KUALA LUMPUR, 7 June 2023: Aptly themed “Let’s stay connected with the ocean,” the 17th Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) concluded with great success at its new venue at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur. 

After moving from the former venue at the World Trade Center (WTC), where the expo was held for 16 years, the refreshing start at the uber modern and spacious Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) proved to be a hit among exhibitors and visitors alike.

This year, the expo featured 172 companies from Malaysia and 13 other countries, including Australia, Brunei, China, Denmark, Estonia, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. This represents a 35% increase in international participants compared to 2022.

Not only was the event was bigger than previous years, it also had ample space to feature the latest products and services from participating brands.

Founder and organiser of the MIDE Expo Ms Ness Puvanes said that this year also broke records, with 222 booths set up, featuring all sorts of water-related products and services.



She said, “It is evident the dive industry is resilient, having bounced back quite strongly from the pandemic. We are seeing increased interest in all sorts of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling and boating.”

The expo was attended by 12,032 visitors from 49 countries and approximately RM14.07 million in sales was generated over the three-day event. With these encouraging figures, Ms Puvanes added that MIDE continues to remain the most reputable and well-attended dive event in Malaysia.

First timers

The expo welcomed 69 new exhibitors, including associations such as Malaysian Sub-Aqua and the Malaysian Underwater Hockey Association. Also new to the show was the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which introduced unique water sports activities.

Opening ceremony

The expo was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Hajah Saraya binti Arbi, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. After officiating the opening ceremony, YBhg. Datuk Hajah Saraya binti Arbi, who is also a diver herself, took time to meet and greet many participating exhibitors at their booths. 

Best Booth Display Award

Quantum Mare Sdn Bhd was awarded first place for their most creative and eye-catching display. Second place went to Gull Japan, and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board was the third-place winner.

Strategic Partner’s Recognition Award

A token of appreciation was awarded to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBP), Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and DAN World.

Official Airline

As the official airline partner of MIDE, Malaysia Airlines offered discounts to exhibitors and visitors travelling to the expo.

Dive Safety Partner

DAN World was MIDE’s official Diving Safety Partner. DAN World offered not only diving accident coverage for divers but has made a commitment to help to enhance dive safety in Malaysia.

Face-to-Face Networking

MIDE 2023 welcomed a host of business entrepreneurs, tourism boards, dive agencies, brand manufacturers and distributors who utilized the platform to network and create new business opportunities and partnerships during the expo.

Dive Talks

Experts in the dive industry, including TV personalities Baki Zainal and Sharifah Sofia, shared knowledge and their experiences in the water.

Popular among visitors were the 10 forum discussions, where panels spoke about underwater archaeology; women in technical diving; balancing work life and diving; living full time on an expedition fleet; underwater photography; cave diving; health; insurance; and other topics.

Ocean conservationists, Dr Achier Chung, Robin Philippo, Gillian Tan, Dr Long Seh Ling, Tanya Liebrick, Jeethvendra Kirishnamoorthie, Noortasha Devi and Hidayah Halid talked about the conscious choice of giving back to the ocean, protecting the ocean through partnerships and sustainable tourism, as well as educating the community on single-use plastic and pollution, the impacts of climate change on the ocean, protected marine life, and restoration efforts. The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia educated children about the freshwater turtle specimens in their exhibit, where kids also enjoyed turtle batik painting and cross-stitching activities.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s License Department also took to the stage to present a special license for dive operators.

Dr Wirdati Mohd. Radzi, a leading Malaysian sport law and governance expert, shared insights on the regulating of the Malaysian dive industry, and Jabatan Standards Malaysia did a presentation about MS ISO in recreational diving services, which is an essential tool in diving activities.

Dive Education: By Teens for Teens

As a way to encourage the youth to care for the oceans and the environment, Julia Aveline Rabenjoro, Beh Zeng Kang, along with Harvey and Jazz Chin, inspired the audience with their personal conservation efforts.

Lens Beyond Ocean Photo Competition

The long-running annual underwater photo competition, Lens Beyond Ocean, received entrees from 12 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, La Réunion, France, India, Italy, Australia, Croatia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Winners for each category were:

• Macro: QJ Kang. Prize sponsored by Silver Reef Dive Resort. 
• Wide Angle: Chong Wan. Prize sponsored by Cocotinos Hotel & Resort.
• Compact Camera: Gaetano Gargiulo. Prize sponsored by Luma’ Selakan Resort, Sabah.
• 3-Minute video: Amy Lawson. Prize sponsored by Amun Ini Resort and Salaya Beach.
• Best of Malaysia by a Malaysian: Khaichuin Sim. Prize sponsored by Atlantis Dive Resort & Liveaboard.

The winning photos were displayed at the entrance of the hall for visitors to admire.

Selakan Shoot-Out

Along with the winning photos of Lens Beyond Ocean 2023, the first-ever Selakan Shoot-Out 2023 photo competition organized by Luma Selakan Resort in Semporna, Sabah, also featured its winners’ images at MIDE 2023.

Purchaser’s Lucky Draw

Participating exhibitors banded together to sponsor 40+ prizes, valued at more than RM80,000. The grand prize sponsored by MY Felicity—a 15-day/14-night stay on a liveaboard for 2 pax in the Maldives, valued at RM28,000—was won by Cheng Yuin Yin.

The sponsors of the purchasers’ lucky draw prizes included MY Felicity, Sea Safari Cruises, The Reef Dive Resort & Tour, Berjaya Tioman Resort, The Taaras Beach Resort, Red Divers Sdn Bhd, Ocean Quest Global, One Ocean Empire, The Buwan Resort Sdn Bhd, Ballwatch Malaysia Sdn Bhd,  Oceanus Scuba Dive Centre, TRACC Borneo, TDI, SDI, PFI South East Asia, Cocowave Global, Flow Dive Centre, Salang Bay Diver, Quiver Dive Team, Big Big Place Kl Sdn Bhd, B&J Diving Centre, 17 Wave Freedive, Dive C  Sdn Bhd, Scubaholic Anonymous, Seafarer Tioman Resort (1511 Coconut Grove), and Seafarer Papaya Resort Sdn Bhd.

Unwavering Support

MIDE offers heartfelt thanks for the endorsement and support of:

• Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
• Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture Malaysia (MOTAC)
  
  Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB)
• Sabah Tourism Board (STB)
• Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPBP)
• Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
• Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS)
• DAN World (Asia-Pacific)
• X-Ray Mag (Denmark)
• AmLeisure Media Sdn Bhd
• Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA)
• Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCeb)
• Malaysia Association Conference Exhibition Of Suppliers (MACEOS)
• All exhibitors, suppliers and partners, dive agencies and media partners

Information & Updates

Follow MIDE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at #MIDEEXPO for latest update of the expo.

For MIDE 2024 information, call +603 79809902 or email: info@mide.com.my