1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.
My name is Suzette Harris and I am the owner and MD for Seaventures Dive Rig, the only converted rig that is now used as a diving platform in Mabul , Sabah.
2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?
The idea of recycling the Rig to be used for something else was from my father in law Tan Sri Harris Mohd Salleh who thought a decommissioned rig still had a lot of potential. It was refurbished and towed to Mabul in 1997 where it sits till today.
3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?
We are a diving resort offering a complete diving holiday trips to Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai . From airport transfers to room and board and daily boat diving trips. We also offer a full range of diving training from the Discover Scuba to becoming an instructor.
4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?
We have varied customers from all over, the large number from China, a good number of local tourists, then followed by UK and Australia, Thailand, Europe. We are a unique facility and being the one and only dive Rig in the world offering a different kind of experience and that gives us an advantage .
5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?
Technology and the Internet has a major impact on our business, it is the platform with which we market ourselves. It’s how the world sees us, and it’s how we communicate with our market and business is transacted.
6. Do you plan to expand (range of offerings, service areas, geographical reach etc.)? If yes, how? If no, why not?
I hope to turn Seaventures into a PADI Career Development Dive Center in the near future, so we can dedicate the business to professional development beyond regular instructor training. Thus offering vocational orientated continuing education training to prepare individuals for dive industry careers and provide job placement services within the industry.
7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?
To maintain the Rig in good condition as maintenance is the major expense hence making us not price competitive in the region that is fast becoming a backpackers haven. We have much higher overheads like a boat versus huts. Human resources is another challenge, in particular, to find good skilled workers who are willing to work on a confined remote location. Many prefer to work on the islands versus being limited by the confined space.
8. What do you wish you’d done differently?
I don’t know, there isn’t anything I can think off at the moment. I have done the best that I could and there aren’t any regrets, each was part of a learning curve .
9. What are you glad you did?
I am glad I chose to focus on diverting the operation from fun diving to offering more focused and specialized diving. Our location being set in the sea makes it perfect for any diving training. The ease of adding gear and jumping into the sea were key points in helping us head into the training ground.
10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?
I would like the business to grow, market segment to be larger and name more established as a serious diving resort not only offering more technical and specialized diving but as a serious training center .
11. Words of wisdom
Not to give up and always be willing to learn and adapt to changes in the market. To do the right thing always and maintain standards. In time it always pays off. I can’t think of any more quotes to give except to say that we’re always learning and always growing.
12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.
www.seaventuresdive.com .
Tel +60(88) 251669