Asian Correspondent Asia News

Japan: An unhappy country or just asking for too much?

The results of the OECD Better Life Index have revealed that Australia is the “happiest” industrialized country in the world – even trumping the likes of Norway and Sweden – while Japan ranks 16th. But is Japan really that bad a place to live, or are Japanese people just complaining too much? The OECD Better...

Indonesia cuts prison term for Australian drug smuggler

BALI, Indonesia (AP) — An Australian woman imprisoned in Indonesia for drug smuggling has been granted a five-year reduction on her 20-year sentence, officials said Tuesday, meaning she could be eligible for parole as early as August. Former beauty student Schapelle Leigh Corby was convicted in 2005 of smuggling marijuana onto the resort island of...

Japan’s fugitive penguin adapts to life in Tokyo Bay

Let’s face it – Tokyo Bay may not sound like an ideal place to take a swim, especially not these days. Scientists in Japan have measured radioactive cesium contamination in mud samples from the bottom of the bay and linked it to the meltdown at Fukushima 1 nuclear plant last year. Since August, levels have...

Australian lawmaker claims his enemies framed him

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian lawmaker has claimed in Parliament that his enemies had framed him to make it appear that he had misused a union credit card to pay prostitutes and cover personal expenses. Craig Thomson was suspended from the ruling Labor Party last month over allegations first raised in the media in...

Australia wins the Asian Pastry Cup 2012

In a tremendous display of artistry, skill and nerves, Team Pastry Australia, under the captaincy of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney’s Head Culinary Teacher André Sandison, triumphed at the Asian Pastry Cup 2012 with Sydney Harbour themed chocolate and sugar showpieces, plated desserts and cakes.

Over two days from April 18 to 19 in Singapore, 11 teams from all over Asia participated in the much anticipated Asian Pastry Cup 2012, where they were judged on professional skills in providing a practical demonstration of trends and progress in the art of pastry to an audience; with a focus on preparedness, presentation and balance.

Team...