Asian Geographic I5 2020

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK OPPOSITE PAGE ABOVE
Different canned Abandoned tin dredge at Tanjung
did you know products in tin cans Tualang, Perak, Malaysia

While the term “tin can” is commonly used, today’s cans are generally Philippe de Girard (1775–1845)
made of steel with a coating of tin (called tinplate) or aluminium, An early tin food can
which is both cheaper and easier to work with than tin-plated steel.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TIN CAN
In 1795, French inventor named Nicholas Appert. began experimenting
with ways to preserve food (including dairy and soup), by using glass
jars and sealing them with a cork and sealing wax, before placing them
in boiling water. In 1800, when Napoleon Bonaparte offered prize money
to whoever was able to come up with an effective way of preserving
perishable food for his army, Appert presented his preserved fruits and
vegetables at a public exposition, and was subsequently awarded a
grant by the French Ministry of the Interior. By 1810, he had published his
findings in The Art of Preserving Animal and Vegetable Substances.

Months later, however, it was British merchant Peter Durand who was
granted a patent to preserve food using tin-plated cans. It turns out that
another French inventor called Philippe de Girard, apparently inspired
by Appert’s food preservation methods, had been travelling to London
(to avoid French red tape) to test his “tin kettle with covers soldered on”.
Durand was the agent who took out the patent on de Girard’s behalf, and
not the “Father of the Tin Can” that history will have us believe.

The following year, Durand sold the patent to John Hall and Bryan
Dorkin, who opened the first commercial canning factory in England.
Later, in 1846, Henry Evans invented a machine that could manufacture
tin cans at a rate of 60 per hour.

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FEATURE | METAL REVOLUTION: THE EIGHT METALS THAT SHAPED SOCIETY

Lead

AROUND 3,000 BCE

A commonly used metal in ancient times, lead not until the scientific advancements of the 20th century
was easy to work with and extract, due to its that the toxicity of lead was confirmed, but due to its
malleability and ability to be smelted. The metal extensive use in construction, plumbing, paints and
is thought to have been first mined in Anatolia alloys, it continues to pose a health danger to society.
(modern-day Turkey) around 6500 BCE. During
the early Bronze Age, lead was sometimes mixed Famous uses oF lead
along with tin and copper in the creation of bronze.
Lead was more widely used by the ancient Greeks Lead piping used to transport water to wealthy Romans’ villas
and Romans, as compared to other civilisations,
but little evidence can be found on why that was. Romans and Greeks
Historians have found that up till the 16th century
the most common metal in the making of pencils, From around 500 BCE, the Romans used lead
before graphite, was lead. The ancient Greeks and in aqueducts, water pipes, baths and cooking
Romans created a writing instrument by clamping pots. By the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, the
lead between pieces of wood, giving rise to the poisonous effects of lead were known to both
concept of a “pencil”. the Greeks and Romans

Unfortunately, these ancient peoples did China
not understand the toxicity of lead to humans,
and some experts believe that this might have Lead has often been found in bronzeware of the
been part of the reason for the fall of the Roman Erlitou culture (c. 2100 to 1800 BCE) in Eastern
Empire, though this is still highly contested among China. The most common artefacts found are
historians. In these ancient cities, water was drinking vessels from the Yin dynasty (c. 1600 to
transported in lead pipes, but the water would 1046 BCE). However, over time, the lead would
corrode the lead plumbing, leading to a high leach into the grape and rice wines, and its use
concentration of lead entering drinking water, fell out of favour
resulting in serious health problems, including
infertility, brain damage, and even death. It was

50

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

LEFT ABOVE TOP

Lead ingots Vintage lead crystal punch bowl Antique
in Asia and cups at an antique store lead bullets

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FEATURE | METAL REVOLUTION: THE EIGHT METALS THAT SHAPED SOCIETY

Mercury Small-scale gold mining
operations around the
AROUND 2,000 BCE world still use mercury
in the extraction process
Mercury is believed to have been discovered
and used by the ancient peoples of China ABOVE
and India before 2,000 BCE and it has also In Mongolia, the tens of thousands of workers
been found in Egyptian tombs dating back employed in small-scale gold mining are
to 1,500 BCE. Mercury is the Roman name for potentially exposed to mercury poisoning
the Greek god Hermes and the namesake of
the fastest moving planet in the Solar System.
It was even given the nickname “quicksilver”
because of its mobility and shiny surface.

When mercury was first discovered, many
civilisations believed that the association
the element had with the planet meant that
the metal had mystical properties. The
Egyptians and Chinese also believed that
mercury had the power to ward off evil
spirits. Ancient peoples began to realise
that its usefulness as a metal was limited
due to its poisonous nature and scarcity,
and as such moved towards limiting its use.
Today, mercury is no longer used in consumer
related items such as thermometers and
batteries. Small-scale gold mining operations
around the world still use mercury in the
extraction process and are responsible for
the release of hazardous mercury vapour in
significant quantities.

did you know The Terracotta Army buried in the pits next to Qin Shi Huang’s tomb
52
Qin Shi Huang (259 to 210 BCE), the
first emperor of China, was obsessed
with finding the elixir of life and popular
legend has it that he would constantly
drink mixtures of mercury, believing that
it was the key to longevity. He died at the
age of 49, quite probably as a result of
mercury poisoning – as well as the stress
of running an empire. It is believed that
Qin Shin Huang’s tomb is encircled with
rivers of liquid mercury, which ancient
Chinese believe could bestow immortality.
This moat of mercury is a major reason
why his tomb has yet to be explored as the
high levels of mercury in the soil would
make it a very dangerous environment for
archaeologists to work in

Famous uses oF iron

Iron

AROUND 1,200 BCE

The Iron Age was a period in human history that The Kulah Khud helmet
allowed for advancements in the creation of tools,
weaponry and architecture. The downside to iron Persian Empire
was that in comparison to bronze, it was not as hard
or durable. The metal was also known to corrode The Persian Empire was established soon
a lot more easily; hence, finding ancient artefacts after humans had learned how to make steel;
is often much rarer than finding objects made of weapons made by the Persians were sharper
gold and silver. This made iron an inferior metal and stronger. Known for fighting on horseback,
initially, but iron quickly became more popular with the ancient Persians were the first civilisation
the invention of steel. Created by heating iron with to have an armoured cavalry, with horses and
carbon, steel is a much harder metal than pure iron. riders completely covered in steel armour.
Historians believe that the Hittites – an Anatolian A famous artefact from the time was the Kulah
people largely responsible for establishing the Khud, a steel headpiece worn by Persian
Empire of Hattusa around 1600 BCE – were the first soldiers in the 18th and 19th century
people to make steel.

