Talking points

Jackie Chan does new year good deed

Controversial megastar Jackie Chan does his bit for charity, donating clothing to the Salvation Army at its Yau Ma Tei headquarters. The clothes will be given to elderly and homeless people to help them fight the winter chill. Chan found himself in trouble again last year, when he criticised protesters in Hong Kong and called for the government to regulate demonstrations. However, the star has long been a keen supporter of charitable efforts in the city.

HK women call for change in India

Hong Kong women stand by their sisters in India, submitting a petition to the Indian consulate in the city against sexual abuse in the sub-continental country. Protests broke out across India following the death of a woman who suffered a gang rape while on a bus in Delhi. Hong Kong's Women's Coalition on Equal Opportunities hands the petition to the Indian consulate in Admiralty.

Emperor addresses his nation

Japan's Emperor Akihito and his family deliver their traditional New Year's message to the nation from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, with thousands expected to attend. Akihito's health has been cause for concern in recent months and he underwent a four-hour heart bypass operation in February. But the emperor, who turned 79 last month, was fit enough to visit Britain for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in May.

Costa Book Award winners announced

The first literary prize winners of the year are crowned in London, with the release of the Costa Book Awards category winners. The awards are in five categories: for best novel, first novel, biography, poetry and children's book. One of the winners will be named the Costa Book of the Year at a ceremony later this month.

Deadline for Fraser & Neave bid

Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi faces a deadline today to table a counterbid for Singaporean conglomerate Fraser & Neave after it received a US$10.7 billion offer from a rival company, Overseas Union Enterprise. Charoen lost a battle last year for control of Southeast Asian brewing giant Tiger, in which Fraser & Neave was a key shareholder, to Denmark's Heineken.

Celebration marks temple completion

A completion ceremony takes place to mark the restoration of a centuries-old temple on an island at Sai Kung dedicated to the sea goddess Tin Hau. The temple on High Island dates back to 1741 and is one of only two such temples in the city to celebrate the Tin Hau Festival with a marine parade. Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing and lawmaker Lau Wong-fat are among those due to attend.