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🌏 ASIA WITHOUT BORDERS 💚

We showcase the region's past, present and future in an intriguing way that not only entices readers but also informs and educates. ASIA WITHOUT BORDERS

Asian Geographic showcases the region's past, present and future in an intriguing way that not only entices readers but also informs and educates. As Asia's leading geographical magazine since 1999, we have our fingers on the pulse of Asia, scour

ing the region to bring readers compelling stories and photographs. We cover cultural, geographical and social topics and encourage a positive understanding of issues to show how each of us can make a difference in the world – the power is in our hands.

04/12/2024

Asian Geographic is proud to support the launch of The 𝟑𝟎+ 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩: 𝐒𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, announced today in Bangkok, Thailand.

Aiming at restoring balance to island and marine ecosystems, transforming Thai tourism into a socially and environmentally responsible model, this initiative is a global call for volunteers to join a comprehensive marine debris cleanup campaign.

This effort will target beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs, integrating land and underwater cleanup activities alongside over 30 island communities, including the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the Department of Tourism, the TAT Phuket : Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office, the Thailand Environment Institute, WWF, EJF and the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), in collaboration with the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA) and its network of partners, with leaders like:

💧 Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director of the Thailand Environment Institute Foundation and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES);
💧 Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources;
💧 Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism;
💧 Jointed representatives from the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA), including networks from the Gulf of Thailand, Eastern Islands, and Andaman Islands.

It’s not just about cleaning up; it’s about rethinking waste and aligning with Thailand’s vision for carbon tourism. Besides, it includes the launch of the 3rd Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium on Koh Chang, Trat Province, coinciding with World Oceans Day 2025.

True sustainability starts with conversations like these.

📖 Full story: https://www.uw360.asia/from-cleaning-islands-to-adding-value-to-marine-debris/

29/11/2024

𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 👇

Ava is a rare gem—there are 𝗳𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟭𝟬𝟬 golden tigers like her in the world! 🐯💛 Her stunning beauty is a reminder of why we must protect these incredible creatures. 🌍

Visit the Chiang Mai Night Safari to see Ava in person!

22/11/2024

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲? 🍽️✨
Explore 8 unforgettable dining experiences across Asia that go beyond the ordinary. From underwater restaurants to sky-high feasts, these unique spots will leave you craving more. Swipe through to discover quirky, unique, and unforgettable spots — including the one where you eat from a toilet-themed restaurant! 🌏

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? Head over to our website now👉 https://asiangeo.com/

15/11/2024

🏝 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 🏝
From glowing beaches 🌊 to swimming with whale sharks 🦈, hiking volcanic wonders 🌋, and meeting furry friends on cat islands 🐱, Asia’s islands are full of jaw-dropping surprises!

Looking for more? Stay tuned as 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼 𝗚𝗼 uncovers more unforgettable island expeditions! 👉 https://asiangeo.com/

13/11/2024

🌟𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒚 𝒀𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 🌟

At over 5,000 km long, the Yellow River is the cradle of Chinese civilization! 🏞️ Here are 5 must-see highlights:

1️⃣ 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 (Qinghai, Gansu) - Remote mountain beauty 🏔️
2️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘂 (Ningxia) - Desert views & river magic 🌵
3️⃣ 𝗕𝗮𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘂 (Inner Mongolia) - Stunning sunsets 🌅
4️⃣ 𝗛𝘂𝗸𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 (Shanxi/Shaanxi) - China’s 2nd largest waterfall 🌊
5️⃣ 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗴 (Henan) - Historic city & scenic riverfront ⛩️

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? 📖
Get your copy of 𝗔𝗚 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝟭𝟲𝟰 👉https://bit.ly/3AFsZVe

08/11/2024

Honor the path, embrace the journey 🛤️
7 essential etiquette tips for your 𝑲𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑲𝒐𝒅𝒐 𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆. 🌸🙏

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲? Get your copy now 👉https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/asian-geographic-no-157/

06/11/2024

🔴 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀! 🔴
From boosting immunity to enhancing skin health, these delicious red gems are a must-have for your wellness routine.

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? Grab a copy of our latest issue! 👉 https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/asian-geographic-no-165/

01/11/2024

🍂 October is wrapping up, and so is our e-newsletter! Don’t miss out on all the 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 we shared this month.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝘁? Now's the perfect time to join our community! 📬 Click here 👉 https://bit.ly/48t84kU

30/10/2024

Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous Diwali! 🪔

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁: Each of the five days of Diwali holds its own special significance and traditions!

