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Dive into the World of Ocean Conservation and Exploration at ADEX Pixel Expo 2024: A Virtual Celebration for World Ocean Day 2023!

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ADEX Pixel Expo 2024 is proud to present an immersive virtual celebration for World Ocean Day on June 8, 2023.

Join us from 14:00 to 17:00 HRS as we bring together celebrity ocean personalities, captivating ocean films, insightful discussions on conservation, and the latest updates in sustainability.

Prepare to dive deep into a world of wonder, where the oceans take center stage.

Programme Highlights:

13:00-13:25- Mr. Anuar Abdullah (Malaysia) – Impact of Over Diving on Eco Systems

The pressing issue of the “Impact of Over Diving on Eco Systems,” will highlight the detrimental effects of excessive diving activities and advocating for responsible diving practices.

13:30-13:55- Ms. Shahina Ali (Maldives)

14:00-14:45- Ms. Valerie Taylor – Generational Exchange for Ocean Conservation with Valerie Taylor & Hidy Yu

Immerse yourself in a thought-provoking conversation between the legendary Valerie Taylor and esteemed conservationist Hidy Yu. Gain valuable insights into the generational exchange of ideas for ocean conservation and the power of collaboration.

15:00-15:25- Ms. Elsie Gabriel (India) – Why Ocean Literacy should be compulsory in schools?

Embark on a virtual journey to discover why ocean literacy should be made compulsory in schools, fostering environmental stewardship and empowering students for a sustainable future.

15:30-15:55 – Ms. Mitali Dutti Kakar (India) – Reef Watch and it’s Conservation Efforts

Discover how Reef Watch is actively working towards preserving and protecting fragile reef ecosystems through research, education programs, documentation, and scientific support.

16:00-16:25- ADEX Sabah GhostNet Hunting Project in Sabah – August 2023: Ben Lecomte, Hidy Yu, and 21 Others

Journey with ocean explorers, including Ben Lecomte and Hidy Yu, as they discuss the ADEX Sabah GhostNet Hunting Project. Gain insights into their upcoming expedition, aiming to tackle the issue of ghost nets threatening marine life in Sabah.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to connect with prominent ocean personalities, acquire insights into conservation efforts, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of underwater wonders. Join us for ADEX Pixel Expo 2024 on June 8, 2023, and let’s come together to celebrate the magnificence of our oceans.

Note: To participate in the event, visit www.adex.asia during the specified time slots to access the live sessions and engage with fellow ocean enthusiasts.

Philippines to host the world’s largest underwater macro photography competition.

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The Philippines’ world-famous marine life will once again take the stage at this year’s edition of the Anilao Underwater Shootout, the world’s biggest underwater macro photography competition.

Running from May 22 – 26 in Mabini, Batangas, the competition gathers divers, professional and amateur underwater photographers, and marine enthusiasts in one venue. This year’s edition will reopen to international participants for the first time since the pandemic.

Dubbed the ‘World Cup of Underwater Photo Competitions,’ the event promotes Anilao as a premier underwater photography destination.

It also serves as a venue for sustainable dive tourism as the competition continues to implement a “no marine life manipulation” policy, a strict guideline that has set standards for other underwater photography competitions in the world.

Set rules and a point system combined with the expertise of highly experienced judges from various fields are in place to discourage manipulated images.

Anilao locals will also sign a code of conduct accord prior to the event.

Comprising this year’s panel of judges are renowned underwater photographers Aaron Wong, Brook Peterson, Franco Banfi, Rafael Fernandez, and Scott “Gutsy” Tuason.

The Anilao Underwater Shootout is mounted by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and is supported by Nauticam, Scubalamp, AOI, XDEEP, Migalabs, Fourth Element, and Marelux.

Interested participants may sign up for the competition at https://bit.ly/AUS2023RegistrationForm, or register between May 22 and May 25 at Solitude Acacia Resort. For more information, check out the Anilao Underwater Shootout Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/anilaoshootout

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DIVING: THB500 Gift card Redemption, 11-31 May 2023

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A FREE “THB 500 Gift card @ Central Department Store” to Travellers who are travelling from Singapore to Dive in Thailand.

