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.

In this issue, we unpack several health controversies and crises, from MSG to processed foods to the insect food revolution and diabetes. But it’s not all doom and gloom: The region’s varied cuisine is an intangible part of its heritage. We pay homage to the enduring art of the longevity noodle – handmade and visually evocative. Asia’s food culture is perhaps best summed up through the humble hawker, peddling the sheer diversity of this region’s culinary innovation through their roadside food carts. But even the ubiquitous street food vendor faces an uncertain future, as regulators of hygiene standards and urban planning brandish eviction – or “relocation” – notices. It’s time to eat smarter: to be more conscious of what we buy, how we waste, and what we ignore on that little label on the side of a can. Perhaps never before has this phrase been more weighty: "You are what you eat". Bon appétit!

In order to witness the beauty of Nature’s tiniest marine creatures in their hidden habitats, we’ve combed through the different layers that are found in the muck in this issue of Asian Diver. Whether it’s the plastic trash that has made its way into the oceans from polluted rivers that now provides shelter for critters like octopuses, the artificial tyre reefs humans have created to attract marine wildlife that may be doing more harm than good, or the diminutive marine organisms like the algae shrimp and the “Shaun the Sheep” nudibranch that live on the algae found on the seabed – we’ve pored over the minutiae of the muck and its inhabitants to understand what makes this type of diving so thrilling.

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.

Lost cities, sunken galleons, underwater museums, and underwater art exhibitions, SDAA+OP brings readers tales of wonder, history and art from the bottom of the sea.

To celebrate World Oceans Day, Scuba Diver will explore the world’s most precious underwater destinations with a trip around the planet’s protected marine sites. Packed with the most beautiful photography and comprehensive info on what makes these locations so special, this record of our oceans at their best will be a must-keep edition.

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.