6TH MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL DIVE EXPO 2011 (MIDE 2011) - post event release

The 6th Malaysia International Dive Expo 2011 (MIDE 2011) was once again successfully concluded after 3 days of exciting and informative expo at the Putra World Trade Centre. The expo has grown from strength to strength since its conception and this year it drew 12,008 local and international visitors, a 30% increase in the number of visitors from last year.

Officially launched by YB Dato Dr James Dawos Mamit, Deputy Minister of Tourism Malaysia, MIDE 2011 continued to build on its mission to promote Malaysia and its surrounding waters as some of the best dive destinations in the world, whilst bringing to fore the importance of conservation efforts towards the health of the diving industry worldwide.

The only scuba diving expo of its kind in Malaysia, MIDE welcomed both divers and non-divers, young and old, with engaging activities, informative talks and a variety of exhibition booths. The expo hosted 117 local and international exhibitors with 210 booths showcasing a variety of dive packages and offers from dive operators and resorts, the latest dive products and equipments from leading brands, as well as informative booths by various conservation bodies including Project Aware, Reef Check, Shark Savers, SEA Shepherd (France) and others.

One of the achievements of MIDE this year is the first-ever seminar on ISO standards on Recreational Scuba Diving, jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Standards Malaysia and MIDE2011. The seminar was presented by Dr. Peter Jonas, Secretary of ISO Technical Committee and En. Syed Abdul Rahman, Vice President of Malaysia Scuba Diving Association. This was the first time that a seminar such as this has been held outside of Europe, testifying to MIDE’s commitment towards the continual improvement of the scuba diving industry in Malaysia.

MIDE visitors also enjoyed a series of talks and presentations delivered by renowned underwater photographers who shared their experience and passion for the work. Issues of safety in scuba diving was also addressed by experts in scuba-related health and safety, providing much valued information and insight to scuba divers who are interested in the more technically challenging dive experience. Among noted speakers at MIDE 2011 include Datuk Dr Saw Huat Seong , Mathieu Meur, Aaron Wong, Lawrence Alex Wu, Imran Ahmad and representatives from University Sabah Malaysia, Marine Parks Malaysia and the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine of Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital.

Manufacturers and Distributed showcased their dive products through Dive Product Fashion Show held for 3 days. Children who were fortunate to visit MIDE this year were treated to a colouring contest designed to motivate children to understand and care about the underwater world. The accompanying Through the Lens Annual Photo Competition saw colourful photo submissions, with the winning photos displayed on 5 category. Other events enjoyed by visitors include a bidding session for live paintings of underwater images and pool try-outs.

The “Dive Divas Fanclub” which was established early this year, was seen with more than 200 sign-up by lady divers to join the fanclub.

For next year, The 7th Malaysia International Dive Expo 2012 (MIDE2012) will be held from 6 to 8 July 2012 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

For more information on MIDE2012, kindly visit http://www.mide.com.my

Contributed by Tim Hochgrebe added 2011-07-27