High-tech spy and security gadgets at Global Security Asia 2009

SECURITY experts and government officials gathering for the Global Security Asia 2009 conference at the Singapore Expo today will get a sneak peek at homeland defense and security gadgets. The biennial event is the largest and most complete homeland security and counter-terrorism symposium and exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, will be officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Wong Kan Seng. The event is expected to attract experts and leaders from more than 20 countries. Over 150 exhibitor’s ¬— including Certis Cisco, Motorola and NEC — will showcase the latest in security screening and risk management, biometrics, Internet and computer security, surveillance and defense safety measures. Over 50 international speakers will hold discussions on topics ranging from riot control to response during radiological incidents. Homeland defense and security continues to be a main concern for governments in spite of the worldwide financial crisis. “The Asia-Pacific budget, the fastest-growing in the world, is certainly still going up” despite the global slowdown, said Mr Andrew Marriott, managing director of the Global Security Asia exhibition. “In 2008, there was just over US$20 billion ($30.7 billion) spent in the Asia-Pacific on homeland security products. That figure will rise to over US$35 billion by 2014,” Andrew added.