Spotlight on Turtles at Asia Dive Expo 2011

Singapore, April 14, 2011

Expect three days of dive action at Singapore’s Suntec Convention Centre during Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2011, which is dedicated to protecting turtles this year.

Now in its 17th year, ADEX is the longest-running dive show in Southeast Asia. The dive show that’s presented “by divers, for divers” is organised by Asian Diver magazine, a publication of Asian Geographic Magazines Pte Ltd.

Last year’s ADEX drew more than 21,000 participants from 49 countries. ADEX 2011 is expected to be an even bigger event with a bigger crowd.

This year’s ADEX will see more than 160 exhibitors representing various dive entities from across the industry. These include dive equipment manufacturers and retailers, tourism boards and travel agents, dive centres, dive resorts and live-aboards, underwater photography retailers, diver training agencies, marine conservation groups, dive media and diving associations.

“ADEX is a lot more than a trade event for divers and the dive industry,” said John Thet, managing director of ADEX and publisher of Asian Geographic Magazines. “This is an event for everyone – from non-divers to activists and photographers – anyone who loves and respects the ocean and its precious marine inhabitants.”

ADEX 2011 is dedicated to turtles. Coastal development, trawl fishing and the poaching of turtle eggs have threatened turtle populations, with six of the world’s seven marine turtle species already listed as endangered. Rahayu Zulkifli, a lawyer-turned-activist, will be sharing her experience as a leader for the Terrengganu Turtle Team. To spread the message to the young ones, a new book will be launched at ADEX 2011 – Turtles! by ASIAN Geographic JUNIOR, the children’s magazine by Asian Geographic Magazines.

Another book that will be launched at ADEX 2011 is WATER.COLORS, a showcase of stunning underwater fashion photography by award-winning photographer Aaron Wong. Featured in the book are celebrities such as MTV VJ Denise Keller and record-breaking free diver Ai Futaki. Aaron will be present at ADEX 2011 to sign copies of his book.

There’s plenty of fun for everyone. In the Wet Zone, visitors can try scuba diving in a special tank with glass windows, or try free diving in a pool with professional guidance from Ai Futaki, Guinness World Record holder for Constant Weight Without Fins and The Longest Distance in a Cave With Only One Breath – With and Without Fins.

For more not-so-wet fun, visitors can check out the photos of finalists for the Voice of the Ocean photo competition, where the winners will be chosen in a live judging that will be broadcast on www.asiandiver.com/adex. Visitors can choose to appear on the cover of Asian Diver and Scuba Diver AustralAsia magazines with a free photo shoot, while the young onescan unleash their creativity in art competitions at the kids’ corner by ASIAN Geographic JUNIOR. There will also be a special Ocean Dance performance by Chie Norieda from Japan.

ADEX 2011 will be held on April 22–24 at Singapore’s Suntec Convention Centre (Exhibition Hall 404).

For ticketing info and more details, visit www.asiandiver.com/adex. Other highlights of ADEX 2011 include:

– The opportunity to make contributions to tsunami-hit Japan. Part of the money collected from the sale of WATER.COLORS will go to the ASIAN Geographic SOCIETY, which will direct the money in aid of Japan. – Speakers: Aaron Wong, Ai Futaki, Amos Nachoum, Berkley White, Michael Aw, Pascal Lecocq, Rahayu Zulkifli, Richard Ng, Shawn Heinrichs, Todd Essick, William Tan, Dietmar Fuchs, Bob Ramsay, Matt Weiss, Geronimo Reyes, Pierre-Yves Cousteau, Diego A. Garcia

Contributed by Nora added 2011-04-15