BELOW
Vintage iron tools hanging
on an old wall

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

53

During the Iron Age, people across much TOP ABOVE
of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa began
making tools, weapons, nails, cooking pots An iron bridge crossing the The huge steel Supertrees
and personal ornaments from iron and steel. Carang river, Tanjungpinang, of Singapore’s Gardens
Iron enhanced quality of life during ancient Riau Islands, Indonesia by the Bay
times as it made important tasks like farming
easier as thetools used were more durable. Today, iron and steel is essential for the
The most common artefacts that can be found construction of everything from roads and
at historical sites – which have not corroded railways to skyscrapers; indeed any form of
away – are nails. The identification of these nails building requires a steel skeleton. The discovery
have allowed archaeologists to tell how old a of iron and steel resulted in rapid growth for
building was. many civilisations, paving the way for countless
technological advancements – long after the
Iron Age ended. Ag

54

Shine Frames of steel
aluminium
By Soe Moe Lwin assorted ceiling lights ...

You stay so strong Through history
yet malleable you held a place
unique in many ways ... from many different views ...

Over the years The best being
through rain or shine how you would change
you fill our living days ... into what we would choose ...

With many As life is full
precious memories of much surprise
and moments we create ... we never really know ...

With many colours How you will enter
many hues all our lives
upon the binding slate ... and turn our hearts aglow ...

Transforming into Yet in the end
various modes so tiny yet so powerful
each with a form we see ... you are ...

Materials that Such force such light
come and be such energy
much use for you and me ... our ever-changing star!

Cups, spoons
knives and forks
saucers, pots and pans ...

Cars, bikes
aeroplanes
cables, fridges, fans ...

Titanium
alloys and all
jewellery of all types ...

SOE MOE LWIN A doctor and teacher by trade, Soe Moe Lwin is a lifelong learner,
with a constant craving to seek and learn something new every day. Her hobbies
and passions include reading, writing, travelling, photography and having deep
and meaningful conversations with people from all walks of life. Moe Lwin learned
to appreciate the power of the word from a very young age, and with poetry, feels that it is the
best of what words can do. She also enjoys the idea of “mindfulness” and spending quiet and
peaceful moments throughout the day in Nature and the great outdoors. She now combines
her two greatest loves – mindfulness and poetry – by penning down her thoughts online to
share with her closest friends and family.

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FEATURE | THE FUTURE OF METALS

The Future of Metals

Today, metals are found in our most
sophisticated technological innovations
and have become essential elements in
maintaining our high-tech way of life

Text Elizabeth Lim

Made from steel and standing 333 metres high,
Tokyo Tower was the tallest freestanding tower
in the world when it was completed in 1958

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SHUTTERSTOCK

FEATURE | THE FUTURE OF METALS

During the Metal Ages, they revolutionised the living standards of early societies,
from farm tools to weapons. Today, metals are found in our most sophisticated
technological innovations and have become essential elements in maintaining
our high-tech way of life. But our metal reserves are dwindling, and we are faced
with the challenge of ensuring that future generations will continue to reap the
benefits of these precious resources.

Formed billions of years ago, metals are Quantifying the amount of metal ore left in
society’s lifeline. To replenish them and keep the world can be difficult, but through reports
up with our growing and modernising world, on the amount of metal reserves in the world,
there is a need to mine for more. Certain primary it is possible to get an estimate. For example,
metals such as aluminium, copper and iron can it is estimated that there are only 830 million
be mined naturally. Others are produced as a by- tonnes of copper left in our reserves, enough
product of mining other metals: Cobalt, which to last only around 30 years given the current
is primarily used in lithium-ion batteries, is a annual copper demand of about 28 million
by-product of copper and nickel mining, while tonnes. Even though the metal is regarded as
selenium, a semiconductor with applications being fully sustainable, we have perhaps 200
in electronics, is extracted from the refining of years of resources left, if we include reserves,
copper through the process of electrolysis. and both discovered and predicted deposits.

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

58

The Mess Left Behind FACT box

When metals are mined and manufactured, large • WASTE ROCK:
amounts of waste result, and while some forms Along with the ore, mining produces waste rock
of waste don’t harm the environment, others pose that does not have sufficient metal concentration
a significant risk not just to the environment but to for economic recovery. The composition of the
human health. The waste occurs at various stages, waste rock will dictate the elements released into
from the exploration drilling project to the last the environment
processed material, and depending on how the
materials are mined, the type of waste produced Highly toxic in small
will vary. The three types of waste produced in the concentrations: mercury
largest volumes are rock, tailings (ore residue)
and mine water. Some mining makes use of toxic Less toxic unless found
chemicals such as cyanide during the processing in large concentrations:
stage as well, and alt ough this accounts for zinc and copper
only a small amount of waste, the risks and dangers
are substantial. • TAILINGS:
Mine tailings are the fine mineral particles that remain
OPPOSITE PAGE BELOW after the ore is processed and the valuable minerals
are separated. Mixed with water as slurry, it can be
Mining raw minerals for The largest gold mine in Southeast Asia damaging to the environment by releasing toxic metals,
steel production in straddles the Phichit and Phetchabun causing erosion and sinkholes, and contaminating soil
Kazakhstan provinces in central Thailand and water supplies. Tailings can contain as much as
three dozen dangerous chemicals including arsenic,
lead, mercury and cyanide, all of which pose significant
threats to local communities and ecosystems, especially
in downstream environments, if the facilities in
which they are stored are not properly designed and
constructed or maintained

Tailing ponds and sand quarry in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

• MINE WATER:
Water is a common element required for the processes
within mines and processing plants. This means that
the water used can potentially be contaminated with
the mined metals and other harmful elements. Many
mines use the water over and over again, before
eventually releasing it back into the environment.
However, if the water is not treated carefully before
being released, it can be hazardous to both the
environment and humans. In gold extraction, for
example, cyanide is used to help dissolve the gold
into an aqueous solution, but if the water used in the
process is not treated before release, it may contaminate
fresh water and become highly toxic to humans

59 Contamination of a water body near a gold mine

FEATURE | THE FUTURE OF METALS FACT box

Scrap metal is another form of metal waste, • FERROUS METALS:
but unlike other waste, it is highly valuable These metals mostly contain iron, are good conductors
and recyclable. Scrap metal consists of a of electricity and have good magnetic properties.
combination of waste metal, metallic material They are generally vulnerable to rust when exposed
and any other product that contains metal, left to moisture. Examples include carbon steel, cast iron
over from the manufacturing and consumption
of products that have the potential to be and wrought iron
recycled, such as vehicle parts, building
supplies and used electronics. Divided into two Carbon steel Cast iron Wrought iron
categories (ferrous and non-ferrous metals),
scrap metal can be found in practically anything, • NON-FERROUS METALS:
from old bicycles and children’s toys, to Such metals do not contain any iron and have no
discarded utensils and obsolete computers. magnetic properties, but they are malleable and
have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion.
Scrap metal consists of a They generally weigh much less than ferrous metals.
combination of waste metal
Examples include aluminium, copper and brass

Aluminium Copper Brass

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IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

Giving Scrap a Second Life

Human consumption of metal has skyrocketed We often throw away old and worn-out metal
over the years and the complete depletion of products without a second thought, thinking
these finite resources has become a worrying that they have served their purpose, when in
reality with detrimental consequences for fact the metals they contain still have a lot of
many industries – and our quality of life. As life left in them. Metal recycling is one of the
a consequence, finding efficient methods of most important and viable ways to ensure
recycling metals has become hugely important, the preservation of our natural resources. For
spawning vitally essential, industries across instance, recycling a tonne of steel saves over
the region. 1.25 tonnes of iron ore, while recycling one
tonne of aluminium saves over eight tonnes of
Metal recycling involves the recovery and bauxite, the ore of aluminium.
processing of scrap metals from end-of-life
products, structures and manufacturing Metal recycling is one of
industries. Through the recycling process, the most important and viable
these metal scraps can be introduced as a ways to ensure the preservation
raw material in the production of new goods. of our natural resources
This process helps not only in solving the issue
of excessive metal waste, but also in slowing OPPOSITE PAGE ABOVE
down the depletion of our metal resources.
With metal recycling, the materials collected Cars pile up at Electromagnets are used
typically do not lose any of their properties, a scrap yard to separate metals at a
and along with giving these metals a second recycling facility
life, the recycling process reduces the carbon
footprint on the environment.

