Speakers

A.B.Lee

PADI Master Instructor / Professional Underwater Photographer / CEO of 5 star PADI IDC Center - The Diver's Den

Master A.B. Lee's dedication to underwater photography spans over 30 years, exploring the waters of various Southeast Asian countries. His captivating images from dive sites in Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and the Maldives have left a lasting impact, earning him recognition in both local and international photography competitions. For Mr. AB Lee, it's the pursuit of capturing that perfect moment beneath the waves that fuels his passion. Each dive becomes a quest for the "great shot," providing viewers with a mesmerizing and intoxicating visual experience.

Anand Chandra Sekaran

PADI Course Director, Co-Owner of Anti Gravity Divers

Angie Wu

Marketing manager

Responsible for iLab's overseas market and hold a degree in Communication Management from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. With a passion for travel, I hold an SSI mermaid certification and enjoy activities like diving, surfing, skiing, golf, and tennis. I bring extensive experience in skincare products and have a deep understanding of global markets through my international living experiences. I look forward to sharing insights into iLab’s products and the latest knowledge on outdoor sun protection.

Atteleth Don Peris

Program Manager at Reef Check Malaysia

Don is a Program Manager at Reef Check Malaysia, an environmental NGO dedicated to the sustainable management of Malaysia’s marine ecosystems. Based in Mersing, Don and his team are leading a long-term marine conservation program in the Mersing islands, collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs. They have established the Mersing Marine Conservation Group, where local communities receive training and actively participate in marine conservation efforts. These initiatives aim to empower communities, protect marine biodiversity, and promote sustainable tourism practices in the district.

Azzudin Abdul Aziz

PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Instructor

Azzudin bin Abdul Aziz is a seasoned construction professional with a meticulous approach to detail and precision. Beyond his career, he channels his creativity as a passionate hobbyist photographer, focusing on nature, landscapes, and underwater scenes. With a keen eye for beauty and storytelling, Azzudin captures the essence of the natural world through his lens, revealing stunning perspectives that inspire awe and appreciation. His photographic journey often takes him from vibrant coral reefs to serene landscapes, where he combines technical expertise with artistic vision. Azzudin’s work reflects his deep respect for the environment and his commitment to preserving its wonders. Balancing his professional life and creative pursuits, he thrives on exploring the world’s beauty, both above and below the surface.

Baki Zainal

PADI Ambassadiver

Borhanudin Bin Mohd Yusof @ Mohamed

lecturer, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Mr. Borhan joined Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) as a lecturer at Faculty of Management and Economics in 2005. Currently, he serve as a lecturer in the Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, (PPAL) UMT. Beyond academics, he deeply involved in extracurricular activities, particularly scuba diving. His expertise in scuba diving was recognized when he was appointed to the Task Force Committee for the Working Group on Recreational Scuba Diving (ISO) by SIRIM Malaysia in 2018 and by the Department of Standards Malaysia in 2019. He is a professional Dive Instructor since 2008, He is also an underwater photographer, having won first place in the Underwater Macro Photography competition in Bali, Indonesia, in 2017. He designed and teaching Scuba diving courses in UMT which are Recreational Scuba & Snorkeling and also Underwater Photography. Currently he holds the position of Director at the Centre for Co-Curricular, UMT.

Chong Wan Yong

Diving Instructor & Underwater Photographer

An experienced diving instructor with over a decade of industry experience, holding more than 30 instructor certifications, including freediving and tech dive instructor qualifications. Working on underwater photography more than 10 years, been won & shortlisted in several international underwater photography award.

Dr. Maizah M. Abdullah

Assoc. Prof., Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Dr. Maizah is an academician from Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, and associate researcher at Institute of Oceanography (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Her research interest focuses on marine biology and ecology, particularly on the ecological processes such as food web and trophic dynamics studies; ecological functions and resilience of marine ecosystems; as well as habitat importance and connectivity for marine biodiversity (seascape connectivity). Dr. Maizah was the lead scientist for the recent marine scientific cruise expedition with OceanX in Malaysia and has concluded a study on whale shark sighting at Tenggol Island Marine Park.

