Kuala Lumpur: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd has entered into a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The agreement, announced today, designates RHB Islamic Bank as the exclusive banking partner for the event until 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoU signing took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) during MIDE 2025. This partnership underscores the bank’s commitment to marine conservation through its Ocean Harmoni programme, aligning with its environmental, social, and governance agenda. Datuk Adissadikin Ali, managing director and chief executive officer of RHB Islamic Bank Bhd, emphasized the bank’s strategic focus on ocean conservation.
Adissadikin stated, “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone, and as a bank with limited resources, we chose to focus on one aspect of the environment – the ocean.” He further explained that while the bank is not promoting diving, the activity provides insights into the ocean’s condition, which is central to the Ocean Harmoni initiative launched in 2019.
The initiative supports awareness, research, and conservation efforts related to Malaysia’s marine ecosystem and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. In 2025, RHB Islamic Bank has partnered with six local organisations and institutions, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, among others.
During MIDE 2025, the bank introduced the Limited Edition RHB Visa Ocean Harmoni Multi-Currency Debit Card-i. This card aims to simplify international transactions for travellers by offering access to 34 currencies at competitive rates, addressing common issues like leftover coins and currency exchange challenges.
Additionally, RHB Islamic Bank hosted two public forums in collaboration with its Ocean Harmoni partners. The forums focused on coral conservation and inclusive diving, titled ‘Corals: So What?’ and the Adaptive Scuba Forum, respectively.
MIDE 2025 is being held from June 13 to 15 at MITEC, featuring over 200 exhibitors, including dive operators, equipment suppliers, tourism boards, and non-governmental organisations.