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FEATURE | THE FUTURE OF METALS

Metals Recycling Sorting

Collection Scrap metal needs to be properly separated to be recycled
appropriately, as well as being separated from other recyclables
The metal recycling process begins such as paper and plastic. Quality checks are done to ensure
that the metal to be recycled is of good quality, and at least 50
with collection, where scrap metal percent metal. Scrap metal is classified as being either ferrous
or non-ferrous, and the quickest way to separate them is with
is collected from scrap yards the use of magnets

and recycling centres 1 2

Transportation 3
4
Once the final product has
8 been shaped and cooled,

it is transported to
factories or businesses
that require the metal

Processing

Machines then compact
the scrap metal so that
it can be fit properly on
conveyor belts for the
shredding process

7 Cooling and Solidification Shredding

The melted metal is moved to a cooling chamber Metal is broken down during this

to allow for solidification. Depending on how the process into tiny pieces or sheets to

metal is meant to be used, it can be solidified in allow for easy processing. This step

different shapes. Steel, for example, is solidified prepares the metal to be melted, and

into blocks, whilst aluminium is cooled into sheets. the smaller the pieces are, the easier

Occasionally, other chemicals can be added into it is for the metal to be melted down

the molten metal to bring it to the required density at lower temperatures

or to achieve other properties

6 Purification Melting

This step ensures that Tiny pieces of the scrap 5
the final product is free metal are placed into a

of impurities and that it is large furnace. Depending

of high quality. Electrolysis on the type of metal, size

and magnet technology are of furnace, and degree of

some common examples of heat, this process can

how metals are purified take between a couple

of minutes to hours

Through metal recycling, we are not only excavation, the contribution to greenhouse
preserving our natural resources, but also gas emissions, and the toxic runoff that
bettering our world for generations to come. occurs when mines are in operation, ultimately
Recycling eliminates the environmental affecting the surrounding water bodies, which
damage caused by mining, including can have lingering effects long after the closure
the natural habitats destroyed through of a mine.

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IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

Doing Our Part ABOVE

Electronic waste from the West, once taken in by China,
is now being processed by poor countries in Southeast
Asia – often with deleterious effects

Metal recycling is not only critical for achieving extracted gold, silver and copper have made
sustainability goals, but it also helps create these dubious companies rich, reckless and
job opportunities for people. With the growing mismanaged processing has allowed toxic
demand for metal and the tightening of elements also present in e-waste such as lead,
Chinese restrictions on the import of foreign cadmium and mercury to contaminate local soils
waste, the metal recycling market in Southeast and waterways much as they once did in China.
Asia has been ramping up. Recycling also
allows resource-poor countries to become We can quickly appreciate that we cannot
more self-sustainable. continue to mine our planet for its metal
resources indefinitely, but we must also
There is, however, an insidious side to metal acknowledge that recycling solutions present
recycling. The millions of tonnes of solid waste, serious challenges as well. While the extraction
including e-waste, once taken in by China of metal ores can have negative repercussions,
annually from countries such as the US, Europe, the recycling of metal-containing waste must be
Australia, Japan and Singapore, was exacting a responsibly managed if we are to avoid similar
deadly toll on the environment and public health detrimental effects on the environment and
– and the country’s import ban in 2018 was human health. Nevertheless, the simple act of
enacted for a reason. While some in the West placing our old and used metals into a recycling
saw it as an opportunity to take responsibility for bin has the potential to change the way we
their own waste and transition towards a circular continue to live our life for generations to come.
economy, the electronic trash was mostly just Mother Earth has helped humans in providing us
redirected to countries like Thailand, Indonesia with the materials that have revolutionised our
and Malaysia, and their eager – often illegal, society and now, it is our turn to help Her
Chinese-run – recycling businesses. While the by doing our part. Ag

63

FEATURE | THE FABLED REALM OF SUVARNABHUMI

The Fabled Realm
of Suvarnabhumi

Cloaked in mystery for
centuries, Suvarnabhumi
has been the subject of
much debate among scholars
and historians alike ...

Text Elizabeth Lim

At Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport,
figures of men struggling with a
multi-headed dragon depict the
story of the “Samudra Manthana”,
a well-known episode of the Hindu
philosophy. In Thai tradition,
Thailand’s central plain is the
rightful location of Suvarnabhumi,
the mythical kingdom that, for
some, represents the beginning of
Buddhism in Southeast Asia

SHUTTERSTOCK

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FEATURE | THE FABLED REALM OF SUVARNABHUMI

SHUTTERSTOCK

Cloaked in mystery for centuries, Suvarnabhumi has been the subject of much
debate among scholars and historians alike, with many theories and traditions
as to its location. From ancient bricks made of gold rich sands to the story of two
monks sent on missionary activities during the reign of Indian emperor Ashoka,
Suvarnabhumi is steeped in both legend and literature. We explore this fabled
realm and unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic Land of Gold.

Suvarnabhumi (Sanskrit) or Suvannabhumi Southeast Asia and Southern India, whilst
(Pali) is known as the “Golden Land” or “Land other contending locations include Bengal,
of Gold”. Appearing in different contexts Thailand, and the ancient Indianised state
in Sanskrit and Pali texts, Suvarnabhumi of Funan (or Nokor Phnom), which was located
is mentioned as being either a “location in in mainland Southeast Asia centred on the
mythical or religious stories” or as a reference Mekong Delta.
to “short and vague accounts of trade”.
Additionally, it has also appeared in Buddhist, Many scholars believe that the term
Hindu and Jain traditions. “Suvarnabhumi” was a generic name referring
to “Golden Land”, and was coined by ancient
The exact location of Suvarnabhumi has Indian traders referring to large parts of the
been a topic of much discussion in scholarly coastal Southeast Asia region from Lower Burma
as well as nationalistic contexts, and in (present-day Myanmar), central Thailand (Siam),
toponymy–the study of place names and their the Mekong Delta, and the Malay Peninsula.
origins, meanings and use–it remains one of the While its exact location remains a matter of
most controversial names in the history of Asia. debate, there is little doubt that Suvarnabhumi
Ancient sources have associated it with a variety was an important port along trade routes
of places, the most common being Oceanic running through the Indian Ocean.

