Imo comes from Wales in the UK, growing up in, on and around the water made her an ocean advocate and educator from a very young age. She first set off on her adventures in 2014, traveling as a winemaker, in between seasons she would work with marine based organisations helping with their vision and mission, draw, paint and create memories. Traveling, meeting amazing people, experiencing new cultures and eating lush food was great but slowly the call to action, and the water, became the loudest thing in her life and so she became a dive professional and marine educator. She now feels lucky to call Tioman her home and loves that she still gets to enjoy friendships, culture, nature and of course great food.

What brought you to scuba diving?

I have always been obsessed with the water and all that lives within it, but I thought scuba diving would always be out of reach for me, however during my travels I got the opportunity to dive in Australia and I fell in love with it straight away. Seeing the state of the coral reef made me understand that I needed to share its beauty and fragility with the wider world.

Why do you work with Juara Scuba Academy?

I had a chance meeting with Faza when I was working with Juara Turtle Project so when he opened his dive center I jumped at the offer of joining his team. I really like that JSA is a conservation led business that strives to tread lightly and be the voice of the ocean. Teaching diving courses, marine education and coral conservation is my life and through JSA and Reef Tribes I am able to live my dream, the JSA family has made Tioman feel like home and there is never a dull day at the dive shop.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to our divers?

The ocean is the only environment that has not yet learnt to be scared of humans, be gentle with this relationship and embrace it. Enjoy the time that you have in the water, let her carry you on wild adventures and relax into your breathing. We are always here to help.

Having lived in Germany for the last 8 years Din came back to Malaysia in 2019 and joined our team, and family, completing his Divemasters in 2021 he has been working as a divemaster for the last year, in between completing his degree in Engineering Design and is one of best spotters giving his divers unforgettable underwater experiences.

What brought you to Scuba Diving?

I’ve always been an adventurous person and fond of exploring new stuff. Scuba diving introduced me to the wonders of the underwater world which was a thrilling and exciting experience and now i’m obsessed! Diving also taught me to be humble, letting me fully understand the power of the ocean and our need to protect it.

Why do you work with Juara Scuba Academy?

I knew Faza from my school days and jumped at the chance to come and help him in setting up his dive shop. With the support of the team I have become a divemaster and love every dive I go on. JSA is like a family to me and i’m happy and proud to be a part of it.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to our divers?

Even if you don’t have so much water confidence it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy scuba diving. Go slow, put safety first and enjoy the experience, there is so much to see and explore in the beautiful coral reefs.

Eyja comes all the way from Taiping. Her adventure started with back-packed by herself for 6 months which led her to an internship with Juara Turtle Project in March 2021. She fell in love with the beauty of Tioman’s nature and culture joining the Juara Scuba Academy family in February 2022. With a background in marine biology and dedication to the beach bum lifestyle, she finds satisfaction and fulfilment in having made the ocean her “office” and enjoys listening to the music of the waves touching the sandy beach. 

What brought you to scuba diving?

It all started with my first snorkelling trip in Perhentian Island. I was truly captivated by the vibrant energy of the underwater world and becoming a marine biologist became my aim in life. My first scuba diving journey was in Bidong Island, while I was doing my degree in Marine Biology. I totally got “zinged” by the beauty of the underwater world while diving and have never looked back.

Why do you work with Juara Scuba Academy?

I want diving and my degree, in Marine Biology, to be the main part of my career and I saw that JSA could fulfil that dream. Being part of the JSA family allows me to live my diving passion on a regular basis and to share with others about marine education and conservation. In hope, I am able to spark inspiration in others to love diving and the ocean as much as I do.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to our divers?

Keep blowing the bubbles and don’t be afraid to keep exploring, learning about the fun of diving and the beauty of the ocean. Try to get to know the ocean and its magnificent life to get better diving experiences.

Hi, I am Hassanah!