Letter from the Publisher

Over the past few months, under the spectre of a global health crisis that requires all of us to question our very way of living, it hasn’t always been easy to look forward with optimism and a clear sense of purpose. As our friends and colleagues around the region adapt to extreme measures designed to stem further spread of the coronavirus, as borders close and markets quake, it is a natural reaction to seek shelter through this storm—to stay in one place, to isolate.

But it is also important that we choose to use this moment to reflect on our own responsibilities and how we can do better for our communities, both literal, in the case of our families and neighbors, and symbolic, in the sense of industries and leaders. When we began to conceive this issue several months ago, we chose a broad theme of the future, sustainability and technology, recognising these were topics of utmost importance in a world that is rapidly changing. We could not have predicted just how urgently these subjects would come marching to the front of the global conversation as we now spend more of our lives working, conversing, shopping, even exercising remotely, or in virtual reality. In that context, many of the features took on new meaning and significance, especially our cover story about The Last Glaciers, a new documentary by Hong Kong filmmaker Craig Leeson that makes crystal clear the devastating impact of global warming on the daily environment around every single one of us.

As part of our commitment to expand the relevancy of Tatler Asia for a modern and diverse audience, we are seeking to emphasise individuals like Leeson who remind us of the critical need to remain connected. One thing we can all do to remain positive is to share our stories. By exchanging ideas and information and, hopefully, inspiring others to action, we can make a real difference in the course of history. Just look at what leaders in our community are already doing to help by taking immediate actions to produce medical supplies and share them with the rest of the world regardless of politics or optics. We are proud to be in Asia and have been incredibly moved by how the entire region has mobilised to win this battle. Going forward, we will be bringing you more and more coverage of what powerful and influential thought-leaders are doing to support everyone.

For our part, we are determined to embrace the future, whether online or in real life, and we invite everyone to join us in looking forward, together.