ADEX AMBASSADOR
I WAS INVITED to the Asian Dive Expo (ADEX) by Mr John Thet and my dearest friend Y.Zin Kim, who is an eminent underwater photographer.
My first impression of ADEX was the cheerfulness of the people who gathered at the show and their passion for the ocean and its creatures. I could feel their energy, and was delighted to watch the visitors clearly captivated by the expo.
PRESENTING THE HAE-NYEO DIVERS
For me and the Y.Zin team, it was our honour to introduce the Korean Hae-Nyeo divers to the exhibition, by highlighting the unique culture of these amazing female freedivers. I was able to participate in Y.Zin’s Hae-Nyeo project, which she has been working on for quite a while, spending time with the Hae-Nyeo to properly understand their lives and traditions.
Through their presentations and the Hae-Nyeo demonstrations, I was so touched by the way that the ocean could be the biggest part of their lives. I hope that the visitors were also affected by the experience, and came away understanding a little about the history of one country surrounded by the ocean.
A LIFELONG PASSION
Every time my family goes on a vacation, we always go somewhere where there is water nearby. I am definitely more than fond of water and the ocean; I even gave birth to my daughter, Lael, in water at home and I am pretty sure she has the diving instinct! There is something so meaningful about the ocean, and, because of that, ADEX means a lot to me.
As I looked around the exhibition, I experienced the mystique and beauty of the underwater domain. I also learnt that many sea creatures are endangered and it sparked a drive in me to start making more of an effort to protect the ocean for the next generations, not just to use it as something to enjoy for fun.
A DEDICATED AMBASSADOR
With this opportunity of being the ADEX Ocean Ambassador 2016–2017, I want to address the fact that humans take unmeasurable value from the ocean, and that it is our obligation to protect it from our own neglect.
I recently started participating in clean-ups, picking up marine rubbish with other diver friends. I want to be someone who really loves and cares about the ocean, not someone who just takes advantage of it.
After ADEX, I will be involving myself in a variety of marine-related activities to develop more intimacy with the ocean, and to better understand it. I have started a professional scuba course with photographer and diving instructor Y.Zin, who spreads the beauty of the ocean through her work.
I am looking forward to being an active Ocean Ambassador!