Lima '23 making comeback in May next year

KUALA LUMPUR – The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima), the most awaited exhibition of the maritime and aerospace is set to make a comeback next year.

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today announced that the five-days exhibition would be hosted in Langkawi and would take place from May 23 to May 27.

He said that the Lima ’23 was expected to be more spectacular and targeted a greater number of participations involving many exhibitors.

“Our expectation on Lima’23 will be more outstanding compared to last year and with a greater number of participants.

“We also expect more than 600 exhibitors this time,” he said at the pre-launching ceremony of Lima’23 at the Defence Ministry today.

Hishammuddin added the event was the best field for companies in the defence industry worldwide to grow their connections.

“This can open up more opportunities in efforts to connect and promote strategic collaboration between the local and international defence industry companies with the aim of the National Defence Industry Policy being drafted at this time.

“Also, there are innovations to be witnessed at Lima ’23 such as drones shows, drones racing, space technology segment, forum by CEO of Airlines, education-related programmers, electronic game competitions and female segment in defence,” he said.

Also present during the pre-launch ceremony was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Lima has been held since 1991, and the last biannual showcase was organised in 2019 (Lima’19), which garnered more than 40,000 trade visitors and 240,000 public visitors.

The event concluded over RM4 billion in contracts were linked with more than 400 companies from all over the continents.

The 15th edition of the event was supposed to be held last year but it was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.