Malaysia’s Surprise Q4 Growth Surge
February 15th, 2026
Editor’s View: Malaysia’s Q4 growth surprise prompted Maybank to raise its 2026 forecast to 5.1%, MBSB to 4.6%, and CIMB and OCBC to the government’s upper range. Domestic demand, tourism, and data centre investment are driving momentum. Malaysia delivered 5% growth in 2025 while beating its fiscal target — the deficit narrowed to 3.7% against a 3.8% aim. Sub-2% inflation and a stronger ringgit give Bank Negara room to keep rates steady. External risks remain, but Malaysia is a clear Southeast Asian outperformer.
Full article here: Malaysia’s surprise growth surge spurs 2026 forecast upgrades
Indonesia Finalizes Reciprocal Trade Deal with the US
February 19th, 2026
Editor’s View: Indonesia eliminating tariffs on 99% of US goods while the US maintains a 19% rate on Indonesian exports is the price Prabowo paid for tariff certainty. The deal, signed alongside the Board of Peace meeting, includes non-tariff barrier removal, critical mineral export restrictions lifted and $38.4 billion in business agreements covering soybeans, corn, wheat, oil recovery and semiconductor JVs. The 19% rate matches Cambodia and Malaysia. Prabowo positioned Indonesia as a “bridge” between great powers. The substance matters less than the optics: Indonesia secured predictability and avoided the 32% baseline tariff. That’s a win.
Full article here: Indonesia’s president reaches a trade deal with US while in Washington for Trump’s Board of Peace
Philippines Welcomes Deeper Business Ties with Japan
February 20th, 2026
Editor’s View: Executive Secretary Recto’s message to Japanese business leaders was direct: the Philippines is ready and committed to making business easier and faster. Trade hit Php 1.27 trillion in 2025, with Japan the top FDI source at P42.5 billion. Focus areas – semiconductors, automotive including EVs, aerospace, renewable energy – align with where Japanese capital adds most value. President Marcos reinforced the message during a courtesy call. The real substance is execution: if customs streamlines and infrastructure advances, Japanese firms will respond. Japan’s reputation is strong. What’s being offered now is policy consistency to back it up.
Full article here: Philippines welcomes more business with Japan, eyes stronger economic ties
Vietnam Remains a Bright Spot in APAC Property Markets
February 20th, 2026
Editor’s View: Savills calling Vietnam a bright spot is grounded in data. GDP growth hit 8.02% in 2025 after 7.1% in 2024. GDP per capita jumped from $3,700 in 2022 to nearly $5,026 in 2025. FDI approached $38-40 billion with disbursed capital at a record peak. “China Plus One” is producing tangible industrial land demand, Grade A office absorption and logistics infrastructure needs. European investment targets high-value segments: technology, electronics, advanced processing. The North-South Expressway and Long Thanh Airport are creating new growth corridors. Vietnam has moved beyond low-cost labour. Capital is targeting supply chain integration.
Full article here: Vietnam remains bright spot in Asia-Pacific property landscape: Savills
Thailand Targets Mid-2026 to For EU FTA
February 17th, 2026
Editor’s View: Industry Minister Thanakorn hosting EU Ambassador Luisa Ragher to confirm Thailand is on track for mid-2026 FTA conclusion despite caretaker status is the right message at the right time. The EU is Thailand’s third-largest ASEAN trading partner. The alignment between Thailand’s BCG model and EU green transition is genuine. The three-pronged strategy – EV supply chain decarbonisation, CBAM and waste regulation alignment and leveraging the EU’s €300 billion Global Gateway for S-Curve investment – is well constructed. If concluded on schedule, it would demonstrate Thailand can execute through political transition. That matters more than content.
Full article here: Thailand and EU Target 2026 for Landmark Free Trade Agreement
