Celebrate the Closing of World Ocean Day with a Series of Exciting Activities

(Bandar Seri Begawan, 9th) The 2025 Brunei Ocean Expo concluded at the One City Shopping Center. The exhibition, held in conjunction with World Ocean Day and the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE), ended successfully with a series of ocean-themed lectures, art exhibitions, award ceremonies, and film screenings.
This event was jointly organized by Poni Divers, Poni Foundation, and Laut Brunei (Brunei Ocean Conservation Association), in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), which is also a co-host of the World Ocean Day celebrations.
Those in attendance at the closing ceremony included the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Abel Gutierres, British Deputy High Commissioner to Brunei Catherine Pochkarnawala, Acting Director of the Fisheries Department Dayang Hajah Wanida, and Acting Director of the Tourism Board Salinah Salleh.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Tutie, was invited as the guest of honor.

In her welcome speech, she highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and innovation for building Brunei's blue economy and supporting long-term ocean conservation efforts.
Mohd Tahsin Wong, CEO of Poni Divers, stated that youth participation in sustainable tourism and marine science can drive the growing ocean community. He introduced the activities planned for Brunei Ocean Week. Subsequently, ocean advocate and artist Zul Ng conducted an engaging creative lecture entitled “Brunei and the Ocean”, which explored the intersection of art, photography, and ocean conservation. This is Zul Ng's eighth visit to Brunei, aimed at supporting Brunei's ocean media and conservation efforts.
Guests then enjoyed a lively musical performance by Yippy Tunes. The young ocean ambassadors sang “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana”, symbolically honoring the youth's love for the ocean. This was followed by an inspiring video documenting the Brunei Ocean Contest held for a week-long ocean art workshop at six schools, with a total of 115 students participating.
Mohd Tahsin Wong was invited back to the stage to share the latest developments in Brunei's ocean conservation efforts, from ghost net solutions and coral restoration to new marine conservation tourism products and the development of ocean art workshops, all aimed at introducing the ocean to Bruneian youth and inspiring them to become future guardians of the seas.
The highlight of the morning was the Brunei Ocean Science and Diving () award ceremony, recognizing the winners of underwater and marine photography competitions.
Nur Hayati Syamimi received the Award for the Beach and Mangrove Habitats category, for her stunning photo taken at Selirong Mangrove Forest, which recently stood out in the “From Forest to Coral Reef Adventure” promotion.

Nadzirah Malek-Webb received the Nudibranch Portrait Award for her breathtaking photos of marine life in Brunei.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Tutie, and Mohd Tahsin Wong jointly presented the awards. Both guests praised the photographers for their contributions to telling ocean stories and raising public awareness.
Anna Aziz, Chief Commercial Officer of Poni Divers, delivered the closing speech, thanking all the guests, partners, and participants for making this event a powerful platform for marine education and action.