Indonesia’s Halal Ambitions Are Real but So Is the Catching Up to Do
February 13th
Editor’s View: Indonesia only enacted its halal certification law in 2014 and BPJPH became a standalone agency only in late 2024 – a late start for the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. Of 64 million MSMEs, just 3 million are halal-certified. Budget constraints cap free certifications at 1.35 million businesses in 2026. The honest self-assessment from BPJPH is notable: competitors have had decades. The ambition is real – $73.9 billion in halal exports projected for 2026 – but financing bottlenecks and certification gaps remain the critical obstacles to close.
Full article here: Indonesia Aims to Become Global Halal Hub as Officials Warn It Is Playing Catch-Up
Singaporeans Back Their Government but Cost of Living Won’t Go Away
February 12th
Editor’s View: Two-thirds of Singaporeans satisfied with government performance – up from 57% in 2023 – is a meaningful shift. Approval is strongest among millennials, weakest among cost-pressured Gen X. The problem is at the bottom of the scorecard: cost of living and housing affordability remain the worst-rated areas and 44% say cost of living must be the government’s top priority. Strong macro numbers are not the same as felt household experience.
Full article here: Confidence in Singapore Government Rises but Cost of Living Remains Top Public Concern
Now Comes the Hard Part For Thailand’s New Government
February 12th
Editor’s View: A public survey aligning with economists’ projections of 1.5% to 1.75% growth tells you something important: Thais know their economy is underperforming. The UTCC findings are clear: voters want structural reform not populist measures. Five headwinds are identified: falling agricultural prices, subdued exports, lagging tourism, caretaker budget constraints and SME lending contracting for 13 consecutive quarters. Bhumjaithai has a mandate and public expectations are grounded. The test is whether a new cabinet, expected to be operational by Q3, can move fast enough to matter.
Full article here: Thai Growth Seen at Just 1.5% to 1.75% This Year
Chinese Car Brands Are No Longer Challengers in Malaysia. They’ve Arrived!
February 11th, 2026
Editor’s View: Omoda and Jaecoo growing 153% and BYD 68% in 2025 is not incremental market share. It is a structural reshaping. Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda all posted lower sales. PublicInvest’s assessment is measured but clear: Chinese OEMs are not just gaining ground, they are resetting consumer expectations on technology and price. The MAA forecasts a 3.8% TIV decline in 2026, but the real pressure lands on non-national brands. Proton and Perodua’s loyal base and affordable positioning give them a buffer. Everyone else is being squeezed.
Full article here: China’s Auto Brands Shift the Balance in Malaysia
Filipinos Are Southeast Asia’s Biggest Pet Lovers and Retailers Are Cashing In
February 12th
Editor’s View: Ninety-four percent of Filipino households owning a pet – the highest in Southeast Asia – is a market signal, not a curiosity. In an environment of broad consumer spending caution, pet spending is proving non-discretionary. Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.’s expansion of Pet Lovers branches, grooming and mobile vet services is a logical read. The deeper story is what it reflects: rising middle-class incomes, urbanisation and delayed household formation producing a pet economy that regional precedents in Korea and Japan suggest will keep growing.
Full article here: Philippines’ Pet Boom Becomes Big Business for Robinsons Retail
