MIDE 2022 exceeds expectations
The 16th Malaysia International Dive Expo was attended by more than 11,000 visitors attending the show, of which 20 percent were international, which was better than expected.
The Malaysia International Dive Expo, which took place from 27 to 29 May 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, ended on a high note, generating around RM14.98 million (US$3.39 million) in sales over the three-day event, more than the RM12 million (US$2.71 million) target anticipated, indicating steady growth in the dive industry for both businesses and the dive community. With over 11,000 visitors attending the show, of which 20 percent were international, signs of recovery were better than expected.
In addition, there were 110 participating companies and 727 exhibitors from near and far. There were not only domestic exhibitors from Malaysia but also exhibitors from abroad, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Maldives, Singapore, Australia, Malta, the Netherlands, Brunei and Kenya.
The expo succeeded in its aim this year to help Malaysian dive businesses reconnect with the dive community after the Covid-19 pandemic. “The event no doubt helped our community to pick up from where things were left off before the pandemic hit,” said Ness Puvanes, director of AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd and organizer of MIDE.
Expo activities
Aside from a wide range of speakers and presentations on various topics such as cave diving, underwater photography, dive destinations, dive education and conservation, there was also a fashion show featuring Conquest and AWJ dive wear, as well as boat and watersports displays. Networking between stakeholders and MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) took place on the topic of grants for both local and international business events, tourism licensing and financial facilities. In addition, there was an official signing ceremony between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and the organizer of MIDE, AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, for future collaboration.
During the show, there was a generous offering of exclusive deals on dive gear, tours and courses by many exhibitors, and Dive Divas fan club signed up 42 new women divers. In addition, 30 lucky draw prizes totalling RM72,000 (around US$16,280) were given out during the event, including dive holidays, dive equipment, dive courses and camera equipment. The grand prize of an eight-day liveaboard trip with My Felicity, Maldives, valued at RM22,000 (US$4975) was won by Stacy Chee.
Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) Photo Competition
Winning images of the Lens Beyond Ocean Photo competition 2022 were showcased at the expo. The winners in each of the five categories included:
- Macro 1st Place: Karlo Macas from Croatia, who won a 5-day/4-night dive package with seven boat dives, for two, sponsored by Tenggol Coral Beach Resort
- Wide-Angle 1st Place: Nicolas Remy from France, who won a 5-day/4-night dive package for one, sponsored by Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
- Compact Camera 1st Place: Gaetano Gargiuolo from Australia, who won a BubbleScuba BB-V01 5000 lumens (video) / 6500 lumens (flash) lighting system, sponsored by Scubaholic Anonymous
- 3-Minite Video 1st Place: Scott Portelli from Italy, who won a 4-day/3-night Garden View Deluxe dive package at Mataking Island, sponsored by The Reef Dive Resort in Mataking
- Best of Malaysia by Malaysian 1st Place: Khaichuin Sim from Malaysia, who won a IST J1900 Delta BCD, sponsored by IST Malaysia
Health and safety
MIDE organizers were happy to report that even though the show was jam-packed with visitors, each and every one adhered to the Covid-19 standard operating procedures set in place for the event.
Endorsements, supporters, partners and sponsors
MIDE gives a heartfelt thanks to the following organizations for their endorsement and support:
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), Ministry of Environment & Water (KASA), Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysia Association Conference Exhibition of Suppliers (MACEOS), esteemed exhibitors, speakers and dive agencies; media partners, including Amleisure, Astro and X-Ray Mag (Denmark); sponsors, including Adventure With John, Aquamarine Diving Bali – Indonesia, B&J Diving Centre Sdn Bhd, Duis Dive Sdn Bhd, Flow Dive Centre, IST Malaysia, Maldives Blue Force Fleet, Moby Tek Dive, My Felicity, Ninety Nine Islands Diver, Philippine Airlines, Pier Uno Resort, Poni Divers, Quiver Dive Team, Ray’s Dive Adventure Tioman, Red Divers Sdn Bhd/Luma'Selakan, Scuba DoBedo Dive & Travel Sdn Bhd, Seafarer Papaya Resort Sdn Bhd, Seafarer Tioman Resort (1511 Coconut Grove), Sealantis Dive Centre, Tenggol Coral Beach Resort; and associated partners, including 153 Picture Production, DSV Sdn Bhd, Mekar Subur AV Sdn Bhd, PICO International (M) Sdn Bhd, SmartReg System Sdn Bhd, and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, go to: mide.com.my. Or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at #MIDEEXPO.
