Chua Ying Kai

Chua Ying Kai is a seasoned diving professional with a deep passion for marine conservation and diver education. His journey into the underwater world began in 1999 while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). By 2001, he had earned his PADI Instructor certification, and since then, he has completed over 5,000 dives across Southeast Asia and the Maldives, and has certified over 650 PADI certifications, ranging from entry-level courses to professional-level qualifications. Ying Kai has been a PADI Course Director since 2025, and aims to expand his impact on both diver education and conservation advocacy. As the co-founder of The Submersibles, a dive club renowned for its focus on conservation, Ying Kai has been instrumental in shaping the diving community in Singapore. Since its establishment in 2006, The Submersibles has grown into a premier diving organisation known for its commitment to sustainable diving practices and marine ecosystem preservation.    Ying Kai is an ardent supporter of PADI AWARE’s mission to protect the marine environment through responsible diving. He integrates these principles into every aspect of his teaching and club activities. His notable conservation initiatives include: -    PADI AWARE Specialty: Ying Kai ensures that all new divers at The Submersibles gain an understanding of environmental responsibility by integrating the PADI AWARE Specialty into PADI Open Water Diver Courses. -    Dive Against Debris Events: Over the years, he has organised more than 40 Dive Against Debris events, removing significant amounts of underwater debris and contributing valuable data to the global PADI AWARE database. -    Coral Reef Restoration: Collaborating with organisations like WWF and the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), Ying Kai has led coral restoration projects, combining hands-on conservation with citizen science initiatives. -    Public Advocacy: By engaging the media, including The Straits Times and Zaobao.com.sg, Ying Kai amplifies the message of marine conservation, raising awareness about sustainable diving practices and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.   Swimming Background: As a former competitive swimmer at the secondary school, junior college, and university levels, Ying Kai’s lifelong connection to water sports laid the foundation for his career in diving. In addition to his diving credentials, he is a PADI Swim School Instructor Trainer, playing a key role in developing swimming programmes in Singapore.   Vision for the Future: Ying Kai is committed to shaping a global community of divers who are not only skilled underwater but also dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment.   With his extensive diving experience, strong advocacy for conservation, and passion for educating others, Chua Ying Kai continues to make waves in the diving world and beyond.