The Malaysian International Dive Expo 2007 (MIDE `07) will be making its second year run from July 6 to 8 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The consumer and trade exhibition, aiming to promote Malaysia as a world-class diving destination and increase awareness among the diving and non-diving community, will feature over 53 booths showcasing dive related products and packages from both international and local companies.
Diving is no longer a luxury sport confined to a select few. Speaking at a recent Press Conference in conjunction with the upcoming Dive Expo, Dato Mukhriz Mahathir, President of the Malaysian Sport Diving Association (MSDA), explained that the sport is getting more affordable.
"The number is escalating among the younger generation who have shown interest in the sport and are taking part in it," he said adding that numerous programmes will serve as a catalyst that will further ignite interest in the sport among the masses.
He also added that the diving industry generated RM70 million in revenue last year and todate has 60,000 certified local divers. Also supporting his statements were VirtualMalaysia.com`s CEO, Rohizam MD Yusoff and MIDE very own Ambassador, Mix.FM Radio DJ, Richard Ng.
"With the increasing interest in the diving industry, Malaysia is ready to capture the market," said Rohizam who added that VirtualMalaysia.com, which is the official media for MIDE, would do its bid to promote the industry locally and globally through its e-portal www.virtualmalaysia.com and its magazine, Virtual Malaysia, which has a circulation of 30,000 worldwide.
"Those who wish to give diving a try should come and check out the Expo," said radio dj and avid diver, Richard Ng. Richard who has todate made 4,000 dives urges future divers to not be stingy when it comes to enrolling in a good diving school that will provide them a proper diving course.
"Although, prices for diving courses have gone down compared to a couple of years ago, would-be divers are encouraged to scout around and look, not only for the best deal in terms of cost, but also and most crucially, for the best in terms of content and also knowledge that is taught," he explained.
"Go to a proper certified center like PADI, NAUI or SSI and enroll in their open water courses. Find out from them what you should expect to get in return when you take up the course," he said adding that coming to check out MIDE 07 is the best way for them to get all the information they need plus look at packages that is on offer during the expo.
MIDE`07 will also be focusing on conservation and the importance of protecting our precious marine life. Several seminars and workshops will be conducted during the expo that is open to the public.
The event is also to boost our tourism sector further, since diving has become one of the most popular activities in this region as it attracts more tourists each year and increases the growth in revenue for the industry.
Admission to MIDE 07 is free and is open to everyone.
Source: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com (6 Juni 2007)