66

india bangladesh
myanmar

thailand

MEKONG
d e lta

malay
peninsula

indian ocean

indonesia

LEFT
In Wat Sampa Siw,
Suphan Buri, Thailand,
a mural depicts the life
of the Buddha

While its exact location remains The Insular Southeast Asia theory is one
a matter of debate, there is little of the strongest and earliest to describe the
doubt that Suvarnabhumi was an legend of Suvarnabhumi. Commonly, the
important port along trade routes term “Suvarnabhumi” was thought to refer
running through the Indian Ocean to the Southeast Asian Peninsula, including
Lower Burma (Myanmar) and the Malay
Legend has it that there were many maritime Peninsula. However, there is a second term,
ventures to this fabled area in search of wealth “Suvarnadvipa”, meaning “Golden Island” or
and prosperity. Vessels were often driven “Golden Peninsula”, which may correspond
off course by the severe weather, but those to the Indonesian Archipelago, Sumatra in
who were lucky enough to make the journey particular. An eighth-century Indian text asserts
arrived at a coast where they had to embark on that voyagers to Suvarnadvipa would make
a long trip on foot through forested foothills bricks from the gold rich sands and bake them.
of high mountains, before arriving at a forest It is thought that both the terms “Suvarnabhumi”
and a shallow river rich in gold sands. Though and “Suvarnadvipa” could refer to a powerful
this myth is backed up by scant evidence, coastal or island kingdom, possibly centred
archaeological excavations and research work around Sumatra or Java, in present-day
have found that most of the Southeast Asian Indonesia and Malaysia. That would coincide
region did indeed have gold deposits – enough with the known gold-rich areas of Sumatra’s
to justify the use of the term “Land of Gold” in Minangkabau Highlands, exploited by Dutch
reference to Suvarnabhumi. colonialists in the 17th century.

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FEATURE | THE FABLED REALM OF SUVARNABHUMI

Central Bengal also lays claim to the the Indian state bordering Bengal – who
location of Suvarnabhumi. This theory is sailed to Suvarnabhumi regularly. In addition,
rooted in a popular interpretation of Bengal is commonly associated with gold,
Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Amar Shonar from its gold coloured soil to golden fruits
Bangla” (“My Bengal of Gold”), the national (mangoes), and is described in ancient Sanskrit
anthem of Bangladesh. The claim is also based texts as “Gaud-Desh”, meaning Golden or
on references from some ancient Jain texts to Radiant Land. Indeed, Bengalis still refer to their
merchants of Anga – in present-day Bihar, land as Shonar Bangla – Golden Bengal.

The first line of “Amar Shonar Bangla” (Translated )

আমার সোনার বাংলা, My golden Bengal,
আমি তোমায় ভালোবাসি। I love you

Beyond these theories, some believe emperor Ashoka (4th century BCE), Southeast
Suvarnabhumi to be more than merely a Asian Buddhists believe that missionaries Sona
name or a land of riches and abundance. and Uttara arrived in Southeast Asia during the
Rather, among Buddhists in Southeast Asia, time of Ashoka. This allowed various cultures in
Suvarnabhumi represents the beginning the region to lay claim to Suvarnabhumi as an
of Buddhism. While no mention is made of ancient kingdom within their national borders
Suvarnabhumi in the edicts of the Indian and assert ethnic and political descendancy.

68

suvarnabhumi discoveries

Thai authorities also took it upon An object from the collection of Dhammadhatto, a controversial
themselves to name Bangkok’s Thai monk who claimed the true location of Suvarnabhumi is
Suvarnabhumi Airport after Ratchaburi, west of Bangkok, bordering Myanmar
the mythical kingdom
Coins originating from the ancient kingdom of Funan
For Thai Buddhists, the “age of Suvarnabhumi”
marked a historical moment for the country in OPPOSITE PAGE BELOW
its interaction with India, as Ashoka supposedly A large hermit statue in U Thong, Giant sculptures greet and
sent his missionaries to Thailand to disseminate Suphan Buri, where Thai Buddhist welcome visitors in the passenger
the teachings of the Buddha. Both government tradition claims Suvarnabhumi terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport
proclamations and national museums insist was once located in Bangkok, Thailand
that Suvarnabhumi was found along the coast
of the country’s central plain, near the ancient
city of U Thong in what is now Suphan Buri
province. Derived from the Sanskrit suvarna,
meaning “gold”, and puri, meaning “town” or
“city”, Suphan Buri is often mentioned in ancient
Buddhist writings. To further cement the idea,
Thai authorities also took it upon themselves to
name Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after the
mythical kingdom.

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

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FEATURE | THE FABLED REALM OF SUVARNABHUMI

MYANMAR VIETNAM
LAOS

Bilin•

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

MON STATE

FUNAN
(The First Great
Southeast Asian Empire)

SUVANBHUI–MEDIA

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), one capital of Mon state, some suggest, is the
of Southeast Asia’s largest and most diverse first Therava Buddhist kingdom in Myanmar.
countries, is also known as the “Golden Land”. Meanwhile, in nearby Bilin, the government
Both the Barmar, Myanmar’s dominant ethnic has been excavating various sites, unearthing
group, and the Mon of the country’s Mon state “historical evidence” such as votive tablets
have tried to identify their ethnicity and and Buddha images, in support of the belief
with Suwarnabhumi. The city of Thaton, that the town is where the ancient city of
75 kilometres north of Mawlamyine, the Suwarnabhumi was located.

The Truth Behind Suvarnabhumi

Some historians and archaeologists have century CE. Notably, archaeological evidence
posited that the region of Southeast suggests that Funan had maritime links
Asia referred to in ancient Indian texts as with India through its port at Oc Eo, now
“Suvarnabhumi” most likely applied to the an archaeological site in a southern province
historical kingdom of Funan, an Indianised of Vietnam.
network of states centred on the Mekong
Delta – corresponding to present-day Chinese historical texts and maps describing
Cambodia, South Vietnam, Thailand, and the kingdom use the name “Funan”, but the
Laos – that flourished from the first to sixth origin of the name is the subject of much
discussion among scholars, some arguing

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Chinese historical texts and maps describing OPPOSITE PAGE ABOVE
the kingdom use the name “Funan”, but the Kyaikhtisaung The ancient Funan sites of
origin of the name is the subject of much Pagoda and accient Angkor Borei and Phnom
discussion among scholars laterite stone Da in Cambodia’s Takeo
architecture Province are impressive
near the town examples of early Khmer
of Bilin, Mon State, architecture and art
Myanmar influenced by Indian culture

that it was transcribed by the Chinese from of Suvarnabhumi – unsurprisingly, an assertion
a word related to the Khmer word for that other experts are yet to support.
“mountain”, others suggesting “Funan”
was a transcription from the first portion It seems clear that with so many claims
of the name “Suvarnabhumi”. The ethno- to Suvarnabhumi, and such scant and fragmented
linguistic nature of the kingdom’s people is evidence, we will never piece together a complete
similarly debated, with some hypothesising understanding of the origin story of this legendary
that the Funanese were Mon–Khmer, others kingdom that will shake the entrenched beliefs
that they were a multiethnic society. In 2017, of historians, politicians and religious leaders
a professor of Cambodian and Southeast across Southeast Asia. But just as obviously,
Asian history inspected tablets excavated those disparate groups can surely all agree on the
in the province of Kampong Speu adorned importance of Suvarnabhumi as a conduit for trade,
with ancient carvings. He concluded that the beliefs, and ideas between India and Southeast
inscriptions provided compelling evidence that Asia, and as such this ancient “Golden Land”
Cambodia was, in fact, the true location belongs to us all in some measure, a symbol of
what we share rather than what sets us apart. Ag