Redemption Period: 11  –  31 May 2023
Booking Period: 31 March 2023 – 31 May 2023
Diving Period: 31 March 2023 – 31 May 2024

Submit your application here:
 https://forms.gle/mD4sLPcSVij5U3nb7 

Redemption Terms & Conditions:
1. This promotion is open to Singapore resident only.
2. Traveller who fulfils the above conditions is entitled to redeem THB 500 gift card per person adult (12 years and above). Child and Infant is not applicable for redemption.
3. Redemption venue is at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Singapore Office located inside Royal Thai Embassy, 372 Orchard Road, Singapore 238870 (entrance via Claymore Road). Redemption period is between 11 – 31 May 2023 on weekdays only, between 9.15am to 11.45am and 2.00pm to 5pm.
4. Redemption is on a first-come, first-served basis, whilst stocks last. No reservation is allowed. Kindly call us at Tel. 6235 7901 to check on the redemption availability before visiting us.
5. This promotion/redemption is for individual bookings only and it is not applicable for group bookings such as meeting group, corporate/company group, incentive group, MICE related groups etc. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
6. TAT Singapore office reserves the right to substitute the gift card with items of the same value with or without prior notice.
7. Decisions made by TAT Singapore office are final and no further correspondence will be entertained.
8. For further information or clarification, please contact TAT Singapore office at Tel. 6235 7901 or email at tatsin@tat.or.th

11 Dive Routes to Choose from in Thailand

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Thailand has some of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia! There’s a vast variety of soft and hard corals, and many types of marine animals, making the underwater scene in Thailand colourful and lively. In addition, the many national marine parks promote conservation and sustainable tourism.

If you’re planning to dive in Thailand, consider these 11 diving routes!

  1. Phang Nga

Traveling within Phang Nga is filled with all kinds of adventure, especially to dive and surf.

 

  1. Phuket

Positioned in the centre of the Andaman Sea, this island has something for all water lovers, like dive sites, scenic sunset views, water sports and sailing yachts.

 

  1. Krabi

Enjoy nature at its best in Krabi. Other than diving and other marine activities, you can also explore caves, canals, and climb cliffs!

 

  1. Ko Lipe, Satun

This is a dive trip that encompasses all kinds of adventure – from diving to admiring colourful coral reefs, and paddle boarding to relaxing on a private island.

 

  1. South Andaman (on a liveaboard)

This is a favourite option for divers because of the many signature dive sites on one trip in the Andaman Sea, south of Phuket. The journey starts at Ao Chalong Pier and liveaboards will visit the sites in Krabi, Trang, and Ko Lipe (Lipe Island) in the Satun province.

 

  1. Ko Tao, Surat Thani

When you arrive at the epicentre of diving in Thailand, not only must you go diving, you cannot miss out on other fun activities like scooter tours, visit night markets or see a six-metre whale skeleton that was found on top of a mountain!

 

  1. Chumphon

Aside from the beautiful sea, Chumphon also has great food and culture too.

 

  1. Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan have beautiful dive sites, amazing beaches and various marine sports to enjoy.

 

  1. Pattaya – Chonburi

This is a typical route for sea lovers in Bangkok. You can fill your days with diving, marine sports and enjoy scenic views on the beautiful beaches.

 

  1. Rayong

Many people do not know that Rayong has one of the greatest dive sites in the region. Rayong Pinnacle is famous for its big wall blanketed by hard and soft corals, massive anemone blooms, schools of barracuda, fusilier and even whale sharks!

  1. Chanthaburi – Trat

Travel to the Eastern Thai sea to explore the biggest ship wreck in Thailand, the HTMS Chang. Decommissioned and sunk by the Thai navy in 2012, the HTMS Chang was to perform her final role as an artificial reef off the south west of Koh Chang. The 100-metre long wreck now lies at around 25 metres in the water.

Discover Special Offers & Discounts on Dive Packages in Thailand here:www.wonderlens.co/tatsgdivingpromo and https://diving.tourismthailand.sg/packages

Photo Credit: Bunyarit Traisuthamporn

Belize Aggressor III’s First Female Captain in 36 years!

