Geo Connect Asia 2023 confirms status as region's leading geospatial event

The third edition of Geo Connect Asia (GCA), Southeast Asia's premier geospatial and location intelligence technology trade event, drew to a close on 16 March 2023, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. Over two days, the event attracted 2,494 visitors from 53 countries, with 24.5% of attendees travelling from outside of Singapore. GCA 2023 was co-located with the inaugural Drones Asia and held in conjunction with Digital Construction Asia 2023.

Co-founder of Geo Connect Asia and Drones Asia, Rupert Owen, expressed his delight at welcoming industry experts from across the region and beyond, fostering a strong regional community for the industry with a Singapore base. He noted the continued support of sponsors, partners and exhibitors as a testament to the exciting event format being developed, with the addition of Drones Asia for the UAV industry being particularly well-received.

Geospatial data to route heavy vehicles

The event was graced by Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport, Dr Amy Khor, who delivered the opening address at the ceremony. Khor witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) to use geospatial data to route heavy vehicles more efficiently and safely. An Intent of Collaboration was also signed between SLA and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding the use of geospatial technology.

Visitors also witnessed the official opening of Drones Asia, a dedicated drone-technology show jointly launched by Montgomery Asia, the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS), and Gold Sponsor Inmarsat. This highly anticipated event was devoted to the region's growing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ecosystem, capturing the commercial demand for airborne, unmanned, and ground-based solutions.

Platform for key industry professionals

GCA 2023 was well-supported by nearly 60 trade organizations, associations and government agencies, including SLA, SGTech, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), buildingSMART Singapore (bSS) and the Construction Industry Joint Committee (CIJC). The event provided a platform for key industry professionals and players to connect and engage in pivotal discussions that progress the use of geospatial technology and intelligence to address sustainability limitations.

The event featured a diverse range of exhibits and sessions, including the Main Conference, Tech Talks, Expert Stage, and UAV Innovation Theatre @ Drones Asia. Exhibitors such as Trimble expressed satisfaction with the quality of leads and customer interactions. Geo Connect Asia with Digital Construction Asia and Drones Asia will return on 6-7 March 2024, again at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.