Meeting to pick Vietnam's new leaders

Vietnam's ruling Communist Party will hold a key meeting to choose the country's new top leaders today. The congress will also approve a five-year economic blueprint. The central committee will choose the next party general secretary - one of the most influential roles in the country - in secret near the end of the congress. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung is in the running for the post against incumbent Nguyen Phu Trong.

Engineering projects on show

An automated ramp that can help people struggling with steps at the entrance of their homes is among 63 projects that will be displayed at the annual Singapore Polytechnic Engineering Show today. Other solutions to real-life problems include an unmanned aerial vehicle that allows pest control workers to destroy hives from a distance, and a wearable device that warns a blind person of obstacles.

Bank Negara set to hold rates steady

Malaysia's central bank will likely hold interest rates steady today as it looks to contain market jitters at a time when plunging oil prices have hit the country's economy and currency.

Economists says Bank Negara Malaysia will maintain its overnight policy rate at 3.25 per cent, even as inflation is not a worry at present, and that a policy shift is unlikely as central bank governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz prepares to retire in April after 16 years at the helm.