Power, Money, Culture. The world's axis is spinning to Asia. Haslinda Amin meets the people shaping the region's rise.

Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his proChina stance, has criticized his predecessor Mohammed Solih for granting India of allowing India an unchecked sway over the island nation’s affairs influence by allowing Indian troops to be stationed there. Now, less than a month in office he has started the task of navigating the tugofwar between India and China. He also finds himself on the frontlines of Global Warming. In less than 30 years, 80% of the Maldives could be uninhabitable.