Submarine & ASW ASIA 2003
International Conference & Exhibition - the ASIAN Theatre, with an ASEAN Focus

Event Summary

To improve the value to our subscribers and users, Naval Exchange launched the inaugural Submarine & ASW ASIA 2003 International Conference & Exhibition- the first of its kind in Asia. The Naval Exchange team conceived and conducted the Event with excellent support from the global Defence community. The event was a success with 300+ delegates, with around 50 naval personnel, attending the Conference and Exhibition.

The Conference achieved its objectives in providing up-to-date information and also promoting interaction between Navies in the region and industry leaders in Submarine and Anti Submarine Warfare technology, research and related products. Organisations from the global defence industry, Key Navy and Ministry of Defence decision makers from Asia and select Navy technologists from European Navies all participated in this groundbreaking Event.

The Conference was officially launched with a welcome address from the Guest of Honour RADM Ronnie Tay, Chief of Staff - Naval Staff (COS-NS), Republic of Singapore. He reiterated the importance of staying in touch with the latest developments in Submarine and Anti-Submarine warfare technology. Soon after, delegates also had the privilege of hearing from keynote speakers RADM Phil Davis (Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare and Program Executive Officer for Submarines, Naval Underwater Warfare Centre, USA), RADM Göran Larsbrink (Director Joint Procurement Command Defence Material Adminstration (FMV), Sweden) and IGA Gerald Böisrayon (President, Etude Générale au Conseil Général d'Armement ARMEES, France).

The issues addressed in the Conference were on the ASIAN theatre, with an ASEAN focus. The Conference took place over a two-day period. During the first half of the day, the delegates attended presentations in the main Conference hall. After which, the presentations were divided into concurrent sessions. Some of the main topics at the Conference were: Submarine Design and Stealth, Weapons & Combat Systems, Propulsion (with specific focus on Air Independent Propulsion), Anti-Submarine Warfare and Submarine Operations and Rescue. All speeches were presented by leading technology experts in their respective fields.

The Conference also held Question & Answer sessions providing an opportunity for clarification with the speakers themselves.

In addition to the Conference, there was also an Exhibition that showcased the latest technologies relevant primarily to conventional Submarines and Anti Submarine Warfare. Guest of Honour RADM Ronnie Tay officially opened the Exhibition, and later took a tour around the Exhibition booths accompanied by COL (NS) Thomas Vergis, CEO, Naval Exchange Pte Ltd.

Displayworks, a subsidiary of Naval Exchange was in charge of the exhibition. Feedback gathered regarding the Exhibition has been excellent and participants had requested to see an even larger exhibition for the next Event.

In the evening of Day 1 of the Conference & Exhibition program, a VIP cocktail party was held at the Alkaff Mansion. RADM(NS) Richard Lim, CEO, DSTA and other honoured guests graced the occasion.

General feedback on the Conference is positive and many delegates expressed keen interest in participating in our next Submarine & ASW Asia Conference expected in 2004. All delegates left the Conference with new friendships forged and old ones strengthened.