Image credit – FATH RIZAL/Prime Minister’s Office.
Bold partnerships, youth empowerment, and aerospace breakthroughs drive Malaysia’s strategic leap at LIMA’25
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
LANGKAWI May 20 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25) this morning at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), marking the start of one of Asia-Pacific’s most prestigious defence, maritime, and aerospace showcases.
Accompanying the Prime Minister at the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Image credit – FATH RIZAL/Prime Minister’s Office.
Addressing the crowd at the Opening Gambit ceremony, Anwar underscored LIMA’s importance as not merely a defence exhibition but a platform to advance regional peace, showcase innovation, and build meaningful industrial partnerships.
“After the breathtaking aerial displays, I had the opportunity to walk around the exhibition grounds and meet with participants of LIMA’25,” the Prime Minister said.
“I also witnessed the signing and exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at several booths, including Weststar Aviation, Mildef International Technologies (MILDEF), and Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).”
PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of an MoU held on the sidelines of LIMA’25 in Langkawi
Image credit – FATH RIZAL/Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister highlighted Malaysia’s growing technological capability, particularly through the involvement of young local engineers in fields such as aeronautics, avionics, micro-satellites, artificial intelligence, flight simulation, and other emerging technologies.
“I was briefed by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and was proud to see the expertise of our young engineers who have mastered critical domains of advanced technology,” Anwar added.
He also applauded the strong collaboration between local industry players and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
“The readiness of local industries to work with the TVET education sector is a strategic step toward building a competent Malaysian workforce in high-tech fields.
“Therefore, increasing youth participation in the aerospace and maritime sectors remains a key priority for the MADANI Government as part of our long-term strategy to create high-income job opportunities for our people.”
Global-Scale Participation and Technology Displays
LIMA’25 runs from May 20 to 24 and features participation from 860 exhibitors from across the globe, cementing its status as one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence exhibitions. This year’s event boasts 57 aircraft and 39 maritime assets on display, representing countries such as the United States, France, Italy, Brazil, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Highlights from opening day included stunning aerial performances from Indonesian and Russian aerobatic teams, as well as the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Su-30MKM with a special “Toruk Makto” livery, inspired by the Avatar franchise.
The event has also seen strong commercial and industrial interest, with technology-focused exhibits showcasing autonomous systems, next-generation communications, drone technologies, and advanced radar systems.
Major Industry Players on Display
LIMA’25 has attracted prominent global defence and aerospace companies, including:
- LIG Nex1: Showcasing advanced guided weapon systems such as Cheongung II, Haegung, and Singung, as well as naval vessels like the HDP-1500Neo patrol ship and HDL-10000 landing ship. Business Korea
- Rosoboronexport (Russia): Organizing a joint Russian exposition, marking its first participation in LIMA since 2019. Defaiya+3VPK+3Turdef+3
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Gliders India Limited (India): Participating under the Indian Pavilion, showcasing India’s defence industry prowess. The Tribune+1THE NEW INDIAN+1
- TM One (Malaysia): Presenting secure, high-performance connectivity solutions for defence and public safety sectors. LinkedIn
- Kongsberg Norcontrol (Norway): Exhibiting maritime security surveillance solutions powered by subsea and satellite sensor technologies. LinkedIn
- AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. (Czech Republic): Showcasing capabilities in aircraft development, production, and support. LinkedIn
A Platform for Ideas and Strategic Dialogue
Beyond the exhibitions and airshows, LIMA’25 features a robust lineup of international conferences and forums. These include:
- Women, Peace & Security Conference: A high-level forum spotlighting women’s leadership in the defence industry.Lima 2025
- MyAero Conference: Focusing on strategies for future-proofing the aerospace supply chain through digitalisation and AI.Lima 2025
- Malaysian Yachting Conference: Discussing yachting in Malaysian waters, luxury marina management, and career opportunities in sailing.Lima 2025
Several high-value MoUs were inked on the sidelines of the exhibition, covering collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence for defence, satellite development, and the creation of a National Centre of Excellence in aerospace.
Expanding LIMA’s Future
In a forward-looking announcement, the Prime Minister revealed that the government is planning to expand LIMA’s physical footprint in Langkawi to accommodate future growth and elevate the exhibition’s global standing.
“LIMA will continue to evolve as a platform for strategic collaboration, cutting-edge innovation, and youth empowerment — guided by the theme Innovation Today, Success Tomorrow,” Anwar said.
The five-day event is expected to draw tens of thousands of trade visitors and members of the public, reaffirming Malaysia’s role as a regional leader in aerospace, maritime security, and technological advancement.
- TNS News