Malaysia Breaks Investment Record with RM426.7 Billion in 2025
March 6th, 2026
Editor’s View: Malaysia’s RM426.7 billion in approved investments for 2025 – a record and 11% increase from 2024 – reflects tangible commitments across 8,390 projects generating 244,902 jobs. Domestic investment led at 51.5% (RM219.6 billion) while foreign investment surged 20.9% to RM207.1 billion. Services dominated with RM152.9 billion in digital investments – AI, data centres, cloud computing. Singapore and China tied as top investors at RM58 billion each. Malaysia is cautiously optimistic but realistic about global uncertainties. The momentum is real, backed by policy clarity and execution.
Full article here: Malaysia breaks investment record with RM426.7 bln in 2025, up 11 pct year-on-year
Indonesia Boosts Oil Storage Capacity Amid Middle East Conflict
March 5th, 2026
Editor’s View: The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirming foreign and domestic investors will develop crude oil storage facilities to increase Indonesia’s capacity from 25-26 days to 90 days is a strategic energy security response. President Prabowo’s directive – “we need survival, otherwise we will continue to be dependent” – underscores urgency. The Strait of Hormuz handles one-fifth of global oil trade; its effective closure following US-Israel strikes on Iran and Khamenei’s death creates existential risk. Indonesia currently has two Pertamina tankers detained in the strait. The storage expansion is necessary, but 90 days remains insufficient for prolonged disruption. Diversification matters more than stockpiling.
Full article here: Indonesia to boost oil storage amid Middle East conflict
Thailand Confronts Economic Collateral Damage from Middle East Crisis
March 6th, 2026
Editor’s View: Thailand’s Economic War Room activation signals the crisis is immediate, not abstract. Over 50% of crude oil imports come from the Middle East. Thailand holds 60-61 days of reserves and has halted oil exports while maximising coal and hydro output. Nomura notes Thailand’s net oil imports at 4.7% of GDP, highest in Asia. A 10% oil price rise deteriorates the current account by 0.5% of GDP. Tourism took 134 flight cancellations Feb 28 to Mar 1, with 150,000 fewer arrivals expected in March. Gulf Cooperation Council and Israeli travellers average 100,000 THB per trip. The crisis adds 0.5% to 0.8% downside risk to 1.5% to 1.75% growth.
Full article here: Collateral damage: the Middle East crisis and its ripples across Thailand
South Korea’s Lee Seeks Deeper Manufacturing Ties with Philippines
March 4th, 2026
Editor’s View: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung outlining manufacturing, energy and infrastructure cooperation at the Philippines-Korea Business Forum is grounded in complementarity – the Philippines has nickel and cobalt, Korea has semiconductors. Subic Shipyard’s revival through HD Hyundai proves the model works. Seven MOUs signed: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Exim Bank Korea and Meralco on nuclear energy; HD Hyundai and TESDA on shipbuilding training. These are sector-specific commitments with institutional backing. Korea’s advantage over Japan, the US and EU is speed and technical delivery. If Manila provides regulatory clarity and infrastructure support, Korea will execute.
Full article here: Lee seeks closer manufacturing, infrastructure cooperation with Philippines
Vietnam Establishes National AI Development Fund
March 4th, 2026
Editor’s View: Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology establishing a National AI Development Fund for 2026-2027 signals institutional commitment beyond rhetoric. The fund accompanies a National AI Database housed at the National Data Center with ministries required to connect their AI-related databases to centralised infrastructure under unified standards. AI clusters will combine physical spaces at high-tech parks with digital network linkages. The model is smart – centralised data infrastructure with decentralised innovation hubs. The test will be execution: funding scale, private sector participation and whether bureaucratic coordination works in practice. Vietnam has ambition; now comes delivery.
Full article here: Vietnam to establish National AI Development Fund
Cambodia’s Hun Manet Courts Investors Amid Scam Crackdown
March 4th, 2026
Editor’s View: Prime Minister Hun Manet pitching political stability and market access to 700 business representatives at the ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit faces a credibility test. FDI hit $5 billion in 2025, up 18%, but nearly two-thirds came from China. The online scam industry remains the biggest reputational drag. Phnom Penh’s April deadline to eradicate it is being enforced, but limited elite investigations and weak victim repatriation remain concerns. The Funan Techo Canal is stalled and Thailand border closures disrupt supply chains. Cambodia needs transparent governance, elite accountability and infrastructure delivery, not just investor pitches.
Full article here: Hun Manet courts investors at ASEAN Business Summit amid scam sweep
