The 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) – 2018 is slated to take place in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. A milestone event, this year celebrates SIMBEX’s Silver Jubilee, commemorating a longstanding tradition of maritime cooperation between Singapore and India. Compared to prior exercises, SIMBEX 2018 is posed to be the largest and most complex iteration since its inception in 1994.
SIMBEX: A Reflection of India’s ‘Act-East’ Policy
Commencing in 1994, SIMBEX has served as an essential platform for enhancing maritime collaborations between Singapore and India. This year’s exercise echoes India’s ‘Act East Policy’, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Originally conceived as an economic initiative, the ‘Act East Policy’ has since evolved to encompass political, strategic, and cultural dimensions, fostering robust dialogue and cooperation mechanisms.
SIMBEX History and Prior Editions
The preceding edition of SIMBEX was held off Singapore in the South China Sea in May 2017. Over the years, the scale and complexity of these exercises have progressively amplified, not only strengthening the maritime capabilities of both nations but also reflecting their shared commitment to ensuring peaceful seaways.
Global Cooling Innovation Summit: An Initiative Towards Sustainable Cooling
Apart from maritime advancements, India is also making strides in the realm of climate control through the inaugural Global Cooling Innovation Summit. The initiative is a joint venture by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Rocky Mountain Institute, Alliance for An Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), Conservation X Labs, and CEPT University.
This solutions-oriented summit brings together global leaders to discuss feasible methods to combat the environmental threats resulting from escalating demand for air conditioning. Central to the event is the introduction of the Global Cooling Prize – a Mission Innovation challenge that aims to spur the creation of an eco-friendly residential cooling solution offering at least five times less climate impact than current standards.
Key Facts about SIMBEX and Global Cooling Innovation Summit
| Event | Year Commenced | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| SIMBEX | 1994 | Enhance maritime collaborations between Singapore and India. |
| Global Cooling Innovation Summit | 2018 | Find innovative solutions to environmental threats from escalating demands for air conditioning. |
The Global Cooling Prize: A Game-Changer for Climate Solutions
The Global Cooling Prize presents a unique opportunity to dramatically revolutionize climate control technologies. By incentivizing innovation with global reach and participation, the prize aims to catalyze breakthroughs in cooling technologies. This competition presents participants the chance to contribute significantly towards a sustainable future by developing more efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions.