Want to read more? Click here for the full story! 👉 https://bit.ly/48tb3cP

25/10/2024

✈️ 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻? ⛩️
Keep these 8 etiquette tips in mind for a respectful and memorable visit! 🎎

𝗔𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻? Head over to ADEJ Japan this weekend at Tokyo Big Sight! It's more than just a dive show! 👉 ADEX - Asia Dive Expo

23/10/2024

Even when you're chilling, some species are fighting for survival. 🦧🌿

Want to stay informed and learn how we can help protect them? Swing by our website and dive into the articles—there's so much to uncover! 👉 https://asiangeo.com/

18/10/2024

𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝘆-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱.

A team of climbers found a boot—possibly belonging to 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝘆𝗻 "𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆" 𝗜𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲—on the glacier near Everest’s north face. A sock tagged "A.C. Irvine" was found alongside the boot revealed by melting ice on a glacier.This marks a major moment in mountaineering history. Irvine disappeared in 1924 while attempting to reach the summit with George Mallory.

The discovery, 100 years after Irvine’s disappearance, brings hope that his body—and possibly the camera believed to hold a photo of the summit—may be found. For Irvine's family, it’s both emotional and extraordinary.

16/10/2024

𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪?
Next year, 2025, marks 80 years since the only two atomic bombs ever used in warfare killed an estimated 120,000 inhabitants of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with a comparable number dying of burn and radiation injuries in the months and years that followed.

This historical milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and the ongoing importance of peace advocacy, as exemplified by Nihon Hidankyo's work.

Read the full article here:
https://bit.ly/3BMBden

11/10/2024

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? 🌏👀 Swipe to see the 5 most populated countries in Asia, according to Worldometers! ➡️

These countries make up Asia’s rich diversity and dynamic culture! 🌟 Want to fully immerse yourself in a tribe’s culture? Click here to learn more! 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/4dMtUR3

09/10/2024

🌏 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞? Dive into Asian Geographic Expeditions Edition – Issue No. 161! 🌏

Pack your virtual bags and join us on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Asia! From ancient history to breathtaking landscapes, this issue has it all:

1. The Silk Road Through 𝐔𝐳𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 – Follow the footsteps of ancient traders and discover hidden treasures along this legendary route.
2. 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚'𝐬 Secret Wonders – Sun, sea, and spectacular culture—get lost in the beauty of the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean."
3. Pilgrimage to 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 – Step into a world of serenity, tradition, and spiritual awe as we explore Japan’s sacred sights.
4. 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥: In the Shadow of Giants – Go beyond the Everest base camp and experience Nepal’s rich culture, adventure, and majestic mountains.

🌟 Let your adventure begin! Grab your copy of Asian Geographic Expeditions Edition – Issue No. 161 now 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/3YfeArE

04/10/2024

🌍Happy World Animal Day!🐾
Today, we celebrate all the amazing creatures on our planet, especially our little superstar, Moo Deng! 🦛✨ Keep swiping to discover fun facts about pygmy hippos, including the secret to their glowing skin! 💖

Who’s excited to meet Moo Deng? Swing by สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo and make some furry friends! 🌟

If you're curious about Moo Deng's fellow endangered friends and how we can help protect them, read here! 👉 https://bit.ly/3Y7ZtR5

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🌟𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒚 𝒀𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 🌟 At over 5,000 km long, the Yellow River is the cradle of Chinese civilization! 🏞️ Here are 5 must-see highlights: 1️⃣ 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 (Qinghai, Gansu) - Remote mountain beauty 🏔️ 2️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘂 (Ningxia) - Desert views & river magic 🌵 3️⃣ 𝗕𝗮𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘂 (Inner Mongolia) - Stunning sunsets 🌅 4️⃣ 𝗛𝘂𝗸𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 (Shanxi/Shaanxi) - China’s 2nd largest waterfall 🌊 5️⃣ 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗴 (Henan) - Historic city & scenic riverfront ⛩️ 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? 📖 Get your copy of 𝗔𝗚 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝟭𝟲𝟰 👉https://bit.ly/3AFsZVe #ExploreAsia #AsianGeographic #TravelGoals

🔴 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀! 🔴 From boosting immunity to enhancing skin health, these delicious red gems are a must-have for your wellness routine. 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲? Grab a copy of our latest issue! 👉 https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/asian-geographic-no-165/ #AsianFruits #FruitsLover #AsianGeographic

