DTA 2006 - Summary of Conference & Exhibition
OPENING CEREMONY
Date: 24th May 2006
Venue: Shangri La Hotel, Singapore

Defence Technology Asia 2006 International Conferences and Exhibition (DTA 2006), the fourth in the series organized by Defence Directory Conferences, was held on 24th – 25th May 2006 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. This unique event combined an Asian or local operational focus, with the best global technological developments and solutions applicable to the local context. DTA 2006 also brought key decision makers and experts from government, military, defence industries and academia, from the region and beyond, including General Delegation for Armaments (France), Försvarets Materielverk (Sweden), Office of Naval Research (USA), Indian Navy, Malaysian Navy, Omani Navy, South African Navy, Thai Navy, and US Navy.

The Guest-of-Honour, Rear Admiral Ronnie Tay, Chief of Navy Republic of Singapore Navy launched DTA 2006 with the opening keynote address. Other government and military officials who delivered keynote speeches were: Rear Admiral Goran Larsbrink, Special Advisor, International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence, Sweden; Rear Admiral William Landay, Chief of Naval Research, Office of Naval Research, United States Navy; and General Jean-Pierre Buleon, Director Asia, Directorate for International Relations, General Delegation for Armaments (DGA), France.

Senior executives and experts from defence industries and academia who delivered keynote speeches were: Seah Moon Ming, Deputy Chief Executive, ST Engineering & President ST Electronics, Singapore; Dr Klaus Borgschulte, Executive Board Chairman, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Germany; Steve Ludlum, President Submarine Business, Rolls Royce, UK; and Associate Professor John Potter, Associate Director, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore.

The keynote speakers mainly discussed the changing global and regional geo-political situations and threats, and its impact on the operational environment, especially the littoral waters of the Malacca and Singapore Straits. They also discussed various operational and technological solutions which they considered suitable for this operational environment.

The operational and technological aspects were presented in greater detail at the three conferences which were held concurrently during DTA 2006. The three conferences were: Submarine & ASW Asia 2006; Naval Surface Ships Asia 2006; and the inaugural Unmanned Vehicle Technology Seminar 2006.

These conferences were complemented by an exhibition, which enabled the participating defence companies to showcase their latest technological developments to more than 400 delegates who participated in DTA 2006. The Guest-of-Honour, Rear Admiral Ronnie Tay, and other VIPs, visited all the booths at the exhibition after the opening ceremony.

There was a steady stream of visitors to the exhibition, which was open throughout DTA 2006. The exhibition provided exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to discuss the latest technology and facilitated networking.

More detailed discussions between defence companies and potential customers on the developments in technology and its ability to meet end-user requirements were also arranged on the sidelines of DTA 2006.

Social events were also organised to facilitate interaction and networking between participants of DTA 2006. A Pre-Conference Cocktail - for Guest-of-Honour, Senior Delegates and Key Supporters of DTA 2006, was held on 23rd May 2006, Waterfall Terrace, Shangri-la Hotel. A VIP Cocktail – for all Senior Delegates, Sponsors/Supporters, Presenters and other Key Invited Guests, was held 24th May 2006, Poolside, Conrad Hotel. The VIP Cocktail was hosted by Defence Directory Conferences and sponsored by Singapore Technologies Electronics, Thales, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems & Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei.

Feedback from participants at DTA 2006 indicated that this event has impressed them with its ability to build on its tradition of providing an excellent forum for the presentation and discussion of the latest defence technology which is relevant to the Asian region. DTA 2006 has also impressed suppliers and end-users with its numerous networking opportunities.

Given the success of DTA 2006, Defence Directory Conferences is confident of continuing its tradition of providing another excellent and unique forum of conferences and exhibition in Defence Technology Asia 2007.

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