20 Years of the Malaysian Dive Diva at MIDE: How Women Changed the Scuba Landscape (2006–2026)
The 20th Anniversary of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), held from June 5–7, 2026, at MITEC, marks a historic milestone. Since its debut in 2006, MIDE has welcomed over 300,000 visitors, but the most significant evolution has been the transformation of the “female diver.” Under the 2026 theme, “Forged by the Ocean – Two Decades of Passion, Purpose and Protection,” we celebrate how women moved from the sidelines to the centre stage of the scuba world.
The 2006 Reality: Escaping the “Pink” Era
Two decades ago, female scuba divers were a rare sight at Malaysian boat jetties. The industry was functionally built for men; women often had to settle for “men’s small” BCDs or ill-fitting wetsuits.
The MIDE Connection: When MIDE started in 2006, it provided the first major platform where gear manufacturers finally saw the potential of the Malaysian female market. We have since moved from the “shrink it and pink it” philosophy to high-tech, ergonomically designed female kits. Today, the expo showcases gear that prioritises female anatomy, ensuring comfort and safety are no longer compromises.
The Power of the “Dive Diva” Community
At the heart of this movement is the Dive Diva FanClub (DDFC). Founded by MIDE organiser Ness Puvanes, DDFC was created to raise the profile of Asian women in diving, especially as professionals.
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Breaking Taboos with Inclusive Talks: MIDE has never shied away from “real” conversations. In 2013, Ms. Sorraya shared her journey as a pregnant diver, while Ms. Ustazah Amie Sofia discussed “Diving During the Fasting Month.” These sessions made scuba diving culturally accessible and inclusive for all Malaysian women.
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From Recreational to Technical: In recent years, the “Women in Diving” panels have shifted toward Technical and Cave Diving. These forums prove that women are now excelling in the most extreme sub-sectors of the sport, sharing expertise on deep-entry techniques and underwater safety.
Behind the Lens: Dominating the Macro World
While many chase “big fish,” Malaysian women have built a global reputation for their mastery of the small. The Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) photography competition at MIDE has seen a remarkable streak of female dominance.
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The Champions: In the 2025 LBO Awards, women swept the podiums. Yvonne Chok (1st Prize, Macro), Louise Jean-Sigfried (Wide Angle), and Ribka Malise (Compact Camera) proved that the patience and precision required for underwater artistry are being defined by female eyes.
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Academic Impact: Experts such as Prof. Dr Norhayati Ahmad have used the MIDE stage to bridge the gap between photography and biodiversity research, turning hobbyists into conservation advocates.
Key Women Speakers & Figures to Mention
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Ness Puvanes (Founder & Organiser): As the powerhouse behind AsiaEvents Exsic, she is the primary architect of MIDE. Her leadership in signing the Ocean Harmoni MOU with RHB Islamic Bank in recent years is a perfect example of women leading the “business of the ocean.”
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Yvonne Chok: A multi-award-winning Malaysian underwater photographer. Having won the Macro Category at the Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) 2025 awards, she is a prime candidate for a speaker or judge role. Her work perfectly fits your “Behind the Lens” section.
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Louise Jean-Sigfried & Ribka Malise: Both were top winners in the 2025 LBO competition (Wide Angle and Compact Camera categories, respectively). Mentioning them shows that the creative leaderboard in Malaysian diving is dominated by women.
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Datuk Ada Poon: As the Managing Director of Amleisure Media and a frequent strategic partner for MIDE, she represents the media and promotional strength women bring to the regional dive industry.
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Baki Zainal (PADI Ambassadiver): While not a woman, Baki is a staple speaker at MIDE and a huge advocate for inclusivity. He often shares the stage with female divers to promote youth and family engagement.
The New Generation: Business and Protection
As we look toward MIDE 2026, women are leading the business of the ocean.
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Corporate Leadership: A major highlight in recent years was the signing of an MOU between AsiaEvents Exsic (led by Ness Puvanes) and RHB Islamic Bank for the Ocean Harmoni initiative. This proves that women are at the helm of the massive financial and conservation partnerships that protect our reefs.
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The Gateway: The Pool Try Dive at MIDE 2026 remains a critical entry point. With gender participation now nearing a 50/50 split, the next 20 years of Malaysian scuba will be the most balanced and empowered yet.
Conclusion
As we reflect on two decades of MIDE, it is clear that the “Dive Diva” has evolved from a niche enthusiast into a formidable leader of the blue economy. Women are no longer just participants in Malaysia’s scuba industry; they are the organisers, the award-winning photographers, the technical pioneers, and the conservation scientists who ensure our reefs survive for another 20 years. The presence of figures like Ness Puvanes and the dominance of female talent in the Lens Beyond Ocean competition proves that the glass ceiling in diving has been shattered, replaced by a vast, inclusive ocean of opportunity.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the legacy of the last 20 years serves as a blueprint for the next generation. By fostering a community that prioritises education, ergonomic safety, and environmental stewardship, MIDE has ensured that the future of Malaysian diving is not just sustainable but deeply empowered. Whether you are taking your first breath in the MITEC dive pool or planning a technical deep-dive, you are stepping into a world that has been thoughtfully reshaped by the passion and purpose of the women who lead it.
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