We are immensely grateful for the generous support of the incredibly talented individuals and organizations who continue to contribute their art to our MIDE project. Their images have breathed new life into our vision, adding depth and vibrancy to the event. On this “Image Contributors” page, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate their exceptional talent, passion and dedication.

2023 List of Contributors

1. Lee Kian Lie

Malaysia Cave Diving Association Advisor

A Technical Underwater Cave Explorer who currently conducting underwater cave and mines exploration project in Malaysia.  Currently, he is working on a cave exploration project in Sg Lembing and Kinta Valley, Malaysia with his exploration Team. Sg Lembing Mines is one of the deepest tin mines in the world at about 700m depth.  Currently, the team had lay the permanent line about 1km and explored till 50m at the mining area.

At 2021, he and his team discovered new abandoned mines which flooded at Perak. He and his team had revisited the mines and explored till 33m, Which is considered one of the deepest mines discover so far at Kinta Valley, Perak.

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2. Nurul Yazid

Professional Underwater Photographer

I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean. I started snorkelling with fishes when I was 5 and knew that one day, I would be a part of the underwater world.

When a stint in the corporate world didn’t work out, I went on to become a dive instructor at various locations. At some point, I picked up underwater photography and my life changed. Fast forward 11 years, I have been featured in numerous diving magazines and websites and have won multiple awards for my work.

Whether I am swimming with sharks or fighting against the strong currents, it is always with a camera in one hand and my eyes wide open.

https://www.facebook.com/nurulyazidphotography

3. Imran Ahmad

Director Escapeinc / Underwater Photographer

Imran Ahmad is Asia’s most celebrated and internationally published underwater photographer.

He has been capturing the magnificence of life both below and above the water’s surface for over 20 years. His style is different from anything seen. He is known for his Experimental Photography with light and motion. Imran graduated from Middlesex University with a Bachelor of Arts in Film-Making. He is an ambassador for Mares, Nikon, Blancpain , SEACAM, RGB Lights (Japan), and a member of the Ocean Artist Society. He spends much of his time as a professional photographer giving presentations, promoting photography in all its aspect, both as an art and documentation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/190817961281208/user/684326920/

4. MONICA CHIN

Managing Director/Founder ONE OCEAN EMPIRE

Monica believes it is important to impart knowledge and shared experiences with the wider community via education and awareness activities. She believes that when people know, they will care, and when they start to care, they will protect. “All of us depend on a healthy & sustainable lifestyle to survive for generations to come”. Nature is our only lifetime asset and must be fully protected.

https://www.facebook.com/monica.chin.18

5. IRWAN ISMAIL

PADI Master Instructor

Irwan Ismail is a PADI instructor, EFR instructor trainer, underwater photographer as well as an underwater videographer whose work has been published in both local print and electronic media (New Straits Times, Harian Metro, The Heat and Astro Awani). Some of his career highlights include work carried out for Tourism Malaysia; the Borneo Reef World in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; underwater photography of swimmers at the recent SEA games; as an underwater cameraman for a local TV production company – The Pluto Project; capturing underwater scenes for the Malaysia Day movie titled “MAJU Kuala Lumpur – Selamat Hari Malaysia” in Semporna, Sabah; and even as the official underwater videographer for the “Petronas-SFC Eco Marine Project” in Miri, Sarawak, for Astro Awani (a Malaysian 24-hour news channel). In addition, Irwan was the first underwater videography speaker at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). He also owns a dive centre in Kg. Genting, Tioman Island, Malaysia – Sorte Met Stella Scuba dive centre.

https://www.facebook.com/irwanismailjohari

6. DR. LONG SEH LING

Seh Ling is the Principal Officer of Lang Tengah Turtle Watch. She oversees the operations and finances, as well as maintaining public relations with relevant stakeholders. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, research development, fundraising, training, and staff recruitment. Seh Ling brings with her years of turtle experience, being the former project manager of Perhentian Eco-Education Project. Her boundless passion for sea turtle conservation has even led her to become one of the founding members of the Perhentian Turtle Project. Seh Ling has recently concluded her PhD in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Her research investigated the human-sea turtle interaction complex to understand how sea turtles fit into the lives of local communities in protected marine areas.

https://www.facebook.com/sehling.long

7. AMINOR AZMI BIN ABDUL LATIP

Managing Director/ Founder, Luma’Selakan

Founder of Luma’ Selakan since 2018, focussing on making Luma’ Selakan as a main destination for Underwater Macro Paradise in Malaysia. With the tagline ” A home away from home” he and his crews are determine to provide full diving services to divers who come and dive with Luma’ Selakan.

https://www.facebook.com/aminorazmi

8. ROBIN PHILIPPO

Director of the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) Borneo

As an avid traveler Robin fell in love with diving in Egypt. What started as a hobby turned into a passion he could not ignore. After over a decade later in the diving industry, he now fully focusses on marine conservation as the Operational Director of the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) at Pom Pom Island, Sabah.

Seeing the destruction of coral reefs first hand all over Asia made him realize we can’t wait for change, which sparked him to join TRACC in 2017. Whether it is rehabilitating coral reefs; protecting turtles; or volunteering; everyone can play their part. Robin is passionately educating the new generations of divers about what impact they can have to be more environmentally friendly.

https://www.facebook.com/robin.philippo.7

9. CHERYL GOH

Group VP of Marketing and Sustainability

Cheryl is part of the early founding team at Grab. She leads marketing and sustainability for the group, covering all of Grab’s business verticals including mobility, deliveries, financial services and enterprise. Cheryl’s been diving for over a decade and invested in a secondhand underwater camera by her 3rd dive trip. She finds great joy and escape when underwater and has even started a dive club in Grab to cultivate a greater love for the ocean. She’s also a committee member of Tengah Island Conservation located in Johor.

https://www.facebook.com/cherylgoh