The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF), headquartered in the Cayman Islands, has announced that Malaysian diving pioneer Syed Abd Rahman will be inducted into its 2026 class of honorees.
Syed Abd Rahman, Founder and Director of Kids Scuba, Chairman of the Accessible Tourism Malaysia WG14 Committee, and Diveheart Malaysia Ambassador
Widely recognized as the founder of Kids Scuba Malaysia and the Diveheart Malaysia Ambassador, Rahman is celebrated for his decades-long dedication to making the underwater realm accessible to all, particularly children, teenagers and people with disabilities. He is only the second Malaysian and Southeast Asian ever to receive this prestigious international distinction, which honors individuals who have advanced the growth and success of recreational scuba diving worldwide.
Adaptive diving advisor, advocate and trailblazer
As a veteran PADI IDC Staff Instructor and a former advisor to Malaysia’s National Recreational Scuba Diving Council (NDC), Rahman has been instrumental in shaping diver education and adaptive diving initiatives. His pioneering work in developing programs for adaptive diving has enabled hundreds of participants—including children from underserved communities and individuals with spinal cord injuries—to discover the therapeutic and life-changing benefits of diving and water therapy.
Through his leadership, Kids Scuba and Diveheart Malaysia have built strong partnerships with medical professionals, rehabilitation centers and community organizations, creating a powerful model of inclusivity that demonstrates how diving and movement in water can provide profound physical and emotional benefits. Rahman has also served as an advisor, contributing to the growth and development of dive tourism and industry standards in Malaysia. In addition, over the past 15 years, Rahman has been an esteemed colleague and contributor, providing invaluable first-hand content and insights into adaptive diving and scuba for children and youths to X-Ray Mag.
Induction ceremony
The 2026 ISDHF induction ceremony will be held in the Cayman Islands in September 2026. “To be recognized by the ISDHF is an incredible honour that I share with my wife and daughters, every student, volunteer and partner who believed in the mission of Kids Scuba and adaptive diving,” said Rahman. “Diving is a sport, a therapy, and a vital tool for conservation. This induction reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that the ocean is a space for everyone, regardless of age or physical challenge, and inspires the next generation of Ocean Torchbearers in Asia and beyond.”
Unwavering passion and dedication
Ness Puvanes, Director of AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organizer of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), and former president of the Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA), said, “This achievement is a proud moment for Malaysia and the entire diving community.” She added, “Having known Syed Abd Rahman for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand his dedication, humility, and unwavering passion for the ocean. His contributions have not only elevated Malaysia’s profile as a world-class diving destination but have also championed global standards in safety, inclusivity, and adaptive diving education. This recognition is truly well deserved.”
