Koh is a former journalist and writer who specializes in Asian history and culture, and she teams with former history teacher and museum educator Ho to present students and general readers with this survey of the cultures and customs of Singapore and Malaysia. The authors provide chapters on religious thought, the arts, entertainment, housing and architecture, food and fashion, marriage and family life and leisure activities in these two independent yet closely related countries. A concluding chapter on the future of Singapore and Malaysian culture addresses the impact of modernization and globalization as well as this region's demographic shift toward multiculturalism. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)