71

philippines | HIGHLIGHTS

Discovering the Wrecks of the Philippines

Text Elizabeth Lim

The Philippines is one of the largest archipelagos Subic Bay
in the world. With more than 7,600 islands, the
country is a diver’s playground, catering to divers Coron Island PHILIPPINES
of all skill levels. It is also home to some of the most
exciting wrecks, some of which can even be dived Malapascua
by beginners. Join us as we reveal the mysteries of
three of the country’s best wreck dive sites.

“Like a shipwreck or a jetty, almost
anything that forms a structure in
the ocean, whether it is natural or
artificial over time, collects life.”

- Sylvia Earle

El Capitan (USS Majaba), Subic Bay PLAN YOUR VISIT

Perfect for divers of all levels, the El Capitan LOCATION
(also known as the USS Majaba) is an American Subic Bay, Luzon Island, Philippines
freighter that was constructed in Portland, Oregon
in 1919. Used to shuttle cargo between Tulagi and GETTING THERE
Guadalcanal, it was struck on its last journey by Fly into Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International
a Japanese submarine and was towed back to the Airport (MNL) and travel by bus, taxi or private
Solomon Islands for repair. Towards the end of the hire towards Subic Bay, which is a roughly
war, the El Capitan was brought back to the Philippines two-hour drive. From there, the El Capitan
but met her demise at the hands of a storm, resulting is only a 10–20-minute boat ride away
in her sinking in Subic Bay, where she now lies. Situated
at a maximum depth of 22 metres, the El Capitan is DIVE EXPERIENCE LEVEL
around 80 metres long and structurally intact. Divers All levels (especially good for beginners)
can enjoy swimming inside the massive forward and
rear holds, and more-experienced divers can penetrate BEST TIME TO DIVE
into the cavernous boiler room. Surrounding the wreck, February to May
you can see a wide variety of marine life such as anthias,
damselfish, snapper and surgeonfish. The combination WATER TEMPERATURES
of good visibility, shallow depth and the structural Relatively warm water all year round,
integrity of the wreck makes this a great dive for novices. ranging 25°C to 30°C

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM VISIBILITY
A trimaran in Subic Bay El Capitan (USS Majaba), 2 to 30 metres
Subic Bay, Philippines
DEPTH
4 to 22 metres

72

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

philippines | HIGHLIGHTS Believed to have served as a
gunboat during World War II,
Pioneer, Malapascua the Pioneer was bombed by
torpedos in Malapascua and
Thought to be either the Oakita Maru or Mogami sustained massive damage
Maru, this Japanese warship has been dubbed before sinking in 1944
the Pioneer wreck due to a lack of identification
evidence. Measuring around 60 metres in length, PLAN YOUR VISIT
the Pioneer sits in an upright position, from a
depth of 42 metres to 54 metres, and remains LOCATION
mostly intact. As such, the wreck requires technical Malapascua, Cebu, Philippines
diving certifications to be explored. Believed to
have served as a gunboat during World War II, the GETTING THERE
Pioneer was bombed by torpedos in Malapascua and Take a flight to Mactan-Cebu
sustained massive damage before sinking in 1944. International airport (CEB).
Despite lying at a significant depth, it has remained Malapascua is a three- to
in relatively good condition and is teeming with four-hour journey by car,
marine life. You can expect to see thresher sharks, or 30 minutes by boat
eagle rays, massive scorpionfish, large groupers and
barracudas swimming around and within the wreck. DIVE EXPERIENCE LEVEL
This site should only be accessed with the use of Advanced to expert
trimix, and only when the tides are right; hence,
proper planning must be done in advance. BEST TIME TO DIVE
January to April

WATER TEMPERATURES
26°C to 30°C

VISIBILITY
10 to 30 metres

DEPTH
42 to 56 metres

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

74

ABOVE PLAN YOUR VISIT The Irako, Coron Island
Inside the Irako,
Coron Island LOCATION Perfect for advanced divers, this is one of the most
Coron, Palawan, Philippines famous wreck dives in the Philippines. Some
LEFT 147 metres long and 19 metres wide, the Irako was
The Pioneer, GETTING THERE a Japanese food supply ship that was sunk in 1944
Malapascua Take an internal flight from Manila in an American air attack during World War II.
(MNL) or Mactan-Cebu (CEB) to Busuanga Accompanying the Irako is an entire supply fleet,
Airport (USU). From there, Coron is including freighters, a seaplane tender and gunboats,
30 minutes away by car. The Irako making this spot a true wreck diver’s paradise.
wreck is a short speedboat ride away The Irako is still largely intact, and visibility in the
area is usually good. During your dive, you are likely
DIVE EXPERIENCE LEVEL to bump into tuna, groupers, green sea turtles,
Advanced lionfishes, and sometimes even barracudas and
trevallies. Given the wreck’s depth and the occasionally
BEST TIME TO DIVE strong currents, the dive should only be attempted by
December to March experienced divers who have the necessary training and
equipment. Additionally, to increase bottom time, diving
WATER TEMPERATURES with nitrox is recommended. ag
25°C to 31°C depending on the season

VISIBILITY
5 to 15 metres

DEPTH
25 to 45 metres

75

TIMELESS

The Gift

By Li-Young Lee

To pull the metal splinter from my palm Look how I shave her thumbnail down
my father recited a story in a low voice. so carefully she feels no pain.
I watched his lovely face and not the blade. Watch as I lift the splinter out.
Before the story ended, he’d removed I was seven when my father
the iron sliver I thought I’d die from. took my hand like this,
and I did not hold that shard
I can’t remember the tale, between my fingers and think,
but hear his voice still, a well Metal that will bury me,
of dark water, a prayer. christen it Little Assassin,
And I recall his hands, Ore Going Deep for My Heart.
two measures of tenderness And I did not lift up my wound and cry,
he laid against my face, Death visited here!
the flames of discipline I did what a child does
he raised above my head. when he’s given something to keep.
I kissed my father.
Had you entered that afternoon
you would have thought you saw a man
planting something in a boy’s palm,
a silver tear, a tiny flame.
Had you followed that boy
you would have arrived here,
where I bend over my wife’s right hand.

