Press conference during the official launch of DRT Malaysia 2018.

First of all, if you are new to this, the DRT stands for Dive and Resort Travel Expo, which focuses on scuba diving, conservation, and introducing scuba-related products.

Participants include scuba diving operators, resellers, retailers, dive resorts, dive operators, NGOs, tourism boards and many more. The DRT dive expo is also branded as a B2B or business-to-business networking session where local and international businesses can connect.

International vendors at the last DRT Malaysia.

While the main target is to provide a platform for scuba divers to discover new products and learn about diving around Malaysia and even Asia, there is also an emphasis on scuba conservation and other conservation efforts.

If you are an avid new scuba diver from Malaysia, then this is one scuba diving show that you should attend, as there is much to see, do, and learn. After all, there are only two dive shows in Malaysia, and DRT is one of the big players that has entered the market.

Department of Tourism Philippines at the last dive expo in Kuala Lumpur.

What to Expect at DRT Malaysia Show 2019? 

While this is the second DRT show in Malaysia, several people are looking forward to the second show this year and to see what will be offered. Many were unaware of this expo after the inaugural DRT Malaysia 2018 show, probably due to the timing and lack of marketing.

But this time around, the organizers have been quite busy with promotions since the last event, with a focus on social media, online branding, and word of mouth.

One of the local vendors at DRT Malaysia 2018.

Generally, the consumer or visitor can expect retailers and vendors selling all items related to scuba diving, free diving, and underwater photography. There will be vendors who specialize in specific underwater niche products, namely the latest scuba gear and gadgets for underwater photography.

This means that if you are a new scuba diver, this would be a great place to visit, as you will be introduced to new diving equipment and so on.

While Malaysian divers love the all-black look and feel of their dive equipment and gear, some prefer colour-themed equipment, and at the DRT Malaysia show, many of these are sold. Some retailers even go the extra mile to combine complete sets in colours like pink, yellow, blue, etc.

One of the underwater camera rigs on display during DRT Malaysia.

Underwater photographers will also be happy to know that most of the latest cameras and equipment will be displayed and sold during the DRT show here.

The significant part about attending dive expos like this is that you can talk to the retailer or vendor about product knowledge and get tips and tricks about underwater cameras and equipment.

For the DRT Malaysia 2019 show, the organizers will add a new section called Ocean Market, a specialized bazaar with an ocean theme.

A vendor selling handmade underwater charms made from stainless steel.

Specially selected vendors will sell handmade ocean-themed crafts or ready-made items with similar themes during the dive expo. There will also be a “Be An Ocean Saver Project” where a total of 6 NGOs will be involved in this project, and you can also find out more by attending the dive expo.

The 100 Star underwater photo gallery, for photography lovers, will be on display during the dive expo and open to the public for viewing.

Conservation and Environmental Organisations at DRT Malaysia Show

Since the first DRT Malaysia show, the organizers have provided a specially dedicated area for any conservation and environmental organization from Malaysia for free. This is part of DRT’s CSR commitment to provide a larger area for underwater and related conservation efforts by the various NGOs in Malaysia.

While you attend the dive expo here, you can also learn about the conservation efforts made by these NGOs. Some even provide knowledge-based games where you can participate and walk away with various gifts.

Some of the interesting underwater lights for various setups.

To me, conservation awareness is essential in today’s lifestyle. With global warming and climate changes taking place, it is paramount that we take note of what is happening, and what better way than through events like this?

Seven NGOs will participate in this year’s Malaysia DRT Show, and they will be in a special area of the expo. One of them will be Reef Check Malaysia.

All kinds of scuba diving equipment are sold at the dive expo.

Who Are the Speakers at DRT Malaysia? 

Asia Pacific Underwater Photo Challenge 2019 

This is known as one of the most prestigious underwater photography competitions in the Asia Pacific, and it is also known as the UWPC. The contest is open for three months, from 10 October 2018 to 10 January 2019.

The Underwater Photo Challenge 2019 is open to all classes of photographers, meaning anyone can submit their work if they think it is suitable for entry. World-class and award-winning photographers judge all finalists; prizes include cash, live abroad packages, dive gear, and underwater photography gear.

When you attend DRT Malaysia, you will see all the selected underwater photographs displayed in a special area, and let me say that some of them are out of this world.

Some of the matching scuba diving equipment sold in complete sets.

Who is DRT?

• DRT, or Dive, Travel Resort, is Asia’s largest diving, resort, and travel expo and has been around for many years. It also operates similar shows in various countries around Asia and has over 100,000 registered members.
• DRT shows are held in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
• DRT is also supported by many international diving associations, federations, and clubs. The organization partners with over 30 international media publications.

DRT Malaysia 2019 Show
Date: 15 to 17 February 2019
Venue: Hall 3, Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Time: 11.00 AM to 8.00 PM, and 6.00 PM on the last day

Conclusion

If you are a new scuba diver in Malaysia, this is one show that you should not miss. Like other scuba diving expos in Malaysia, the objective is to provide alternative platforms for consumers.

As a seasoned diver, you may have conflicting views, but then again, having more dive shows in Malaysia allows the hobby or sport to grow. Dive tourism in Malaysia has increased over the last decade, thanks to multiple dive expos like the DRT Malaysia show, which creates awareness among the community and public.