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.

With the modern world developing at the dizzying pace it is, do you know what’s going on around you and how it all works? In this issue, we look at the latest in science and technology across the region, from the obvious – China’s transformation from IT copycat to technology leader – to the unexpected, like why Cambodia’s farmers are now selling bat faeces instead of rice. Go on a sparkling journey across the night sky in our exclusive story on astrotourism, an upcoming trend that’s winning the hearts of Asians young and old across the region. Read about a mysterious bridge between India and Sri Lanka that has geologists befuddled, and a hyper fast underwater levitating train – straight out of a sci-fi movie ­– that you might soon be able to buy tickets for. Are you ready to get up to speed?

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.

Themed spiritual pilgrimages, this issue of Passport takes you on various journeys that are at the heart of different faiths held by people around Asia. With stories that uncover spiritual practices and places across the continent and a six-page 2019 festival calendar to inspire your travels next year, this is an issue not to be missed!

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.

This issue’s theme coincides with ADEX 2019’s ‘a plastic-free future and is designated official magazine of Ocean Partnership Summit 2019. It is also the first issue that incorporates eight pages of our distinctive junior section, so that your young ones can enjoy articles on the same theme in the same magazine.

Draw inspiration from influential leadership icons, philanthropic champions, business magnates, science icons, cultural figures and sports heroes in our list of 100 astonishing Asians. Read about how plein-air drawing is gaining a strong following in urban societies worldwide in an age when instant photo feeds prevail. In 'Microscopic Plastic Litter and Rivers of Filth', we spotlight the issue of plastic pollution and how this environmental nemesis can find its way to your dinner. Find out how a Dutch man had a hand in writing history when he copied the Portugese’s closely-guarded sailing routes to the East Indies in 'The Map That Opened Up Southeast Asia'. What's your impression of Kama Sutra? Find out how it compares to the true identity of what could be the most celebrated yet misunderstood treatise on sex. See Singapore from new perspectives in Sony ambassador Michael Yamashita’s shots of the garden city, and view a snapshot of the highest and longest natural and man-made structures in the East and West.

   

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.

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.

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.