Imran Amed, CEO and founder of fashion website The Business of Fashion (BoF), has solidified his place as an authority in the global fashion and luxury industries. At the Tatler Best of Asia event in November in Bangkok, he offered insights on the evolving landscape of luxury, from the meteoric rise of Southeast Asia to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence.

Amed, who was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for his contributions to the fashion world, explained luxury brands must now strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity and reinvention, as hospitality, technology, and shifting consumer values continue to reshape the landscape.

“In Southeast Asia, you have all of these economies that are fast-growing, young populations and curious customers,” Amed said, pinpointing Thailand—the location of the event—as an example. Amid a global economic slowdown, he said, luxury brands are looking beyond traditional strongholds.

Read more: Inside the inaugural Tatler Best of Asia, two days of extraordinary celebrations in Bangkok

One afternoon in late November, Tatler was found enjoying some unscheduled leisure time in the sun at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens, deep in the New Territories in Hong Kong, speculating as to the location of our interviewee. As the two-hour mark approached, we received word that the interview was on hold to “see if the bird would fly”.

In some cases, we might have asked to reschedule. But in this case, we’d have waited hours more—after all, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to speak to Dr Jane Goodall, and if she wants to wait for the possible release of a convalescent black kite, we’re happy to sit tight. Renowned ethologist Goodall was in Hong Kong as part of her regular trips around the world with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), which she undertakes on more than 300 days of the year to spread her urgent message about the need for climate action. She was in Singapore in December, 2024, where, as part of her visit, she helped launch the 100k Corals Initiative, spearheaded by the National Parks Board. Singapore’s most extensive coral restoration effort aims to plant 100,000 corals in Singapore’s waters over the next 10 years and beyond. 

Read more: 10 key takeaways from primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, who returns to Hong Kong after six years

Asia’s culinary scene is often framed by its heavy hitters. Tokyo dazzles with precision and artistry, Bangkok delivers the riotous kick of spice and street food chaos, and Hong Kong flaunts its cosmopolitan diversity. These top travel destinations often dominate the conversation—the darlings of globetrotting food lovers and social media feeds. But, for all their brilliance, they can sometimes feel a little too obvious.

The real intrigue lies elsewhere—in places where food isn’t merely a commodity for tourism campaigns but an act of cultural preservation and everyday joy. These cities don’t clamour for global recognition; they simply get on with the business of being extraordinary. Their food speaks for itself—quietly, sometimes, but always with a sense of place and purpose that comes from generations of care. Together, they remind us why Asia remains one of the most thrilling playgrounds for the adventurous eater. All you need to do is let your appetite lead the way. If you’re ready to step off the well-worn path, here’s where to start.

When Malaysian haematologist Swee Lay Thein stepped onto the stage at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last November to receive The Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine, it was a celebration of two milestones in human history: first, her discovery of a genetic mechanism that can alter haemoglobin between the foetal stage and adulthood, leading to the world’s first cure for beta-thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia; second, she became only the sixth female laureate in the award’s history.

The selection process for The Shaw Prize, which is presented to scientists who make discoveries fundamental to the advancement of civilisation, has always been open to all genders. But between its launch in 2002 and last year, there had only been five female laureates in the life science and medicine category out of a total of 43; Thein was the only female scientist to win in 2024.

Don’t miss: International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Meet the inspiring women who are advancing science in Asia