ADEX Joins Maritime Celebration: Invited to the “Maritime China” Forum at the 2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference in Fuzhou, Fujian, China

On November 15, 2024, the much-anticipated 2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference had its grand opening in Fuzhou, Fujian, China under the theme “Carrying Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons”. This four-day conference brings together leading experts, industry professionals, and enterprise representatives from across the global maritime equipment sector. John Thet, CEO of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), and Melissa Meng, ADEX Greater China Representative, were honoured to attend the opening ceremony and participate in the “Maritime China” forum held the same day.

Jointly organised by the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA) and the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government, and hosted by China Central Television (CCTV.com), the “Maritime China” forum welcomed over 100 participants, including leaders from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Fujian Provincial Government, as well as maritime scholars and industry elites. Key attendees included Li Xinghu, Vice-Governor of Fujian Province, Meng Qinglei, Deputy Director-General of the Marine Strategy Planning and Economics Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Tang Xiaoyan, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of CCTV.com, who delivered opening remarks.

Keynote Address Highlights

The forum’s keynote speeches were a focal point, with prominent speakers including:

• Pan Delu and Jiang Xingwei, academics from the Chinese Academy of Engineering
• Dai Minhan, academic from the Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Liu Shunda, proponent of China’s “Smart Ocean” initiative
• Zhang Haiwen, researcher at the Marine Development Strategy Institute
• Xie Maosong, Director of the Research Center of Chinese Civilization and Chinese Path
• Zheng Changlai, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Committee on Maritime Culture
• John Thet, President of the Singapore Media Publishers Association (MPAS)

These thought leaders explored diverse topics, including marine economy development, technological innovation, maritime equipment, legal frameworks, and sustainable marine initiatives.

ADEX CEO John Thet’s Address:

“Marine Tourism as a Catalyst for Blue Economy Growth”

In his keynote address, John Thet presented on “Marine Tourism: A Brilliant Driving Force of the Blue Economy”, analysing the critical role marine tourism plays in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and coastal community development. He emphasised marine tourism as a multifaceted engine driving industries such as yacht manufacturing, island tourism, diving equipment, and educational marine programmes, while advocating for sustainable practices like low-carbon travel and marine conservation.

A Shared Vision for Ocean Excellence

Chinese President Xi Jinping has frequently emphasised the importance of China becoming a “strong maritime nation”, with the report on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stating that the country “will develop the marine economy” and “protect the marine ecological environment”. To support these efforts, CCTV.com launched its Ocean Channel in 2021 as China’s premier platform for maritime media advocacy. The “Maritime China” forum exemplified this commitment, using diverse communication channels to amplify discussions on maritime technology, culture, and sustainable practices.

John Thet, alongside Melissa Meng, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this significant forum, praising it as a valuable platform for collaboration and insights into the latest trends in maritime equipment. Reflecting on ADEX’s 30-year legacy, he reiterated the organisation’s dedication to advancing marine culture, diving technology, and blue economy integration.

Moving Forward

As a steward of the ocean, ADEX remains committed to fostering the synergy between marine tourism and the blue economy, championing sustainability, and contributing to the global effort to protect marine ecosystems and promote maritime innovation.

ADEX extends heartfelt thanks to “Maritime China” for an enriching and inspiring event.

*Source: This report is based on the official release published on

ADEX亚洲潜水展 on November 18 2024. For more details visit the [original article] https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/duphxC3cPybKe62WHk2WzQ (Chinese).

CCTV.com (Ocean Channel) on November 15, 2024. For more details, visit the [original article] https://ocean.cctv.com/2024/11/15/ARTIOPxzHdt1YgSLvt6X4bWz241115.shtml (Chinese).