LI-YOUNG LEE (b. 1957) is an American poet,
born in Jakarta, Indonesia, to Chinese parents,
who is best known for his influence on Asian
American poetry. Often writing from personal
experiences and memories, Lee’s poems are
filled with themes of simplicity, strength and
silence, and are all strongly influenced by his
family history, childhood and individuality. He
has received numerous awards for his work.

SHUTTERSTOCK

76

K8P0V4L

METAL

ISLAND TOURISM OF
SOUTH ASIA

Journey to South Asia with us as we take you on a tour around two of the SHUTTERSTOCK
most amazing islands found in the region. With crystal-clear waters, white
sand beaches, incredible marine life and the most amazing dive sites, these
islands will make you feel as though you’ve just stepped into paradise.

Text Elizabeth Lim

77

| SOUTH ASIA

{Delft IslanD – Palk straIt, srI lanka}

Also known as Neduntheevu or Nedunthivu, the 16th century. Originally utilised for the
the island of Delft is located in the Palk Strait, rearing of cattle and horses, the island was first
northern Sri Lanka. Unlike many other islands described as Ilha das Vacas, meaning “Island of
in Sri Lanka whose names are in Tamil, Delft Cows”, before the name was later changed by
goes by a Dutch name, taking after the city in the Dutch. Delft is famously home to over 500
the Netherlands named by Rijckloff van Goens. wild horses, which were originally brought to
Shaped in a rough oval, Delft covers just 50 the island in the 1600s by the Portuguese and
square kilometres – around eight kilometres raised for the needs of the army. The horses are
long by six kilometres wide – and is surrounded protected by the government and have been left
by shallow waters and beaches of broken coral to roam through the dry thickets of the southern
and white sand. Delft is home to a largely part of the island, and though many have
Christian and Hindu Tamil community, who owners, the great majority still live freely and
lives closer to the northern coast. have never been used for work.

Delft is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s Arriving to the island, you feel its history
islands with a history that spans over 1,000 tugging at your sleeves with every step you take.
years. The history and heritage of Delft has been From the quaint villages to the colonial ruins
influenced by Ceylon’s relationships with the from centuries ago, Delft offers more than what
Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists since meets the eye.

78

DELFT ISLAND FORT IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

Also known as Delf Balakotuwa or by the locals Delft is the second largest of
as Neduntheevu Fort or Meekaman Fort, Delft Sri Lanka’s islands with a history
Island Fort was traditionally believed to be that spans over 1,000 years
attributed to the Karaiya king Meekaman and
built by the Portuguese before later being RIGHT TOP ABOVE
taken over by the Dutch. The fort is built from
coral and limestone and is the first and only Ancient pigeon cote A large banyan The ruins of
one of its kind to be made from such materials. for carrier pigeons tree extends its Delft Island Fort,
used during Dutch and canopy over a also known as
Portuguese colonial times wide area Meekaman Fort

79

| SOUTH ASIA

THE QUEEN’S TOWER

Also known as Quindah Tower, this tower was
built by the Dutch during their rule in Sri Lanka.
Located on the southern coast of Delft, at the
highest point of the island, the Queen’s Tower
was once used as a lighthouse or navigation
point by both the Dutch and the British. A
chimney-like shaft is found inside the tower,
where a fire was lit at the base, creating a
vacuum that forced air upwards. It may have
been used for fire or smoke signals, or have
allowed sailors to see the light from a distance.

HANUMAN FOOTPRINT surface. Local Hindus believe that the footprint
belongs to the monkey-faced Hindu god, who
Travelling from the Queen’s Tower along was the helper of the deity Rama. On one of
the southern coastline, the famous Hanuman Hanuman’s many trips to Sri Lanka, so the
Footprint can be found at a village called legend goes, he stopped on Delft Island and left
Sarapiddi, roughly halfway between the the giant footprint behind with his jump back
tower and the fort. A settlement area with towards India.
widely dispersed inhabited houses,
Sarappidi is known for the fascinating coral TOP ABOVE
walls surrounding private properties. The
Hanuman Footprint, or “Giant’s Footprint”, Standing seven metres tall, The giant footprint that
said to have been left by a man who was the Queen’s Tower was once local Hindus attribute
about 13 metres tall, is set into a stone used as a navigation point or to the monkey-faced
possibly a lighthouse hero of the Ramayana

80

Jaffna
NORTHERN
SRI LANKA

SRILANKA

Hanuman Dutch Fort
Footprint
Delft IslanD

Queen’s Tower

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK eat

TRAVEL GUIDE Being a small island, Delft does not offer much in
terms of restaurants, and many visitors choose to
DELFT ISLAND have a good meal before travelling to the island.
However, one of the main eateries is The Island Hut,
GETTING THERE which serves seafood, curries and rice. There are also
Travel to Jaffna, the capital city of the a couple of convenience stores scattered around, but
Northern Province, before journeying definitely consider bringing drinks and snacks if you
an hour west to Punkuditivu Pier. From want your own munchies for the trip
there, the best way to get to Delft
Island is via an hour’s ferry, stay
which runs daily
There are few accommodation options available
BEST TIME TO VISIT on the island. If you are interested in visiting,
March to September, when there is your best bet would be to stay in the areas
lower rainfall in the region around Delft and travel to the island for the day

ABOVE

Wild horse sanctuary
in Delft Island

81

| SOUTH ASIA

{swaraj DweeP – anDaman IslanDs, InDIa}

82

Swaraj Dweep is famous
for its swimming elephants
and beautiful reefs

Swaraj Dweep is one of the main islands
in Ritchie’s Archipelago, a cluster of small
islands 20 kilometres east of Great Andaman,
the principal archipelago of India’s Andaman
Islands. Originally known as Havelock Island,
after British general Sir Henry Havelock, who
served in India, the island was later renamed
as a tribute to Indian nationalist Subhas
Chandra Bose, who hoisted the Indian
flag at Port Blair on December 30th, 1943,
proClaiming the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
as territories liberated from British rule.
Focusing on the promotion of eco-tourism,
Swaraj Dweep covers an area of over 90
square kilometres and is famed for three
beaches: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach
and Kalapatthar Beach.

The island was once inhabited by tribal
natives, but there are now settlers from
different parts of the Indian mainland. Even
though the government actively promotes
tourism on theisland, it remains relatively
unaffected by modern and technology. Swaraj
Dweep is famous for its swimming elephants
and beautiful reefs.

LEFT
An elephant enjoys a stroll along
Radhanagar Beach, one of Swaraj
Dweep’s popular beaches

IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

83

| SOUTH ASIA

ELEPHANT BEACH

Known for its pristine corals, abundant marine
life, and perfect sand, Elephant Beach is a
paradise for divers, snorkellers and sunseekers
alike, and visitors can also enjoy kayaking,
trekking and birdwatching. One of the most
beautiful spots in the whole of the Andamans,
the beach got its name from days past when
elephants were transported to the island to help
people reach the beach before the time of boats.
Today, you can enjoy a ride around the beach on
elephant back.

