Singapore hosted the IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) during 6-8 May. The event was opened by the Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad. The three-day long event comprised an exhibition at CEC, which featured the latest technologies and systems from over 230 maritime defence companies worldwide, as well as a warship display in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.
This visiting warships included the frigate HMAS Toowoomba and the People’s Liberation Army-Navy guided-missile frigate Xuchang and the minesweeper hunter Chishui. The Maritime Information-Sharing Exercise (MARISX) was also conducted during this period.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) also co-hosted the 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. This year’s IMSC, themed “Safe and Secure Seas,” brought together over 400 international participants from more than 50 countries, including 20 navies and coast guards, maritime industries, academia, and think tanks.
In Mr Zaqy Mohamad’s keynote address to IMSC he “emphasised the importance of a rules-based maritime order to preserve peace in our global commons. Such an order ensures that no state or actor can disrupt the established rights of others, promoting stability, diplomatic dialogue, and deterring unlawful activities like piracy and illegal fishing.”
He also highlighted “the need for trust and cooperation- at the strategic level, open and inclusive dialogue is key to building confidence among policymakers and guiding the broader maritime community. Platforms like the IMSC are central to these efforts. Looking forward to the engaging discussions and insights during the conference, where leaders and experts will explore geopolitical developments, mutual collaboration, and emerging maritime challenges.”
In the sidelines of IMDEX on 5 May 2025, the RSN and the RAN signed a renewed MOU for mutual submarine rescue support and cooperation. The MOU was signed by RSN Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat and the RAN Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. In addition on 7 May 2025, the RSN and JMSDF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) for the exchange of information for white shipping, further enhancing regional maritime security.
