
LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) is a key global event that significantly contributes to the advancement of the defence sector in the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a major platform for unveiling the latest maritime and aerospace technology. Attracting prominent global players, including defence contractors, aerospace firms, and maritime manufacturers, the exhibition highlights cutting-edge innovations and systems. “As the defence sector evolves and faces new challenges, LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) will likely adapt and expand in several key areas to meet future demands. LIMA will increasingly focus on showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and advanced robotics” remarked Abd Hafiz bin A Bakar, Managing Director of LIMA. In an interview with Aeromag, he discusses the evolution, growth, significance, and prospects of LIMA 2025.
Since its inception in 1991, LIMA has grown considerably in both size and reputation. Could you outline the key milestones in its evolution and explain the factors that have contributed to its prominence as a major event?
LIMA has been establishing its brand since its first hosting in 1991 which was pioneered by Le Proton Sdn Bhd. The exhibition was inspired by the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Airshow in the USA with the aim of providing a platform for light and experimental aircraft.
For 14 years, LIMA has significantly showcased a number of exclusive aircrafts which include the Aerospatial TBM 700, Mirage, MIG-29 as well as the F/A-18 fighter. And as for technological advancement, LIMA has always emphasized on global tech linkages and has showcased several groundbreakers that heighten the capabilities of aerospace, and maritime technology.
Due to its nature as the only exhibition that combines both maritime and aerospace sectors, LIMA is recognised as a vital event in representing the ASEAN region.
What are the primary focuses for LIMA 2025? Can you highlight some of the major projects or features planned for LIMA 2025 that are expected to make an impact?
Global Exhibitions & Conferences Sdn Bhd is the newly appointed co-organiser for LIMA 2025 by the Ministry of Defence Malaysia. Our team individuals have vast experience in organising LIMA since 1991. We believe these combined personal experiences will bring great success in LIMA 2025. Over the years, LIMA has grown significantly in size and scope. It attracts participants from around the world, including major defence contractors, aerospace manufacturers, naval forces, and related government agencies.
As LIMA is considered as one of the major platforms for country’s investment through the aerospace and maritime sector, this time around LIMA 2025 is bringing the new segments of defence, commercial, innovation, future flight and vessel, education, sustainability, and space. This has given the opportunities for potential industrial collaboration between the industry players of the related sectors in parallel with strengthening the two-ways diplomatic relation of the participated countries.
Global Exhibitions & Conferences are also approaching LIMA in new ways such as the introduction of LIMA TV that was highlighted during the Official Launching of LIMA 2025 last April. This initiative is meant to document LIMA 2025’s live situation that covers the environment of the MIEC hall, the airshow, and overall interactions during LIMA 2025.
As one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, how does LIMA address challenges at the local, regional, and global levels?
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) being one of the largest aerospace and maritime exhibitions in the Asia Pacific Region often leads to improvements at the local level, regional level, and global levels that cover almost every aspect such as the economic partnerships, job creation and also international cooperation. LIMA boosts the economy of the locals by attracting both international and regional visitors which benefits local businesses, hotels, and tourism.
LIMA showcases the latest in maritime and aerospace technology, helping regional countries stay informed about advances that could affect regional security and defence. The exhibition fosters collaboration between countries and organizations within the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating discussions on regional defence strategies, joint ventures, and cooperative projects.
It also provides a platform for regional companies to form partnerships and explore new business opportunities, enhancing economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region. The exhibition offers global companies the chance to expand their market presence and establish connections with clients and partners from across the world. In summary, LIMA addresses challenges by enhancing local economic growth, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting global technological advancements and partnerships.
How significant is LIMA on the global stage, and what role does it play in advancing the growth of the defence sector in the Asia-Pacific region?
LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) holds considerable significance on the global stage and plays a pivotal role in advancing the growth of the defence sector in the Asia-Pacific region.
The exhibition is a major platform for unveiling the latest advancements in maritime and aerospace technology. It attracts key global players, including defence contractors, aerospace firms, and maritime manufacturers, who use the exhibition to showcase cutting-edge innovations and systems.
By drawing global attention, LIMA influences market trends and decisions. It provides insights into the future directions of defence and aerospace technologies, shaping global procurement strategies and investment decisions. The exhibition fosters regional cooperation by bringing together defence officials and industry leaders from various countries. This collaboration is crucial for addressing shared security challenges, such as maritime disputes and counter-terrorism efforts.
In essence, LIMA is a cornerstone event on the global defence and aerospace calendar, significantly impacting the growth and development of the defence sector in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting innovation, facilitating cooperation, and driving regional and global strategic dialogues.
Looking ahead, how do you envision LIMA evolving to meet the future demands of the defence sector?
As the defence sector evolves and faces new challenges, LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) will likely adapt and expand in several key areas to meet future demands. LIMA will increasingly focus on showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and advanced robotics. As these technologies become integral to defence strategies, LIMA will feature demonstrations and discussions on their applications and implications.
In terms of global participation and inclusivity, LIMA could expand the international reach of participants, including emerging defence markets and technology start-ups, to foster a more inclusive and diverse exhibition. Greater emphasis might be placed on multilateral engagement, including participation from international organizations and non-governmental entities involved in global security and defence issues.
By evolving in these ways, LIMA can continue to serve as a critical platform for addressing the dynamic and complex demands of the defense sector while fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.
