Asia Weekly

Fashionably Asian

New York's recent Fashion Week, Mecca to the world's "frockerati," saw a significant influx of designers from Asia, says Suzy Menkes in the International Herald Tribune. Models sporting styles from fresh names like Thai Thakoon Panichgul, Malaysian Zang Toi, Chinese-Americans Peter Som and Alexander Wang and Korean-American Richard Chai strutted down the hottest catwalks in town.

Singapore: A dog is for life, or a Christmas weekend

Those who doubt their commitment or competence when it comes to owning a canine companion should pop in to rent-a-pet service Easy Dogz, says Ho Lian-Yi for The New Paper. The company's 10 dogs will jump (or sit) to the command of just about anyone, having been rigorously trained by prisoners as part of a rehabilitation program.

Shopaholic

You might not be able to wear it for long, but the unique snake necklace currently touring the world transcends the known limits of temptation. Commissioned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of French jewellery maker Boucheron, the serpent hints at decadence with its 20.8 karat tinted diamond tongue, says Tom Wilkins for Lussorian.com. But its body is made entirely of chocolate, a "work of art" crafted by the creative director of La Maison Du Chocolat.

In Transit

A survey of expatriates from 23 countries ranked Malaysia's taxi service as the "worst in the world," citing "unkempt and hostile drivers" who notoriously overcharge their customers as the primary reason for the choice, says Agence France-Presse.

The ability to get a short-term business visa for mainland China while in Hong Kong will return to normal in mid-October, says Reute

Periscope up in Papua

You don't have to strap on an oxygen tank to appreciate the aquatic life beneath Raja Ampat's "crystal clear waters," as it's easily seen with the aid of a snorkel, says Arief Suhardiman in The Jakarta Post. The area is "a haven for divers," with native fish species including goldies, cardinalfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish, as well as small sharks.

Island idyll

Pangkor Laut Resort offers a blissful island retreat off the west coast of Malaysia on a 300-acre private estate with access to a thriving marine reserve. Adventurous types can reach out and touch everything from sharks to stingrays in the waters of Emerald Bay, while the less active can look on with a passion fruit smoothie in hand from Chapman's beach bar.

News Bites

Can spam criticism - During the Chuseok holiday in South Korea people exchange gifts, and what better way to show appreciation than a can of meat, say Ashley Rowland and Hwang Hae-rym in Stars and Stripes.

Havana taste in Hong Kong...

This Cuban-style restaurant offers the "mouth-watering promise" of a blend of Spanish and African types of cooking, notably jerk chicken, a famous Jamaican dish, says EatDrinkHongKong.com.

Soaking up Songkran

The Thai new year is an opportunity to beat the heat as the crowds celebrate Songkran by dousing everyone in sight with water, says Ron Emmons in the South China Morning Post's Post Magazine. Held from April 13-15, Songkran, literally "water-throwing festival," is a time when Thais let loose, and stepping outdoors is an invitation to get wet.