Malaysia Aquatics has unveiled the refined Minimum Qualification Score (MQS) framework and Degree of Difficulty (DD) standards, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the national diving team selection for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the SEA Games in Thailand, and other major competitions.
The MQS serves as a national benchmark aligned with top global standards and ensures that athletes selected for international duty are consistently performing at the highest level.
Clear Benchmarks for Fair and Elite Selection
The MQS framework incorporates data-driven benchmarks reflective of:
- Top 18 (Minimum Score – Junior)
- Top 8 (Medium Score – Senior)
- Top 5 (Maximum Score)
These tiers apply to each event category — 1m, 3m, 10m, and synchronized — and are further stratified by gender and age group (Groups A, B, C).
“Like it or not, they have to clear the MQS in the events they are entered for,” said Malaysia Diving Technical Director Yeoh Ken Nee. “Different MQS have been set for the seniors and juniors. We have some divers who did not hit the MQS last year, so the trials this week are very important for them to do well to be considered for the World Championships.”
Key Score Examples by Event
| Event | Gender | Min. Score | DD Range |
| 3m Springboard (6 dives) | Men | 345 | 18.5–21.7 |
| 10m Platform (5 dives) | Women | 250 | 14.1–15.4 |
Group-specific requirements have also been detailed:
- Group A (16–18 y/o): Men’s 3m Springboard – 470 pts (10 dives), DD: 13.0
- Group B (14–15 y/o): Women’s Platform – 250 pts (7 dives), DD: 8.0
- Group C (≤13 y/o): Boys’ 1m Springboard – 235 pts (8 dives), DD: 5.1
New Yearly Requirement for National Divers
In a decisive move to raise the performance bar, MAS has mandated that every diver in the national set-up must hit the MQS at least twice a year to remain eligible for international assignments.
This applies not only to the upcoming World Championships in Singapore but also to the SEA Games in Thailand this December, which will be another major test for Malaysia’s diving contingent.
Selection Process: 3 Trials, 2 Must-Hits
To be eligible for national selection, athletes must participate in the following:
- MIAG (Malaysia Invitational Age Group)
- SUKMA or Malaysia Open
- National Trials
Athletes must meet the MQS in at least 2 out of the 3 competitions, with preference given to those who succeed in all three. Final selection will factor in consistency, DD, and overall rankings if multiple athletes qualify in the same event.
Additional considerations:
- Injury/Illness: Previous strong performances may weigh in for athletes who miss a trial.
- Discipline and Sportsmanship: Athletes must maintain professional conduct both in training and competition.
Raising the Bar for Global Podiums
MAS remains firmly committed to a transparent and competitive selection process. The MQS framework is more than just a numerical benchmark; it reflects an athlete’s consistency, technical difficulty, and readiness to meet international standards—qualities that are crucial for success on the global stage. With a clearly defined pathway and a standardized evaluation system now in place, the national body is focused on building a diving team capable of challenging for medals at the highest level, beginning with the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore this July and extending to future major competitions.
To view the full information on MQS: