Malaysia

Malaysia International Dive Expo returns to Kuala Lumpur in June

Since its inception in 2006, MIDE has remained a cornerstone annual gathering, pivotal in fostering and fortifying the global dive community and associated businesses. Garnering international recognition as an important event, MIDE has drawn over 250,000 attendees in its 17-year history, cementing its status as a premier fixture in the diving industry.

A Chinese Coast Guard ship allegedly obstructs the Philippine Coast Guard vessel Malabrigo as it provided support during a Philippine Navy operation near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, June 30, 2023
A Chinese Coast Guard ship allegedly obstructs the Philippine Coast Guard vessel Malabrigo as it provided support during a Philippine Navy operation near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, June 30, 2023

Are Rising Tensions in the South China Sea Affecting Dive Operators?

Manila has repeatedly accused the Chinese coastguard of blocking resupply missions to its troops on The Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, as it did on 5 Aug when it sprayed a Philippine vessel with a water cannon.

The South China Sea dispute involves territorial claims by multiple nations, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It centres around control of islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea. 

MIDE welcomed big crowds each day to its new venue at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur on 26-28 May
MIDE welcomed big crowds each day to its new venue at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur on 26-28 May

MIDE 2023: Bigger and Better

Entering the exhibition hall on Day One at MIDE 2023 gave me a distinct buzz. Squaring my shoulders in anticipation, I walked past the booths and waved hello to old friends. As I made my way deeper into the hall, I felt a raising sense of excitement. MIDE 2023 was my first overseas dive show since the pandemic, and it appeared to be off to a promising start.

The Royal Navy battleship HMS Prince of Wales coming in to moor at Singapore in 1941
The Royal Navy battleship HMS Prince of Wales coming in to moor at Singapore in 1941

Malaysia detains Chinese ship suspected of looting two British WWII wrecks

Malaysia's maritime authorities have detained a Chinese-flagged cargo ship amid reports this month that scavengers targeted two British World War Two wrecks off the coast of Malaysia—the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse—which were sunk by Japanese torpedoes in 1941.

An inspection of the cargo ship led to the discovery of old steel and cannon shells believed to have been scavenged from the HMS Prince of Wales. The shells could be linked to a separate seizure by police at a Johor jetty last week of multiple unexploded World War II-era artillery.

MIDE
Malaysia International Dive Expo

17th Malaysia International Dive Expo to take place 26-28 May in Kuala Lumpur

The expo, now in its 17th consecutive year, is organized by AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd. In its new venue at MITEC, the show will occupy Hall 6 on Level 2. According to the organizers of MIDE, the event will be bigger than previous years, and the space will comfortably feature the latest products and services of local and international exhibitors from 14 countries.

Participants in the adaptive diving initiative on Langkawi Island, Malaysia, in December 2022. Photo courtesy of KidsScuba/Diveheart Malaysia
Participants in the adaptive diving initiative on Langkawi Island, Malaysia, in December 2022.

RHB Banking Group partners with Diveheart Malaysia

Diveheart Malaysia is part of the US-based non-profit organization Diveheart in Chicago, which focuses on helping disabled persons become certified divers through the adaptive diving techniques specialty training of the Professional Association Diving Instructors (PADI).

RHB Banking Group’s managing director and chief executive officer, Mohd Rashid Mohamad, said the bank was the first banking group in Asia with its own team of employees who are qualified PADI Adaptive Techniques support divers.