Respirology and the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology represent a remarkable array of countries, cultures and lung disease profiles in the Asia-Pacific Region. There are often interesting changes, developments, controversies and problems that occur in the Region that go unappreciated-and often unnoticed-by others in this region. The Editors-inChief felt that this presented an opportunity to get to know more about our Region whilst providing some entertaining reading. It is our hope that our readers will enjoy the 'Letter', look forward to reading it and ultimately offer to contribute and help to inform us of what is happening in their 'backyard'. Correspondence and opinions about the 'Letter' are welcomed.