As the importance of the oceans fade amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Asian Diver endeavours to be its mouthpiece, bringing its voice to life with underwater tales that are yet to be told.

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.

Take the plunge with Asian Diver as we bring you the ultimate dive course guidebook for any scuba divers, aspiring divers, and professionals. Jump in and know about the must-have dive certificates offered by different dive agencies.

The 2019 edition of The Big Blue Book focuses on the perils of plastic pollution on the very source of life – the ocean. We look into the creation of plastic, its long life span, durability and opinions from prominent scientists on how plastics affect marine species – for example how microplastics affect coral reefs. We also investigate the solutions that can prevent further plastic pollution of our oceans so that marine species can be protected.

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.

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.

Dive into our new look with our Water edition. The deep blue is fascinating, not only for what lurks beneath, but even how people have been traversing it for centuries, and its significance in cultures and traditions. From birth to the journey of life, and even in death, water is a vital element in all lives, whether it is through consumption, livelihood, or part of an ingrained ritual. Let us bring you through this journey, as we swim through Chinese and Hindu philosophies, the ocean and river streams, and other blue-themed surprises. This issue will grab your attention and bring to light the immense beauty of this elixir of life. Sit back, and let the tides take you in.