BELOW BELOW RIGHT RIGHT

A sea star among An elephant A mahout guides his
vibrant corals off takes a dip elephant in the sea as
Elephant Beach tourists watch from
Elephant Beach

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

84

85

| SOUTH ASIA
86

RADHANAGAR BEACH

Recognised among the very best beaches
in Asia, Radhanagar Beach is a must-visit spot
that welcomes sand junkies into a world of
complete serenity and relaxation. Located on
the western coast and surrounded by a lush
jungle, Radhanagar Beach offers a panoramic
view of the ocean complemented by the white
of its sand. The beach is also the island’s
most famous place to watch the sunset over
the open horizon.

Radhanagar Beach is a
must-visit spot that welcomes
sand junkies into a world of
complete serenity and relaxation

LEFT ABOVE

Soft white sand Get your dose of
all to yourself at emerald blue water
Radhanagar Beach at Radhanagar Beach

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK

87

| SOUTH ASIA

BARREN ISLAND species of rodents have adapted to the harsh
conditions over the years. Due to the remoteness of
A couple of hours from Swaraj Dweep, Barren the area, much of the island’s surrounding waters
Island is the only confirmed active volcano in have remained in pristine condition, making it one
South Asia and the only active volcano along of the best spots for scuba diving in the Andamans.
a chain of volcanos from Sumatra to Myanmar. Unlike the beaches on Swaraj Dweep, Barren
Located where the Indian and Burmese tectonic Island’s are covered with black sand, which has
plates meet, the island is almost two million years helped to nurture and maintain the beauty of the
old, with the first recorded eruption dating back island’s corals, sponges and sea anemones. ag
to 1787. Little vegetation and few animals inhabit
the island, but it has been discovered that certain

IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

88

Barren Island

Elephant Beach Kalapatthar Beach eat

Port Blair Radhanagar Beach The staples in the Andamans include rice, coconut,
ANDAMAN and spices, but the islands are best known for their
ISLANDS swaraj seafood dishes – visitors can enjoy a wide variety
DweeP at the island’s numerous eateries:
INDIA
• FULL MOON CAFÉ
NICOBAR By far the most popular and well-known on the
ISLANDS island, this café is run by an Irish Indian couple
and serves seafood, salads, pasta, Indian bites
TRAVEL GUIDE and much more, for very affordable prices

SWARAJ DWEEP • ANJU COCO RESTO
This roadside restaurant, one of the island
GETTING THERE favourites, serves Indian-international family
First head to Port Blair, the capital city of the recipes. Try their famous signature veg platter
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located about with charred paneer, or the best grilled tuna on
70 kilometres north of the city, Swaraj Dweep the island
is most easily accessed via either privately
run or government operated ferries. For a • AMAYA LOUNGE BAR
seamless booking process, the former is the If you’re looking for a romantic spot for dinner,
better option Amaya is the place to go. Located on a rooftop, this
restaurant overlooks the iconic North Bay
BEST TIME TO VISIT and serves you amazing seafood on a platter
October to March is the best option to avoid
the monsoon rains. The island can get stay
crowded during the Indian school holidays
between December and January The island offers visitors an excellent range
of accommodations to suit all budgets, but
Barren Island is the only especially those who want to splurge. Staying
confirmed active volcano in at these luxurious resorts will complete your
South Asia and the only active paradise getaway.
volcano along a chain of volcanos
from Sumatra to Myanmar 1 Barefoot Resort

LEFT If you’re looking for the perfect paradise retreat,
The 350-metre-high Barren Island is the emergent summit of a Barefoot is for you. Offering 31 well-kept cottages,
stratovolcano that rises from a depth of more than 2,000 metres villas and tents, all with modern amenities, this
resort provides delectable in-house restaurants
and rejuvenating spa therapies
www.barefoot-andaman.com

2 Havelock Island Beach Resort

A unique property famous for its sandy beaches
and tropical rainforest canopy, this hotel is the
most frequented by foreigners visiting the island
www.havelockislandbeachresort.com

3 Silver Sand

The most exclusive place to stay on the island,
Silver Sand provides luxury and serenity for
families and couples alike, even offering a private
beach area for those who want some privacy
www.silversandhotels.com

89

ROLEX | HIGHLIGHTS

Enabling Artists to Perpetuate Their Art

In keeping with its long-standing commitment ABOVE The Palais Garnier
to the world of music, Rolex launched an
initiative to support musicians and singers At each concert, one of three Rolex Testimonees –
during this critical period of COVID-19. Juan Diego Flórez, Rolando Villazón and Sonya
This project aligns with the brand’s desire to Yoncheva, who has supported this project from the
have the art form endure as an integral part outset – presented the repertoire prepared with singers
of everyday life. and musicians and performed solo or in various
ensembles. French violinist Renaud Capuçon, who
Starting on August 21, 2020 and continuing joined the proceedings in Paris, also participated in
through to early September, three Rolex organising this initiative.
“Perpetual Music” concerts took place in
Italy, Germany and France. The concert schedule was as follows: Teatro
Rossini, Pesaro, Friday 21 August, with Juan Diego
Flórez, featuring an orchestra; Berlin Staatsoper,

90

“Our aim is to support the world
of music and provide the
opportunity to musicians and
singers to have their art live
on by performing at prestigious
venues with the finest acoustics.”

- Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication and Image

ABOVE The Palais Garnier's magnificent ceiling by Marc Chagall “Our aim is to support the world of music and
unveiled in 1964 provide the opportunity to musicians and singers to
have their art live on by performing at prestigious
venues with the finest acoustics,” said Arnaud
Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication &
Image. “By broadcasting the concerts via medici.tv,
a Rolex partner for over a decade, the artists
supported in this project will benefit from worldwide
visibility. Significantly, this gift of time and exposure
is in keeping with the company’s pursuit of
excellence and its long-term commitment to foster
the work of those who aim to reach the pinnacle
of their profession. Last but not least, within the
context of these unprecedented circumstances, this
project is also a way for us to help keep music as an
essential element in our daily lives.”

As part of Rolex’s legacy, the company has
encouraged exceptional performance and artistic
development for nearly 50 years. Its endorsement
of these concerts is a prime example of the
brand’s broad support for music across the globe.
Currently, Rolex is also helping to fund artists at the
Metropolitan Opera in New York whose work is
affected by the virus.

Tuesday 1 September, with Sonya Yoncheva in a A Gift for Artists
recital programme; the Opéra National de Paris
(Palais Garnier), Thursday 3 September, with Each artist, no matter what instrument they play
Rolando Villazón and Renaud Capuçon, featuring or their voice type, was personally selected based
a repertoire of baroque and chamber music. on their talent and requirements by one of the
three Rolex Testimonees and the violinist Renaud
These concerts involved approximately 100 artists Capuçon – all four have worked previously with
whose work and lives have been adversely affected these artists – and performed in a single concert.
by the pandemic. The initiative reached hundreds of All selected artists were remunerated.
thousands of people in over 180 countries through
the free streaming service that was available on the
medici.tv platform until the end of October.