Eric Owi

General Manager

Eric is an attentive dive instructor who has a deep passion for diving and the underwater world,ensuring that you have an enriching experience. His teaching style is engaging and fun,making it easy for you to obtain your diving certification in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hidayah Halid

MANAGER of PERHENTIAN MARINE RESEARCH STATION

Hidayah Halid is currently working as a manager for Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS), a marine conservation station based in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Malaysia. Aside from day-to-day station management work, her works mainly focuses on assessing and monitoring the marine habitat around the island, promoting participatory management of marine resources among the stakeholders, building capacity for native island youth in marine conservation and advocating marine conservation via volunteerism program.

Ipah Uid Lynn

Professional Underwater Photographer and Scuba Instructor

Ipah Uid Lynn is a Padi Instructor and a mom of 6 kids born and bred in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, She is known throughout the world for her award-winning images under creative photography. Her work shows a combination of art and life through her lens. Ipah’s pictures has been awarded over 31 prestigious international competition throughout the years .Her work has been published in numerous print and online dive publications all over the world. She attends dive shows throughout the globe as a speaker to talk about the art of taking colourful photos. Her love and passion for the underwater world has taught her that each marine life is unique in its own way and can teach us how to co-live with them . By learning the way they live she educates the people around her about the challenges we face in protecting our oceans and the significance of conserving marine ecosystems for the future generations to come.

Ivan Foong

Technical Cave Diver, SCUBA Instructor

Ivan is a technical cave diver with a passion for exploring the hidden wonders beneath the surface. Since 2021, he has been actively involved in cave and mine exploration alongside the Malaysian Cave Diving Association (MCDA). His cave diving journey has taken him across Malaysia and Southern Thailand, including the recent invitation by University Gadjah Mada, Indonesia to explore the caves at Banggai Laut Islands, Sulawesi.

Izarenah Binti Md Repin

Fishery Officer

Izarenah Md Repin has been working as a Fisheries Officer for 16 years in the Fisheries Department of Malaysia and previously in the Department of Marine Park Malaysia. She is working under the Fisheries Conservation and Protection Division. Her works are related to the monitoring of marine habitats and resources, resource enhancement, and rehabilitation. She is also working in the management of Marine Parks which requires the involvement of various communities and stakeholders. She pursued her degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Science Malaysia.

Jessica Chia

Co-founder of Quantum Mare Sdn Bhd

Kalsitinoor Set

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)-Senior Lecturer

Kalsitinoor Set is a senior lecturer in the Tourism Management Program and reports at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). She enjoys diving so much, it develops a research interest in Malaysia's dive industry. Recently, her emphasis has been on the areas of competencies among dive professionals.

Khairul Anwar Bin Abdul Jalil

Junior Marine Biologist

Born and raised in Rawang, Selangor, Anwar is a dedicated marine biologist currently pursuing their studies at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). As a research assistant at the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) under the Institute of Oceanography and Environment, and a junior marine biologist at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island, Anwar plays an active role in sea turtle conservation efforts. Passionate about preserving marine ecosystems, particularly sea turtles and fish species, they combine academic research with hands-on fieldwork to drive impactful conservation initiatives. A self-taught freediver, Anwar integrates their love for the ocean into their personal and professional pursuits, striving to safeguard marine biodiversity for future generations. Currently, Anwar is seeking opportunities to pursue a master’s degree focusing on recreational fishing and its role in sustainable marine conservation.

Kirk Lee

Co-founder of Shark Savers Malaysia

Lilian Koh

Underwater Photographer

Lilian Koh, a multi-award-winning underwater photographer from Singapore, discovered her passion for the ocean in 2000 after a mesmerizing snorkeling encounter with manta rays. This life-changing moment inspired her to pursue scuba diving and eventually explore underwater photography. Renowned for her expertise in macro photography, Lilian captures the intricate beauty of small marine creatures, earning widespread acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Her artistry reflects a profound connection to the ocean, which she describes as a mysterious world gradually unveiling its wonders. With patience and dedication, Lilian often spends hours underwater, waiting for the perfect shot. Her work not only showcases her exceptional talent but also highlights the awe-inspiring beauty of marine life.