🌏 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞? Dive into Asian Geographic Expeditions Edition – Issue No. 161! 🌏 Pack your virtual bags and join us on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Asia! From ancient history to breathtaking landscapes, this issue has it all: 1. The Silk Road Through 𝐔𝐳𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 – Follow the footsteps of ancient traders and discover hidden treasures along this legendary route. 2. 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚'𝐬 Secret Wonders – Sun, sea, and spectacular culture—get lost in the beauty of the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." 3. Pilgrimage to 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 – Step into a world of serenity, tradition, and spiritual awe as we explore Japan’s sacred sights. 4. 𝐍𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐥: In the Shadow of Giants – Go beyond the Everest base camp and experience Nepal’s rich culture, adventure, and majestic mountains. 🌟 Let your adventure begin! Grab your copy of Asian Geographic Expeditions Edition – Issue No. 161 now 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/3YfeArE #AsiangeoExpeditions #AsianGeographic #ExploreAsia #AsianGeo

🌏 Journey Back to the Qin Dynasty: The Rise of China's First Emperors 👑 Discover the monumental history of the Qin Dynasty, where China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, reshaped the future of a nation. From the construction of the Great Wall to the legendary Terracotta Army, this era laid the foundation for China's imperial rule. 👇Watch the video to know more about China's first emperor📜⚔ #QinDynasty #ancientchina #asiangeographic #C#chineseemperor #worldhistory

Pilgrimage to Japan

Discover Japan’s Spiritual Heritage! 🇯🇵 Journey through the sacred sites of Kumano Sanzan and Koyasan. 🌸Explore the historic shrines of Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha, where Shinto and Buddhist traditions intertwine. 🌸Visit Okunoin Cemetery, the serene Konpon Daito, and historic halls like Karukaya-do and Kongobu-ji, each offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual past. Learn more about these fascinating destinations in AG Issue 161. Order Now: Print edition: https://shop.asiangeo.com](https://shop.asiangeo.com/ E-copy: https://shop.asiangeo.com/digital-copy/ #PilgrimageToJapan #AsianGeographic #SpiritualJourney #Culture #Heritage

Asian Geographic Yellow Edition Issue

The Yellow Edition of Asian Geographic, Issue No. 164! This special edition is gleaming with gold and yellow stories that highlight Asia's rich culture and heritage: 🌟 Asia’s Golden Treasures: The significance of gold in Asia’s stupas, statues, temples, and bazaars, symbolizing royalty, purity, and wealth. 🌟 All That Glitters Is Gold: Find out how gold, from Turkey to China, plays a central role in cultural practices, representing affluence and status. 🌟 Spiritual Rebirth: Celebrate the Philippines' vibrant Fiesta Señor and Sinulog festivals, marking the Christianisation started by Magellan in 1521. 🌟 Big Yellow Beauty: The striking Burmese python, one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. 🌟 Yellow in Peril: Uncover the threats facing seahorses due to traditional Chinese medicine and non-selective fishing. 🌟 Doctor Yellow: In Japan, spotting the iconic “Doctor Yellow” train is believed to bring good luck. 🌟 The Mighty Yellow River: China's Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization. Order your copy NOW and explore the vibrant world of yellow: Get your e-copy: https://shop.asiangeo.com/digital-copy/ #TheYellowEdition #asiangeomagazine #asiangeographic #culture #heritage

Asian Geographic's The Blue Edition

Asian Geographic's The Blue Edition In this special Blue Edition of Asian Geographic, we focus on the urgent challenges facing our oceans. Here’s what to look for in Issue No. 163: 🔷Uzbekistan: 50 Shades of Blue: A blend of Persian, Turco-Mongol, and Soviet influences 🔷60 Days for Our Blue Planet: Why protecting our oceans and marine life is more crucial than ever. 🔷Our Ocean Under Threat: The devastating impact of human activities on our vital seas. 🔷 Deadly Ghost Nets: How abandoned fishing gear is killing marine life across Asia. 🔷 What’s Killing Seahorses?: Trawling’s deadly impact on seahorses and coastal marine species. 🔷 Is There Plastic in My Seafood?: The plastic you use today could end up as microplastics in your seafood. Order Now: Print edition: https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/asian-geographic-no-163/ E-copy: https://shop.asiangeo.com/digital-copy/ #TheBlueEdition #asiangeographic #culture #environment #sustainability

