In September 1999, ASIAN Geographic, an exciting new magazine dedicated to Asia, hit newsstands. The stated aim was “to showcase the natural history and culture of Asia”, along with a strong conservation focus, and over the following quarter century, the magazine has put a valuable spotlight on the region’s environment, wildlife, peoples and customs.

In a short time, ASIAN Geographic was already winning awards. Just two years after launch, the magazine won the Ark Trust International Award at the Genesis Awards for a hard-hitting feature exposing China’s bear bile farming practices. The magazine would go on to receive numerous awards over the following years.

In this special Silver Anniversary Edition, we’re commemorating our milestone achievement with three main features that celebrate the magazine’s founding principles. In “Bear Witness Revisited” (page 28), we reproduce our first award-winning story on bile bears written by Cortlan Bennett, with images by conservation photojournalist Paul Hilton, while revealing that more than two decades later, the shocking mistreatment of Asia’s bears continues.

Our culture-focused feature, “Asian Blades” (page 52), offers a literal take on our silver celebration with an in-depth look at the swords and knives that played significant roles in Asian history, shaping military strategies as well as cultural identities. Fascinating in their diversity, these blades were not only prized tools of warfare, but also crucial agricultural implements, symbols of social status, and revered ceremonial objects.

Finally, in ASIAN Geographic Passport, we venture to the far reaches of Oceania, a region beyond Asia that the magazine has come to encompass, to the islands and atolls of French Polynesia. In “The Treasures of Tahiti and the Journey of Giants” (page 83), regular contributors Anita Verde and Peter Marshall describe incredible encounters with whales, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and more.

We hope you enjoy the issue. Here’s to the next 25 years!

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Ian Bongso-Seldrup