PT Hirschfield reports back from the impressive Malaysia International Dive Expo
The 18th Malaysia International Dive Expo (aka MIDE) was held at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur on 7-9 June, 2024, overlapping with World Ocean Day on the 8th.
At the heart of this three day extravaganza was a bustling Trade Hall. Over 270 booths and 190 companies were featured, representing 12 countries. Stands featured scuba related products and services, dive centres and resorts.
MIDE welcomed 14,213 visitors from 50 countries, including 10,000+ dive industry professionals.
A diverse program of panel discussions and presentations covered topics including underwater photography; dive safety; tech, recreational and cave diving; ocean conservation, underwater image making and more. The film '50 Hours Underwater' celebrating a record breaking scuba dive was also screened.
At the event's Opening Ceremony, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan emphasised the immense value of the scuba diving industry to the country's economy:
‘MIDE is an excellent platform for industry players to establish a wider network of contacts and increased exposure. According to a report by the World Tourism Organisation, the diving tourism market is one of the most rapidly moving segments of the tourism industry.'
‘As one of the world's leading dive destinations, Malaysia offers unparalleled sites for divers to immerse themselves. This has created a significant tourism ecosystem that has played a key role in our local economy. MIDE has successfully sustained its presence as a yearly expo and has contributed significantly to the growth of revenue for the dive industry of Malaysia.'
Expo organiser Ness Puvanes highlighted the event's expanded focus on dive careers, ocean stewardship and ongoing youth participation. She articulated the ‘spirit' of MIDE amongst all who attended:
‘The expo has always be a gathering place for the diving community, offering the latest advancements in technology, safety, and conservation, fostering a vibrant community of water-lovers.'
‘We come together not just to celebrate our shared enthusiasm, but to explore, learn, and inspire one another as we continue our adventure into the depths of the oceans here at the expo.'
Attendees who made purchases at MIDE went into the Purchasers Lucky Draw for the chance to win one of over 60 prizes, with a Grand Prize of a Maldives liveaboard. Generous prizes were also awarded in the ‘Lens Beyond Ocean' photo competition.
Photo credit: PT Hirschfield
