Talking points
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories...
Hong Kong welcomes the cream of the Korean music industry at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, the first time the city has hosted the biggest event in the K-pop calendar. But all eyes will be on one man - a portly rapper who goes by the name of Psy. It's a first Hong Kong appearance for the star since his video became a YouTube sensation.
Protesters take to the streets of Kuwait City after Friday prayers in protest against new rules for tomorrow's parliamentary elections that they say favour pro-government candidates. Opposition leaders are boycotting the poll and earlier protests saw security forces clear crowds using tear gas. Kuwait has one of the most open political systems in the Gulf with an elected parliament with legislative powers, albeit with the emir having the final say on state affairs.
The Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design are preparing for their art and design festival Detour, which starts today. The main venue for the festival has been moved from the former Police Married Quarters in SoHo to the former Wan Chai Police Station. Highlights include a giant map of Wan Chai created by graffiti outfit Start From Zero, leather and origami workshops, a fair with designer goods for sale, and works exhibited at satellite site Oasis Gallery at the Central Market. The event runs until December 16.
The Bundestag, the lower house of Germany's parliament, votes on funding the latest package of measures to reduce Greece's debt. But while the vote is expected to go in the government's favour, there has been acrimony from lawmakers who accuse Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel's administration of understating the true cost of bailing out Athens.
The Hong Kong International Boat Show gets under way at Marina Bay Cove in Sai Kung. The three-day show, now in its 18th year, is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia and showcases yachts from around the world. Last year's event attracted more than 6,000 visitors and showcased vessels with a combined value of more than HK$700 million.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and main opposition party chief Shinzo Abe go head to head with the leaders of 10 other parties in a pre-election debate organised by the Japan National Press Club. Opinion polls suggest Abe's Liberal Democratic Party, long the dominant force in Japan's politics, is likely to emerge as the largest party in the December 16 poll, but it will need support from coalition partners to form a government.
