Asian Diver and Scuba Diver Issue 02-2020 (155) | Page 10

MORE THAN JUST A DIVE SHOW
2010
ADEX
DEDICATED TO
SHARKS
2011
ADEX
DEDICATED TO
TURTLES
2012
ADEX
DEDICATED TO
MANTA RAYS
2013
ADEX
DEDICATED TO
WHALE SHARKS
2014 2015
DEDICATED TO DEDICATED TO
ADEX ADEX
CORAL REEFS
DOLPHINS
2016
ADEX
DEDICATED TO
SEAHORSES
2017
2018
ADEX
ADEX
CONFRONTING
DEDICATED TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
SHARKS
2019
ADEX
DEDICATED TO A
PLASTIC-FREE
OCEAN
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Embarking on a new decade, 2020 has presented many uncertainties and a
multitude of challenges. For the 26th edition of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), we
were excited to return to the theme of a “Plastic-Free Ocean” for a second time to
consider a range of new issues that have come to the fore since the marine plastic
problem was first addressed at last year’s showr . The COVID-19 pandemic,
however, has overshadowed everything, forcing us to postpone the ADEX 2020
show indefinitely.
“We cannot solve our
problems with the same
thinking that created them”
– Albert Einstein
Observing the need to recognise the various sectors that have worked diligently
to keep plastic waste at bay, this issue of Asian Diver’s “The Big Blue Book”
investigates, and celebrates, the efforts made by countries, cities, corporations,
brands, and individuals. Keep a lookout for our other feature articles on the
hidden plastic problem in the caves of Indonesia, the effects of plastic pollution
on marine life, and the frightening impacts of “ghost nets” in Asia.
With the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the unprecedented measures
taken by governments around the world, the last few months have been a
challenging time for the global economy, travel and tourism, and the dive
industry. As the organiser of Asia Dive Expo, we have been faced with multiple
challenges, and we would like to assure you that every decision has been made
with careful consideration and with the support and advisories from Singapore
Government agencies.
ADEX has always been an event that convenes Asia’s dive industry and its
community towards its vision – to entertain, educate and engage . In the
spirit of bringing the industry and its community together, Underwater360° is
introducing ADEX Pixel Expo , the first exclusive digital platform to represent
“One industry. One ocean. One community” . I hereby invite all our dive
industry partners to be a part of this platform, as this is the time to unite and
fortify the dive industry and its community against an uncertain future.
Premiering the world’s first digital dive show, ADEX Pixel Expo is a digital
platform that connects the global dive industry, the blue economy sectors,
and their community. The platform will offer podcasts, webinars, community
forums, an expansive marketplace, a stunning image gallery showcasing 2,021
underwater images from all over the world, and more exciting elements – all
accessible, of course, from the comfort of your own home.
For me, the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in a Chinese live animal market,
is a sobering reminder that our actions have direct consequences. Now, as the
world slows to halt to deal with this crisis, giving Nature a brief respite and
perhaps a chance to heal itself, I hope that we will all take this opportunity to
reflect on our actions and how they affect the living things with which we share
this planet and their habitats.
2020
ADEX
THE BIG BLUE BOOK
PURGE OF THE
PLASTIC PANDEMONIUM
DEDICATED TO A
PLASTIC-FREE OCEAN
(2nd Edition)
Please join our “Ocean Citizen” campaign to pledge to protect the ocean and
say no to single-use plastics.
One Ocean. One Love.
ONE OCEAN, ONE LOVE
OCEAN
John Thet
Publisher, Asian Geographic Magazines Pte Ltd
CEO, Asia Dive Expo (ADEX)
President, Media Publishers Association Singapore (MPAS)
Founder, Underwater360,
Historical Diving Society Asia (HDSA), Ocean Citizen
CITIZEN
TOGETHER WE
PLEDGE AGAINST
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC