Large-scale data sets and sophisticated quantitative techniques are improving our understanding of forest dynamics globally. This talk will focus on the results of two Center for Tropical Forest Science cross-site analyses addressing two key questions: (1) What drives variation in tree species diversity in time and space? and (2) How does tree species diversity relate to ecosystem function? I will then continue on the species diversity theme by giving an overview of two new theoretical models we are developing: the first seeks to explain plant species diversity on small islands; the second provides estimates of undetected species extinction rates in Singapore and across the world in recent centuries. I will conclude with a discussion of the future of quantitative ecology research in Asia.