Md Rosman Md Haniffah

Outdoor Practitioner

Rosman has years of experience with cave exploration in Malaysia and internationally. With qualifications from prestigious organization such as MASA, MTCA, ACCT, PADI and TDI, he is more than just enthusiasts. He is an expert in his field, sharing his knowledge and experiencesin this outdoor realms. His teaching has extended far beyond Malaysia, leaving imprints in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei. Rosman’s philosophy is simple yet profound : “Creating memories together through outdoor experience.”

Nurfatini Nadhira Binti Mohd Sani

Junior Marine Biologist

I am a passionate marine biologist specializing in sea turtle conservation and dedicated to safeguarding our oceans and the incredible species that call them home. My work involves monitoring nesting sites, rehabilitating injured turtles, and protecting critical habitats, ensuring these majestic creatures thrive for generations to come. With extensive experience in handling conservation volunteering programs, I take pride in coordinating field activities, training volunteers, and fostering community engagement. I strive to inspire others to join the mission of preserving marine biodiversity through hands-on participation and awareness campaigns. Whether it's early mornings on sandy shores or late nights safeguarding hatchlings under the stars, I bring my heart and expertise to every conservation effort. Together, let’s make waves for a sustainable future!

Patrick Ong

DIWA Underwater Photography Examiner

Patrick is a Creative Director in the advertising field as well as a professional underwater photographer in Malaysia. His work has greatly influenced many underwater photographers. Besides being an established speaker in most South East Asia dive expos, he is also an award-winning underwater photographer and judges for several underwater photo competitions. In the year 2014, he published his very first underwater photography book named 'WaterColour". You will often see his work featured in some of the resorts, liveaboard, and dive magazines. He is also an examiner for Diving Instructor World Association (DIWA) Underwater Photography Training Courses. Very often he conducts underwater photography courses within South East Asia.

Richard Chong

Olympus/ Om System Malaysia Ambassador

Has a keen interest and is passionate about photographing birds and wildlife. He started his photography of birds and wildlife towards the end of 2018 and has had some of his photos featured in National Geographic blog for the Top 25 Wild Birds. He also has quite a number of his photos featured in Wild Bird Trust, a non-profit organization whose goal is about keeping birds safe in the wild by securing critical habitats for the benefit of ecosystems, wildlife, and people in perpetuity. To conserve wild birds and their habitat through exploration, research, and monitoring, conservation action, partnerships, awareness-raising, and support for local and citizen-led organisations. Richard has been the assistant photographer/instructor for Olympus Malaysia in the mid of 2018 and was subsequently upgraded to photographer/instructor a year later. He is currently the OM System ambassador/visionary for birds and wildlife photography under OMD World Imaging (M) Sdn. Bhd., the local authorized sole distributor for the Olympus/OM System brand.

Roihan Ang

PADI Course Director / PADI , IANTD & TDI Tech Instructor

Qualification In Recreational Diving •PADI Course Director •Outstanding Contribution in PADI Instructor Development year 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022 Qualification in Technical Diving •PADI , IANTD & TDI Tech Instructor •IANTD Cave Instructor •Razor Official Sidemount Instructor •Liberty Sidemount CCR Instructor •Choptima Chestmount CCR Diver •Gemini CCR Diver Philosophy •to keep learning and exploring new techniques to provide better & safer cave & deep diving courses. •eager to share his knowledge that he has accumulated over the years learning from notable divers whom he highly regards •His thirst for new knowledge is inexhaustible Award •the current Malaysia Book of Records Holder for the deepest scuba dive 164m. •nomination to the 1st dive instructor from Malaysia in completion of the navigation route in cold ice water

Serena Adam

Shark Conservation Officer, WWF-Malaysia

Toh Shan Yee

Freediving Athlete & Instructor

I am Shan, the Malaysia’s national record holder in constant weight no fins freediving. I am also a freediving instructor and a divemaster. I first discovered the underwater world through scuba diving, but later found freediving to be more challenging and exciting. This led me to pursue freediving certification and eventually become an instructor. In April this year, I made the bold decision to quit my job, fly to Egypt, and embark on my journey as a competitive freediving athlete.