Enter the Year of the Dragon with the February/March issue of Forbes Asia.

Forbes Asia February/March 2024 cover

Welcome to the first issue of the year and also to the Lunar New Year. The year 2024 is represented by the Year of the Dragon, which is considered the most powerful symbol among the 12 astrological signs. Some well-known leaders born in the Year of the Dragon includeLi Ka-shingandJack Ma.

Experts say that this could be a year of significant change and strong leadership to make a difference. This year will be an election year, with about half of the world's population going to the polls. Elections have already taken place in Indonesia, and at the end of the year, elections will be held in the United States.

However, the dragon, as it possesses great power, can also cause volatility. An old saying goes that a crisis creates opportunities, but what about volatility?

Japan and the United Kingdom are currently in recession, growth in Germany and China is lagging, and the U.S. economy is showing warning signs, such as a downturn in commercial real estate and below-average retail sales in January. This release may hint at potential opportunities and risks for the dragon.

The cover about Singapore Airlines details how CEO Goh Choon Phong used the downturn caused by the pandemic to allow the airline to recover significantly during the recovery period, as evidenced by recent record results. A historic deal in India, set to close later this year, is expected to further strengthen the airline's position as an aviation giant with strong long-term growth prospects.