ROLEX | HIGHLIGHTS

Spotlight on the Four International Artists

RolexTestimonee JuanDiegoFlórez RolexTestimonee Sonya Yoncheva

OPERA SINGER OPERA SINGER

Juan Diego Flórez is one of today’s most celebrated and Sonya Yoncheva is heralded as
beloved tenors. With a career that includes performances one of the most exciting performers of her
on the world’s leading stages, the Peruvian known for generation.The renowned Bulgarian-Swiss
his expressive singing and virtuosity has established operatic soprano is in constant demand at the
himself as a great opera talent. In addition to his operatic world’s greatest opera houses, from the Opéra
appearances and recordings, his generosity and passion National de Paris to La Scala and the Met. She
inspire his many philanthropic endeavours. He became a joined the family of Rolex Testimonees in 2011.
Rolex Testimonee in 2015.

ABOVE Rolex Testimonee ABOVE Rolex Testimonee
Juan Diego Flórez Sonya Yoncheva

92

Rolex Testimonee Rolando Villazón Renaud Capuçon

OPERA SINGER VIOLINIST

Rolando Villazón is one of the music world’s most Renaud Capuçon is a French violinist
critically acclaimed and treasured lyric tenors and known and loved for his elegance,
among today’s most versatile artists. Alongside his generosity, virtuosity and depth of tone.
onstage career, he is also a successful stage director, Firmly established internationally as a major
novelist, TV and radio personality and Artistic soloist, recitalist and chamber musician,
Director of the Mozartwoche Salzburg. Almost all he works with the world’s most prestigious
of his recordings are bestsellers, winning gold or orchestras, artists, venues and festivals.
platinum awards. He has been a Rolex Testimonee
since 2005.

ABOVE Rolex Testimonee ABOVE French Violinist For more information, visit:
Rolando Villazón, in the role Renaud Capuçon www.rolex.org/arts/perpetual-music
of Lucio Silla at the Salzburg
Festival in 2013 93

ASIAN Geographic magazine Digital
is going through a rehaul!
Featuring 2020 editorial lineup No. 144
Metal Issue
Elements of Life,
Colours of Asia

In 2019, ASIAN Geographic celebrated 20 years of
bringing Asia to the world, and we have an exciting
lineup for 2020. Our editorial calendar is based on a
philosophical approach toWu Xing, or the five elements
in Chinese philosophy – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and
Metal – with our last issue of the year focusing on bringing
these elements together, all through travel.

Our first five 2020 issues are colour-coded in blue, green, SPECIAL
red, brown, and silver, to address our respective themes, RATE
and each issue includes aPASSPORT section that will
focus on a specific region in Asia. The sixth and final E-MAGAZINE ONE YEAR
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FEATURED REGION: FEATURED REGION: FEATURED REGION: FEATURED REGION:
SOUTHEAST ASIA WEST ASIA EAST ASIA CENTRAL ASIA

Water Wood Fire Earth

An inherent part of our Wood, sometimes The motion of fire is Earth is a balance of both
lives, the water element translated as Tree, upward and its energy is yin and yang. Its motion is
is downward and inward, symbolises growth and expansive, representing inward and centring, and
and its energy is stillness longevity, much like the dynamism, strength, its energy is stabilising
and conserving. This issue bamboo stems that are persistence, and and conserving. Earth is
covers everything blue, strong, flexible, and some prosperity. This issue associated with practicality,
whether by taking a plunge of the fastest growing will look at brightness, hard work and stability.
into the waters – where we plants in the world. As the warmth, heat and the full In this issue, we look
will swim amongst issues first phase of Wu Xing, it bloom of flowers, fruits, at Asia balancing
of ocean governance, also signifies the birth and and creativity in the arts sustainability, conservation,
conservation, sustainability, beginning of life. This issue and culture of Asia. and economic growth, as
or diving – or even just by celebrates and navigates well as exciting solutions
sipping on the Asian-native through the most that can spur a new green
butterfly pea flower tea important thing known to economy while shining a
from the pods planted in the living: life itself. spotlight on marine and
your garden. wildlife conservation.

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SOUTH ASIA year

Metal TRAVEL ISSUE SOUTH EAST ASIA year (10 + 2 Issues)

Metal’s motion is TfeinTIeidShvdhteiiLoitistsiAeioaPoPlNnenfAAuDmwSwSllTSieSillcOlPnlPibUtrObOscrrRRRilitnenIToTSg,ggMssaeaappstlleelhlictcttehhiiiraaseell (BRUNEI, INDONESIA, (5 + 1 Issues) year
inwards, and its mfiveeaneltetmo ebnet,satnodgwetehewrill PHILIPPINES,
energy is contracting. einxptoloarefuallllctirhcelec,oarsneitriss THAILAND) (10 + 2 Issues)
Metal attributes are omf Aeasniat thorboeu,gahndWwueXwinigll.
firmness, rigidity, Wexaptelorr,eWaollotdh,eFciroer,nEearsrth, REST OF ASIA, year year
persistence, strength, and aonfdAMsiaettahlrwouilglhenWcuomXipnags. s AUSTRALIA,
determination. This issue of tWheatlearr,gWesotocdo,nFtiirnee,nt in the NEW ZEALAND (5 + 1 Issues) (10 + 2 Issues)
ASIAN Geographic looks at wEoarrltdh,, aanndd aMlletthale
all the special festivals and berwlteaxehgicrelsglieoeweepnesnotsnitcrolcoitndnhoma,nrAalpotsnilauneidasgenshanwsltt.tlihlhitlnehise REST OF THE WORLD year
remembrance days that regions in Asia will
are celebrated by different be seen through this (5 + 1 Issues)
countries and cultures all exceptional lens.
across Asia, as we contract
and combine the things
that make this continent so
vast, yet so unique.

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CELEBRATING THE HEART OF ASIA

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Photo/Video
Competition 2020/2021

SUBMISSION CLOSES

01.03.2021

PHOTOJOURNALISM
STREET / PEOPLE
BLACK+WHITE
LANDSCAPE
WILDLIFE
YOUTH
FOOD

Online Vote Ends: 12.03.2021 © Donell Gumiran – Entry for Street/People Category
Live Judging: 11.04.2021

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STREET/PEOPLE CATEGORY YOUTH CATEGORY MOBILE CATEGORY WILDLIFE CATEGORY LANDSCAPE CATEGORY
“Sharing Emotion” “Robberfly Mating” “#IShotOniPhone” “Dreaming Indonesia” “Pigeons at Jama Mosque”

by Mohd Nazri Sulaiman, Malaysia by Wisnu Bangun Saputro, Indonesia by Khairul Amin, Singapore by Franco Tulli, Italy by Lee Shing Yaw, Malaysia
SONY SLT-A58 85mm f/5.6 1/100 ISO 400 Vivo 1611 3.8mm f/2 1/210 ISO 50 Apple iPhone X 4mm f/1.8 1/120 ISO 50 Canon EOS 7D Mark II 60mm f/14 1/160 ISO 100 Nikon D750 18mm f/5.6 1/2500 ISO 800

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Photo: Zon Hisham Bin Zainal Abidin, Finalist For ASIAN Geographic Images Of Asia 2019 Official Partner: Official Media:

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