Asian Geographic : The Blue Edition In this special issue, we explore our planet’s most vital marine ecosystems, highlighting the threats they face through illustrated infographics. Discover special days dedicated to celebrating our oceans and the incredible aquatic life they support. Journey to the beautiful underwater world of the Philippines and the historically rich landscapes of Uzbekistan, where blue hues captivate. Order your copy NOW on https://shop.asiangeo.com/ www.asiangeo.com #BluePlanet #AsianGeoMagazine #AsianGeographic #MarineConservation #OceanAwareness

Images of Asia Photo/Video/Art Competition 2024

Join the global community in celebrating 25 years of Asian Geographic through the annual Images of Asia (IOA), celebrating 25 years this year! Stand a chance to be a part of the Asian Geographic Expeditions, experiencing destinations like never before, organized in collaboration with partner tour operators and tourism boards. Submit your entries for the following categories: 📸 PHOTO OF THE YEAR 📱MOBILE PHOTO OF THE YEAR 📹 SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR 🎨 VISUAL ARTWORK OF THE YEAR Visit asiangeo.com/ioa for contest details. Submissions close on September 1, 2024. #asiangeographic #imagesofasia #photographycompetition

Introducing The Asian Geo Pink Edition! Discover Asia's rosy hues with AG No. 160. Wander through Jaipur's "Pink City" alleyways, relax on the coral beaches of the Philippines, and celebrate the "pink power" of 20 incredible Asian women. Learn about the journey of the world's largest pink diamond and find pink cherry blossoms beyond Japan. Experience Asia through "rose-tinted glasses"! Order NOW: https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/asian-geographic-no-160/ #ThePinkEdition #AsianGeographic

World Ocean Day 2024

Here what David Attenborough says about plastic pollution, how we use plastic and our role in protecting our oceans. #oceanday2024 #bluhope #asiadiveexpo #ProtectOurOceans #plasticpollution

VOICE OF THE OCEAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR 2023

ADEX Voice of the Ocean 2023 VIDEO OF THE YEAR 2023 Sabrina Inderbitzi from Switzerland Film Name: A Dangerous Journey #adex #asiadiveexpo #voiceoftheocean #adex2023 #oceanconservation Open hashtag manager. Remove Add trending, recently used or saved hashtags to yo

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ASIA WITHOUT BORDERS ASIAN Geographic showcases the region's past, present and future in an intriguing way that not only entices readers but also informs and educates. As the region's leading geographical magazine, we have our fingers on the pulse of Asia, with award-winning contributors scouring the region to bring readers the most compelling stories and images. We cover cultural, geographical and social topics and encourage a positive understanding of issues to show how each of us can make a difference in the world – the power is in our hands.

[LATEST ISSUE] “Cellphones are so convenient that they’re an inconvenience.” by Haruki Murakami

If you own a mobile phone, you are among the over 5.1 billion mobile phone users worldwide. This number is projected to grow to 5.8 billion in 2025. Who would have thought this small device would dominate telecommunication. After all, its grown-up version – the smartphone that the majority are accustomed to today – only started becoming common a decade ago. Some of you may recall using coin and card-operated payphones before you owned a mobile phone. Widely used till the 1990s, these relics are still relevant and constitute a fond memory to many (p36-39). Remember the days you used pagers, flipped through phone books to find telephone numbers and sent SMSes on phone keypads with buttons you can press? We bring back memories of these communication tools that we once could not do without in Distant Connections (p94-95). The mobile phone has become such an integral part of our daily lives that living without it can be a nerve-racking ordeal. We use it to wake us up in the morning, communicate with people, capture precious memories, navigate places and access an ever-growing list of services that apps supply. Can we live without it? Decide for yourself when you read Lost Without You (p42-55), which delineates conveniences and problems our usage of mobile phones has brought.Though the gadget is so ubiquitous and familiar to us, how much do we know about them beyond their features and design? The dirty, perilous conditions from which our mobile phones come from are a stark contrast to the glamorous advertisements and shop displays we are accustomed to seeing them in. Find out what actually goes into making your smartphone in Elements in a Smartphone (p28-29) and Unethical Practices That Power Our Smartphones (p88-93). Within the span of a mere decade since the popularisation of smartphones, a staggering 7.1 billion devices have been used. This number continues to grow and so does the amount of resources that go into their production and the consequent waste they turn into. We bring you insights on how mobile phones harm our environment in The Cost of Convenience (p84-87) and hope it encourages you to be a responsible mobile phone user.

The compact gadget has so many functions built in that it has obsoleted many other items we used to need. But hopefully, face-to-face human interaction will not be one of them.