DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

MALAYSIA’S SYED ABD RAHMAN INDUCTED INTO INTERNATIONAL SCUBA DIVING HALL OF FAME P ioneering Founder of Kids Scuba, Syed Abd Rahman , recognized for Global Contributions to Adaptive Diving and Youth Education.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA– November 16 2025 – The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF), based in the Cayman Islands, has announced the induction of Malaysian diving pioneer Syed Abd Rahman into its prestigious award of 2026. Mr. Syed Abd Rahman, widely recognized as the founder of Kids Scuba Malaysia and a leading global advocate for adaptive diving as the Diveheart Malaysia Ambassador is honored for his decades-long dedication to making the underwater world accessible to youth, teens, and individuals with disabilities. He becomes the 2nd Malaysian and Southeast Asians to receive the esteemed international recognition, which celebrates individuals who have significantly contributed to the success and growth of recreational scuba diving worldwide. Mr. Syed Abd Rahman’s induction highlights his revolutionary approach to diver education and community building. As a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Former Advisor to the National Recreational Scuba Diving Council (NDC) of Malaysia, his most impactful work lies in developing adaptive dive programs. Through his leadership, hundreds of children, underprivileged youth, and individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have experienced the therapeutic and life changing benefits of scuba diving and water therapy. His programs have created a powerful model for inclusivity, working closely with medical professionals and rehabilitation centers to prove the profound physical and emotional benefits of movement in water. “To be recognized by the ISDHF is an incredible honour that I share with

my Wife and Daughters, every student, volunteer, and partner who believed in the mission of Kids Scuba and adaptive diving,” said Syed Abd Rahman. “Diving is a sport, a therapy, and a vital tool for conservation. This induction reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that the ocean is a space for everyone, regardless of age or physical challenge, and inspires the next generation of Ocean Torchbearers in Asia and beyond.” The 2026 official induction ceremony will take place in the Cayman Islands, September, 2026. A representative from the Malaysian diving industry shared her thoughts on the achievement. “This achievement is a proud moment for Malaysia and the entire diving community,” said Ms. Ness Puvanes, Director of AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd — Organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) — and Immediate Past President of the Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA). “Having known Syed Abd Rahman for over two decades, I’ve seen first

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DIVE LOG Australasia #415 - December‘25

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