The second and final day of Securing Asia 2013, the Asian Homeland Security, Defence & Counter Terror Summit, gave rise to an unforeseen number of negotiations and business deals struck. In between meetings, suppliers and buyers of security solutions enjoyed presentations and workshops with influential speakers. Field experts presented on international topics crucial to homeland security and counter-terrorism strategy, including the future of Afghanistan, maritime piracy and aviation security.
The exhibition provided an effective platform for interaction with cutting-edge developers and suppliers of security technology solutions. Not only does this platform provide Asian policymakers with a comprehensive overview of the security market’s latest product releases, it allows Western suppliers to engage with a market it perhaps would not have the means to otherwise. The resulting agreements could play a crucial role in modernising Asian security forces, allowing them to combat domestic and international threats more effectively.
Enterprises present offered products ranging from single and twin-engine helicopters, to mobile phone emergency alert systems, to remote turret cameras and also perimeter fencing. In the industry coined as the “Trainer of Trainers”, Tiger Helicopters operates a Flight Training Centre that has in the past trained pilots for special police forces. The UK-based security consultancy Dark Star, also a Summit Partner, provides services including deployable surveillance and bespoke military training. Major (Retd.) Matthew Hurley, founder and CEO of Dark Star, confirmed that “the summit was very well organised and directed, which has given Dark Star a clearer understanding about Asia and the opportunities this growth market presents”.
James Brokenshire MP, Minister for Security at the Home Office, presented on the United Kingdom’s views on improving international cooperation in the fields of security and intelligence. Following the the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he reckons “the United Kingdom has considerable experience to share”. Following one of the key themes of Securing Asia 2013, Mr. Brokenshire stressed that “cyber terrorism knows no borders”. Home-grown terrorism, fuelled by online radicalisation, has given a new dimension to cyber policing. Ultimately, the core of domestic counter-terrorist strategy should be to “work with communities, to isolate extremist voices from the moderate majority”.
Securing Asia 2013 took place over the space of the two days, including presentations, workshops, exhibitions and networking events. Participants included India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Malawi, Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia and others. The enthusiasm of participants and expertise of exhibitors have resulted in a great success, predicting a great future for Western-Asian cooperation.
