From Mechanical Engineer to CEO: Mastura Abd Manap’s Leadership Journey Driving Innovation, Women’s Empowerment, and Sustainable Aquatic Tourism
Success is rarely achieved through a conventional path. For Pn. Hjh. Mastura Abd Manap, the journey from Mechanical Engineer to Chief Executive Officer reflects a career built on courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact.
As the Chief Executive Officer of SCUBATEX HOLDING BERHAD, Mastura leads one of Malaysia’s trusted organisations in scuba diving solutions, aquatic tourism, technical services, manufacturing, professional training, and sports tourism. Her leadership represents the successful combination of engineering expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and a deep passion for developing sustainable industries.
Mastura began her professional career as a Mechanical Engineer, where she developed strong technical, analytical, and project management capabilities. Throughout her early career, she held several leadership positions in engineering and project management, including Technical Sales Engineer, Project Manager, Head of Project Department, and Head of Audio Visual Department. These experiences established the strategic and operational foundation that continues to shape her leadership philosophy today.
Everything changed in 2006 when she discovered scuba diving. What began as a personal passion soon evolved into a long-term business vision. Recognising the tremendous potential within Malaysia’s growing marine and tourism sectors, she established Scubatex Resources, which later evolved into SCUBATEX HOLDING BERHAD. Since assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2022, she has successfully expanded the organisation into a diversified business serving both recreational and professional diving markets while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, innovation, workforce development, and sustainable growth.
Beyond corporate leadership, Mastura has become one of Malaysia’s strongest advocates for women in the scuba diving and aquatic tourism industries. She founded the Malaysia Women Scuba Divers Association (WASEM) to encourage greater female participation, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and professional advancement within industries traditionally dominated by men. Under her leadership, WASEM has grown into an influential platform that empowers women while promoting diversity and inclusion across Malaysia’s marine ecosystem.
Her commitment to leadership and community development extends well beyond business. Mastura currently serves as President of WASEM, Secretary General of the International Federation of Sports & Aquatic Tourism Industrialist (IFSAT), and G100 Malaysia Country Chair – Hospitality & Tourism Wing. Through these roles, she works alongside international leaders to promote sustainable tourism, cross-border collaboration, women’s leadership, and responsible economic development.
Mastura’s contributions have earned significant national and international recognition. She received the Exceptional Women of Excellence Award at the Women Economic Forum ASEAN in 2025, followed by the Exemplary Leadership Recognition at the ASEAN Women Economic Forum in 2026. She was also honoured with the 100 Wanita Inspirasi Negara Award 2026, recognising her outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, leadership, and nation-building.
A Certified Tourism SDG Trainer and HRD Corp Certified Trainer, Mastura remains passionate about developing future-ready talent. She believes that investing in people, promoting sustainability, and embracing innovation are essential for building resilient industries capable of thriving in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Having completed more than 800 scuba dives, Mastura often compares diving with leadership. Both require preparation, courage, adaptability, trust, and sound decision-making—qualities that have guided her throughout her professional journey.
Today, Mastura Abd Manap continues to lead SCUBATEX HOLDING BERHAD with a clear vision of creating long-term value for customers, employees, industry partners, and communities. Her journey demonstrates that exceptional leadership is not defined solely by business achievements, but by the ability to inspire others, create opportunities, and leave a lasting legacy.
As Malaysia’s Blue Economy continues to evolve, Mastura remains committed to advancing sustainable tourism, strengthening industry collaboration, empowering women leaders, and positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in aquatic tourism and marine innovation. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and purpose can transform not only careers but entire industries.