This issue compares the mobile phone scene in Asia and the West and delves into everything related to the gadget that has become very much a part of our everyday lives. We zoom in on apps, wireless networks, mobile service providers and phone manufacturers – the people and technologies that fuel the burgeoning global mobile phone market. We illustrate the evolution of the mobile phone and what actually goes into its production with informative timelines and carefully crafted infographics. In addition, we explore the problems and possibilities that come with the ever-evolving mobile phone scene. Be inspired by winning photographs from international mobile photography competitions in the mobile photography special and reminisce about pagers, phonebooks and other essentials that kept people connected in the past.

From the awe-inspiring great white to the adorable dogfish sharks, Scuba Diver Ocean Planet presents a collection of images from some of the most talented underwater photographers across the globe. These individuals have united with the same vision – to see our sharks saved. Featuring the smallest, fiercest, friendliest, and rarest sharks, let these images attest to the true nature of sharks in this Collector's Edition.

Dive into the unique, wild and whacky experiences of underwater photographers and divers from around the world. From epic pelagic stories to first-time jitters, readers will be in for a treat in this special edition of Scuba Diver Australasia + Ocean Planet.

Asian Diver's ADEX Collector's Edition is back with an inspiring and fact-packed bumper issue to celebrate the International Year of the Reef, alongside an in-depth look at the ocean's apex predator. Get the low-down on what's happening in the shark fin trade, brush up on your knowledge of sharks and corals, and find out how individuals and organisations around the world are working to save our sharks and reefs.

   

This year, the quadrennial Asian Games – a massive sports event that often gets mixed up with some of its regional variants – will be hosted here in Southeast Asia. We appraise several local sports that set the Asiad’s lineup apart from its Olympic counterpart, and drop in on three unique sportspeople gearing up for August. But the 18th Games’ most interesting aspect could just be its return to Indonesia, a place where, over a half-century ago, Jakarta’s controversial hosting decisions shocked the 1960s’ worlds of sports and politics. Indonesian politics also kicks off another fascinating tale: how five Southeast Asian men managed to create the first Asian miracle of the 20th century: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Helped by a few rounds of golf and drinks, these powerful diplomats succeeded in getting their respective countries – many with histories of bitter grudges and border invasions – to team up into a bloc that today still merits international admiration. Their surviving family and friends share memories of these master negotiators.

There is nothing so pure as donning a simple pair of fins, snapping on a mask, and chomping down on a snorkel bit before a beach entry into a silvery turquoise lagoon. Freediving is like a first love, the one that taught us how to move through this three-dimensional world. Together we felt the wonder at the profound beauty of life but also learned that without respect, all is lost. In this issue, Asian Diver looks at the evolution of freediving through the centuries, from its beginnings more than 7, 000 years ago in ancient cultures such as the Chinchorro to its current status as one of the most popular underwater sports in the world.

Asian Geographic Magazines continues to commemorate its 20th anniversary in this issue by celebrating the richness, allure, and expanse of Asian brands, artists, and locations that are, and have been, in line with our publication’s themes and overall outlook for the past 20 years, as well as bring to you more original articles and perspectives. For the last two decades, we have been honouring Asia’s diversity and vastness, and still continue important discussions in the continent, ranging from environmental issues to science, exploration, travel and of course, the different heritage, art and cultures that pulsate through the continent and reinforce our vision to bring Asia to the World.

The ocean constitutes over 90 percent of habitable space on the planet. By the year 2100, without significant changes, more than half of the world’s marine species may be on the brink of extinction. Scuba Diver OCEAN PLANET Through the Lens Collector’s Edition celebrates the magnificence of Earth’s threatened marine species by taking a closer look at the fragile beauty of 25 of these resplendent creatures in their natural habitats through the eyes of the world’s most talented underwater photographers.

In this issue, Asian Geographic magazine celebrates 20 years of publishing by rehashing some of its best works, contributors, and achievements. We will look at two decades of captivating photography and stunning art, as well as scientific discoveries and cultural exploration. While it is safe to keep on the track, our journey through Asia has often taken us off the beaten path, whether through physical quests or beyond the boundaries of our minds. On this occasion, we also bring to light a unique perception of the current economic development in India and China, as well as take you through the enchanting, multi-faceted country that is Qatar. As we mark this milestone we look back on this beautiful continent and the people who have helped shape our identity, but we also look forward – for there is much more to come.