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STAFF

2014 Shaw Prize laureates to be announced
The winner of the annual Shaw Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of the east, will be announced today. Established by the late Sir Run Run Shaw in 2002, the prize recognises outstanding individual achievements in three categories - Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine and Mathematical Sciences - each carrying a cash award of US$1 million. The Shaw Prize is an international award managed and administered by the Shaw Prize Foundation in Hong Kong. The laureates will receive their awards at a ceremony in September.
 
Woman appeals blasphemy death sentence
A Pakistani court hears the appeal of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother-of-five, against her death sentence for alleged blasphemy. Bibi is the first woman sentenced to death under Pakistani blasphemy law in a century, and the case has polarised public discussion about the legislation in Pakistan. The appeal hearing, her fourth, takes place at the High Court in Lahore.
 
Vintage year in store for Asia-Pacific wine fair
The corks pop today on Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, the region's biggest wine and spirits fair, at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hong Kong hosted the event in 2012 and returns with a 50 per cent increase in floor space to 15,000 square metres and a rise in exhibitor numbers from 1,000 to some 1,300 this year. More than 20 wine-producing nations will be represented, while visitor numbers are predicted to rise from the 15,000 that attended in 2012 to some 18,000 this year.
 
World report to focus on need for quality jobs
The International Labour Organisation in Geneva today publishes its flagship annual report on the world of work around the globe. This year's edition focuses on developing countries and argues that quality jobs are a key driver for development. It draws on evidence from more than 140 developing countries and finds that a common factor among those countries that have achieved higher per capita income and sustained growth was quality jobs.
 
Russian journalist's killers to be sentenced
Five men found guilty of assassinating Russian investigative journalist and Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskayain 2006 will be sentenced in Moscow today. Another jury's 2009 acquittal of three of the men who were found guilty earlier this month embarrassed Russian prosecutors and was later thrown out by the supreme court, which ordered a new trial. Politkovskaya, 48, was gunned down in the lobby of her Moscow apartment.
 
Yangon activists seek change to constitution
Democracy activists in Yangon will today launch a petition to change the country's junta-era constitution. The main objective is to secure key amendments to the 2008 constitution, which effectively bars Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president of Myanmar.


Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...