The nature of the defence arena has evolved through the years. Technology today has become one of the key focuses in Defence and Security. In an ever-changing environment, it is vital to be kept up-to-date on the latest technologies and developments. Defence Technology Asia 2004 International Conferences & Exhibition (DTA 2004) provided a fresh avenue for all participants in the Defence and Security industry to exchange know-how and share experiences, in application of current leading-edge technology, planning and operations, procurement and logistics in the field of Defence and National Security.

The Event was a success with over 500 delegates. Regional Defence and National Security organisations from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand showed strong support with their participation.

The theme of the conference was "Technology - The Force Differentiator". Defence Technology Asia 2004 International Conference & Exhibition brought together four major Conferences under one roof, namely, Air Defence Technology Asia 2004 (ADTA 2004), Homeland Defence Asia 2004 (HLD 2004), Naval Surface Ships Asia 2004 (NAVSA 2004) and Submarine & ASW Asia 2004 (SASW 2004).

Guest of Honour RADM (NS) Richard Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Defence Science & Technology Agency officially launched the Event with a welcome address. He reiterated the importance of the application of technology to meet challenges in defence and security. The keynote addresses were by, General Michel Petre (Director, Force Systems and Perspectives, DGA, France), Mr. K. Kesavapany (Director, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore), RADM Göran Larsbrink (Director Joint Procurement Command Defence Material Administration (FMV), Sweden) and Prof John Roulston, OBE (Group Technical Director, BAE Systems Avionics Board Member, Edinburgh, United Kingdom).

The Conference addressed the importance of technology in defence and security in the ASIAN theatre, with an ASEAN focus. The Conference took place over a two-day period. During the opening ceremony, the delegates attended keynote speeches in the main Conference hall. After which, the presentations were divided into concurrent sessions and speeches were presented by leading technology experts in their respective fields.

Defence Technology Asia 2004 also comprised of an Exhibition. The exhibition heralded the launch of Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) new book "A Time Bomb for Global Trade" by Michael Richardson. Exhibitors from United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Norway, USA, France, and Sweden participated in the Event.

Informal events were also organised to facilitate interaction between participants in an informal setting. The Pre-Conference Cocktail was held on the evening of 10th May 2004 at the Equinox, Swissötel The Stamford, with the beautiful night skyline view of Singapore as the backdrop.

The VIP Cocktail was held by the poolside at Goodwood Park Hotel on the evening of Day 1 of the Conference & Exhibition program.

The evening was hosted by DefenceDirectory and co-sponsored by Thales International Asia and Singapore Technologies Engineering.

During the afternoon of Day 2 of the Event, VIP Golf was held at the Raffles County Club.

Feedback gathered from the Event has been favourable. Defence Technology Asia 2004 provided an excellent venue for networking and the participants were impressed by the professional quality of the papers presented.

Delegates will be looking forward to Defence Technology Asia 2005.

DTA 2004 Participating Organisations.....