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Situations
Big Boys
US-China tension
Jakarta Post,  02 February
With its gigantic economy, China now is much more confident in facing the West, including the US, which is on the brink of economic collapse. There is growing frustration in America where millions have lost their jobs in the last two years and massive layoffs continue.
Regions
East Asia
Scholars split on Nanking Massacre
Asahi Shimbun,  02 February
Wide gaps remained between Japanese and Chinese academics concerning details of the 1937 Nanking Massacre in a joint history study intended to narrow their differences and improve relations.
South Asia
Agencies harass citizens of Bengali origin
The Nation, Pakistan,  02 February , Sikander Shaheen
Islamabad – Repeated instances of harassment of Pak nationals of Bengali origin at the hands of security agencies are falling on deaf ears, not even a little attention is being paid by the Government to the plight of those nationals who are victimised and marginalized in the name of purging out illegal expatriates.
South East Asia
Some key recommendations
Today,  03 February , Teo Xuanwei

To become Asia's most liveable city

 

- Boost vibrancy in areas with unique heritage and character, eg Bras Basah-Bugis, Orchard Road, Singapore River; decentralise economic activities, eg to Jurong Lake District, Paya Lebar
Malaysia's Anwar says PM behind sodomy trial
The China Post,  02 February
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday accused Malaysia's prime minister and his wife of involvement in bringing the sodomy case against him, and said he would seek to put them on the witness stand to prove it.
Economics
Business
Parts on way to fix Toyota pedals
Japan Times,  02 February

Some U.S. dealerships to stay open 24 hours a day to bring massive, costly recall to an end

Frozen food makers try to lure frugal consumers
Asahi Shimbun,  02 February
Frozen food makers are stepping up efforts to lure customers with new products, drawing on a growing need of belt-tightening amid the stagnant economy.
Shanghai developer wins Bund site for 9.22b yuan
The Standard,  02 February , SophieHe

Shanghai Zendai Property (0755) has successfully fought off rivals in an auction and bought a site near the Bund in Shanghai for 9.22 billion yuan (HK$10.48 billion) - the highest price ever in the mainland's financial hub.

Technology & Environment
People
Tycoon Ng Teng Fong dies
The Straits Times,  02 February

SINGAPORE'S richest man, property magnate Ng Teng Fong died early on Tuesday morning after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage 10 days ago.

Tony Chan loses 'Battle of Wills'
The Standard,  02 February , Patsy Moy
The High Court today threw out a fung shui master's claim for the estimated HK$100 billion fortune of late property tycoon Nina Wang after a sensational court battle.
Weekend
Travel & Leisure
Adachi still lifes
The world's top-rated gardens await visitors to Shimane Prefecture [ldr]
Japan Times,  24 January , Stephen Mansfield
Just 20 km east of Matsue, the impressive collection of paintings and ceramics at the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, is at risk of being upstaged by its six superlative landscaped gardens.
Diver's delight
The Nation, Thailand,  23 January , Janet Wijayasinha
Koh Tao, a delightful island off Thailand's southern coast between Surat Thani and Chumphon, is a haven for families and tourists wanting to chill on white sandy beaches as well as for divers on the look out for gin-clear waters.
Books & Arts
Sunbathing in Taiwan
The funny thing about Ju Ming's poolside beauties is they never actually get in the pool
The Nation, Thailand,  28 January , Manote Tripathi
The "Living World Series - Swimming" show at the Juming Museum in Jinshan just outside Taipei, features Ju's collection of stainless steel sculptures of the ladies on a day out by the pool. It celebrates not just the grace of female beauty, but the artist's innovative approach - a marriage of artistic concepts and industrial skills.
Biographer of Dr. M paints gloomy picture of Malaysia
Jakarta Post,  28 January
Former Malaysian strongman Mahathir Mohamad sowed the seeds of religious extremism that now rears its ugly head in the form of attacks against Christian churches there, his biographer Barry Wain says.
Breaking News
Op Ed