French President Nicolas Sarkozy sparked controversy last week calling for a ban on the burqa in France. His contentious words have sparked debate and there are possible fears of reprisals. Eileen Picking reports.

As Indonesians prepare to go the polls to choose their next president, Indonesia correspondent Gavin Fang spoke to voters about the campaign.

The birth of a panda cub in Thailand's Chiang Mai Zoo, brings a welcome distraction to a population weary of political and economic woes. Norman Hermant reports.

Entrepreneurs cash in on the Singaporean culinary obsession, using smart phones to lure food lovers. Huey Fern Tay reports from Singapore.