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Monique Lamb began her career on the Belize Aggressor III® dive yacht as a dive master, but she will soon take the helm piloting the 18-passenger, 110-foot motor vessel on the Caribbean Sea. Lamb recently earner her Master of Yachts 200-ton Power certification from International Yacht Training in Florida, making her the first female Belize Aggressor captain in the operation’s 36-year history. She joins the ranks of many female Aggressor Adventures® yacht captains worldwide.

“This is a very proud moment for me, my son, my family, my friends and my country, Belize! The way I feel is indescribable. I am so honoured to create a path for other females in Belize.”

My father, who piloted passenger ships in Belize, would refer to me his ‘pirate princess,’ but now he calls me ‘Captain!’”

Lamb graduated from the University of Belize with a degree in Marine Biology. Her career began as a scuba diver restoring coral reefs with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Environmental Research Institute. In 2014, she joined the staff of the Belize Aggressor III® as a dive guide. Through hard work and long nights of study, she completed her International Yacht Training courses.

Belize Aggressor III® diving, airline and mainland tour reservations can be made online at www.aggressor.com

SCUBAPRO YULEX WETSUITS

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Yulex Jacket Top, 3mm Photo: Tim Davis

Yulex Jacket Top, 3mm

 

SCUBAPRO Yulex wetsuits are suitable for water temperatures between 10 and 24degC.

Scubapro has made the best use of upcycled and eco-friendly materials with their latest range of wetsuits. Yulex is a plant-based, neoprene-free, FSC-certified natural rubber foam that is specifically formulated to resist wetsuit compression. The wetsuit’s interior and exterior linings are also made with recycled plastic bottles. In addition, they use a dope-dyed yarn technology that uses less water and energy during the dyeing process, and solvent-free glue during the divewear assembly.

 

Everflex Yulex Top 3mm.

 

Everflex Yulex Vest with hood, 2mm

YULEX® dive foam is made of 85 percent YULEX® natural rubber and 15 percent synthetic rubber. The packaging even comes in recyclable paper – this means that Scubapro is committed to the environment and improving people’s lives at every step of the supply chain!

FSC certified renewable rubber tree farm. Photo courtesy of Tim Davis.
Rubber tapping requires skill and a well-trained hand. The cut needs to be at the right angle and depth; if it’s too deep, the tree can be damaged and susceptible to rot. Photo courtesy of Tim Davis

 

Inner lining designed for maximum warmth and quick water drainage

 

Everflex YULEX Steamer 5mm
Everflex YULEX wetsuit 3mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everflex YULEX Long sleeve Top  3mm
Everflex YULEX Pants 3mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everflex YULEX vest 5/3/2mm
Everflex YULEX 2mm women’s swimsuit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their exclusive designs not only provide a better fit with their “Pure Design Concept” that uses multi-thickness panels for a superior combination of flexibility and warmth. Plus, their Diamond Span interior linings add a plush layer for maximum heat retention and water drainage. The entire wetsuit is then put together with blind-stitched seams for durability.

You can be assured these wetsuits will keep you warm and comfortable in temperatures between 10 and 24degC.

www.scubapro.com

S.E.A Aquarium Programmes to Promote Ocean Literacy and Conservation

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The S.E.A. Aquarium has always focused on using its platform to promote ocean literacy and conservation efforts. Through our suite of educational programmes for different age groups, the aim is to engage and empower individuals to take conservation action from a young age. One such initiative, the Ocean Ambassador Volunteer Programme, allows all members of the public to join the S.E.A. Aquarium and contribute to conservation in various forms. One key milestone we have achieved was the commencement of RWS-NUS Living Laboratory Research Collaboration, which will cover four work packages over the next five years. This further cements S.E.A. Aquarium’s commitment to contribute to scientific endeavors in marine biology and conservation science.  

SPECIAL PROMOTION!

From now till 31st March 2023, S.E.A. Aquarium ticket holders with dates within the promotion period can visit ADEX for free and get 10% off ADEX merchandise! To qualify, scan the QR codes displayed inside S.E.A. Aquarium and at the ticketing counter.

Explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium with our special offer and come face-to-face with over 100,000 marine animals. 

Promotion from now till 26 March 2023. 

