How Valentine's Day is celebrated across Asia

Asia has a bit of a love-hate relationship with Valentine's Day. While some countries have embraced the western holiday — even putting their own unique twists on it — others are less enamoured. From obligation chocolates to a day dedicated to Kim Jong-il, here's how Asia will be marking February 14.

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Expert insight: Thai princess election shocker

Thailand’s tumultuous politics were highlighted last week with the news the Thai Raksa Chart party had nominated Princess Ubolratana as its candidate for prime minister. We interviewed Associate Professor James Ockey from the University of Canterbury about what the drama means for Thai politics.

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Talking same-sex in Thailand

Thailand may soon become the first country in Asia to recognise same-sex unions. Did you know there are a huge number of terms in the Thai language to describe sexual and gender identities and relationships? Here are some examples of the extensive Thai LGBT vocabulary.

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The Asia New Zealand Foundation is offering a grant to allow a New Zealand newsroom leader or senior journalist the chance to participate in the 2019 Jefferson Fellowships programme to Asia.

Theme: Migration Policy and Public Sentiment

Destinations: Honolulu, Hawaii; Seoul, South Korea, Manila, Philippines; and Sydney, Australia

Dates: 21 April to 12 May, 2019 

Application deadline: 15 February (5pm Friday)

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What have media in Asia been reporting about New Zealand? Here’s a roundup of news and views from the region.

• Amis teens head for 10-day exchange trip to New Zealand
  TAIPEI TIMES | TAIWAN
   
• Pinoy voters in New Zealand want voting centers in major cities 
  GMA NEWS ONLINE | PHILIPPINES
   
• New Zealand holds grand celebration for Lunar New Year
  XINHUA | CHINA
   
• New Zealand: Local govt infrastructure totalling US$10bn faces sea level threat 
  ASIA INSURANCE REVIEW
   
• Help displaced Hanjin workers, DOLE urged
  THE PHILIPPINE STAR | PHILIPPINES

• Singapore and New Zealand mutually extend automated immigration clearance facilities from Feb 12
  THE STRAITS TIMES | SINGAPORE

What have media in New Zealand been reporting about Asia? Here's a roundup of stories from the past week. 

• Social influencers hold the key for NZ wine companies eager to enter the Asian market
  NEW ZEALAND HERALD
   
• The truth about living in Singapore according to Kiwis who live there  
  STUFF
   
• Chinese migrant workers: 'We've been cheated'
  RADIO NEW ZEALAND
   
• NZ exports to Asia topped $29 billion last year
  NEW ZEALAND HERALD
   
• 'The appeal is growing' - All Black Matt Todd explains Japanese rugby lure
  1 NEWS
   
• Migrant's job struggle highlights Kiwi assumptions
  STUFF  

China: Pufferfish without the poison

The dangerous Japanese delicacy of fugu, or pufferfish, is seeing a huge swell in popularity in China. Chinese fish farmers have recently suceeded in breeding non-toxic varieties, so diners can enjoy the fish without fear of poisoning.

South Korea: BTS make their Grammys debut

K-pop supergroup BTS made history this week as the first Korean band to present at the Grammy Awards. All seven members took to the stage, much to the delight of their more than 18 million Twitter followers. 

Thailand: #SaveHakeem is free

Refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi has been freed from his Thai jail cell and is on his way home to Australia. The 25-year-old Bahraini was detained in Bangkok in November, sparking a global movement, #SaveHakeem, calling for his release.