Asian stock markets advanced on Tuesday, buoyed by expectations that the major central banks would announce further stimulus measures, when they hold policy meetings later this week.

Bursa Malaysia shares lost 0.1 percent, weighed by losses at select blue chips including Petronas Bhd-owned counters.

Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.7 per cent

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose nearly 1.1 per cent, closing above its 200-day moving average that has proved a stiff resistance level for the index, over the past two months.

South Korea's Kospi was up 2.1 per cent while the Shanghai Composite fell 0.3 per cent.