Bundled Specials available:

 S.E.A. Aquarium Sweet Surprise 

[SG Residents] – $38 for Adults, $28 for Children

[Non-Residents] – $41 for Adults, $30 for Children

Includes:

  • 1 x S.E.A. Aquarium One-Day admission ticket
  • 1 x 20% Discount voucher on merchandise (min spend $50) from the White Rabbit pop-up store at RWS
  • 1 x 10% F&B Discount voucher (no min. spend)
  • 1 x 10% Retail Discount voucher (no min. spend)

 

Education Programmes for Children

  1. Junior Ocean Detective:

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Junior Ocean Detective? Now you can! S.E.A.A Base is currently recruiting Trainee Detectives to investigate and explore various relationships that exist between different animals in the ocean.

Participants will be given cases to solve, granting them a clue to mysterious happenings surrounding our animals. This programme will be facilitated by a Detective Guide on an investigative trail to different areas throughout the aquarium, including an exclusive back-of-house visit.

Upon completion of the investigative experience, Trainee Detectives will graduate as an official Junior Ocean Detective!

This experience is open to children aged 7-12 years old, every Saturday and Sunday starting on 11th March 2023 (except for June and December school holidays). In this 2-hour drop-off programme, participants are able to deepen their knowledge gained beyond classrooms and to evoke curiosity and foster interest in marine life.

Secure your slots now and visit Junior Ocean Detective (rwsentosa.com)

2. Piqolo Kids x S.E.A. Aquarium Collaboration:

Piqolo Kids is an early-learning publishing start-up that produces meaningful STEAM-based content, resources and products to engage children. Their vision is to help cultivate passionate, independent, questioning, observant, logical and open little learners (PIQOLO). In collaboration with the S.E.A. Aquarium, the Junior Marine Conservationist Handbook was created.

Having the knowledge of marine life allows children to better protect the marine environment. The handbook is a 24-page children’s picture activity book that introduces the threats that marine life is facing, with engaging activities to inspire children to become marine conservationists. Equipped with the handbook, children can explore the aquarium and learn more about marine animals.

The Junior Marine Conservationist Handbook is recommended for children aged 5-9 years old. To find out more, please visit Junior Marine Conservationist | Piqolo Kids

3. Conservation Projects 

One of the more popular events organised by the S.E.A. Aquarium, the coastal cleanups rally like-minded volunteers to band together and clean up Singapore’s coastal areas for a healthier marine environment. Upcoming in 2023, the S.E.A. Aquarium will organise cleanups focusing on beach, dive and kayak cleanups. 

As part of RWS’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, RWSCares, RWS staff participated in a beach cleanup with members from Singapore’s Association for the Deaf in November 2022. Prior to the cleanup, Republic Polytechnic’s DEAFining Interest Group led an online sign language tutorial for all participants to prepare them for the cleanup.  

4. RWS-NUS Living Laboratory Research Collaboration 

The RWS-NUS Living Laboratory Research Collaboration commenced in late 2022 with four work packages. In a volunteer engagement in December 2022, Scientists from NUS spoke to S.E.A. Aquarium’s volunteers on local marine biodiversity, and garnered interest to volunteer for the collaboration’s expedition in 2023 for Work Package 1. Volunteers will be trained in marine animal identification and sorting and will directly help with the field surveys. The other work packages will also start, and NUS will work closely with S.E.A. Aquarium team. 

Volunteer Appreciation Day
NUS Researchers, Dr Serena Teo and Dr Lee Bee Yan briefing volunteers about marine biodiversity, even bringing preserved specimens from Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum!
Volunteers will help with biodiversity surveys during the expedition

For more information on how to participate in upcoming coastal cleanups and to volunteer for the expeditions, please visit our website or drop an email to SEAAvolunteer@rwsentosa.com 

See you at our booth during ADEX! 

SPECIAL PROMOTION!

From now till 31st March 2023, S.E.A. Aquarium ticket holders with dates within the promotion period can visit ADEX for free and get 10% off ADEX merchandise! To qualify, scan the QR codes displayed inside S.E.A. Aquarium and at the ticketing counter.

Explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium with our special offer and come face-to-face with over 100,000 marine animals. 

Promotion from now till 26 March 2023.