ADEX Ocean Partnership Summit to be held in Sabah

Sabah has been selected to host this year’s ADEX Ocean Partnership Summit, solidifying its reputation as a prominent meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) destination for promoting marine conservation initiatives and sustainable diving tourism.

The summit’s details were announced during the Asian Dive Expo (ADEX) held at Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 31 March to 2 April.

Organised in partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board, the summit will take place from 18 to 20 August at the Sabah International Convention Centre. Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, officially launched the ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit 2023 at the opening of ADEX Singapore.

ADEX chief executive officer John Thet, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman, Malaysia dive icon and ADEX diving ambassador Clement Lee, and ADEX Sabah team head Theresa Tham were also present at the event.

Joniston said that Sabah is already a well-known diving destination and that the state is committed to preserving its marine ecosystem. The summit will support the Sabah government’s efforts in ocean conservation and sustainable development. The state has implemented several measures, including marine parks and sanctuaries, strict fishing and diving regulations, and education programs to raise awareness about marine conservation.

Joniston expressed confidence that Sabah could host its own dive expo because many divers consider Sabah to be a must-dive spot. Sabah Tourism is shifting its focus to promoting specialised and high-end tourism activities, such as scuba diving, given the state’s strong network of professional dive operators offering world-class diving services.

The ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit is an excellent platform to showcase Sabah’s rich marine biodiversity and cultural diversity, Joniston said, adding that visitors can experience local culture and cuisine while enjoying diving opportunities.

In 2022, Sabah recorded 61,796 divers, generating an estimated RM222.8 million in revenue. The figure comprises 6,411 international divers and 55,384 domestic divers. In 2019, Sabah registered 130,604 international and 7,145 domestic divers, earning tourism-related revenue of MYR21 million.

“We look forward to welcoming the global ocean community, renowned speakers, professional diving fraternity and attendees, in general, to build a network while sharing ideas and knowledge on the best practice adaptation for the ocean,” Joniston said. The event will strengthen Sabah’s diving industry and further promote its conservation efforts.