Philippines Transport Workers Strike as Fuel Costs Spiral

March 28, 2026

Editor’s View: Thousands of jeepney, bus, taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers staging a two-day strike in Manila reflects grassroots frustration over fuel prices and government inaction. Diesel hit USD 2.30 per litre, petrol nearly USD 2 – among the highest in Southeast Asia despite lower incomes than Singapore. President Marcos declared a national energy emergency on 25 March, promising fuel procurement and anti-hoarding measures, plus a 5,000 peso (USD 83) subsidy to 300,000 transport workers. But 2 million work in the sector, many report missing subsidies and workers want price caps, not emergency declarations. Experts blame 98% oil import dependence, deregulation and 12% VAT. Workers didn’t start this war, but they’re paying for it.

Full article here: Philippine transport strikers say Marcos Jr failing to control oil prices

Malaysia Urged to Deepen Japan Ties to Stay Competitive

April 02, 2026

Editor’s View: Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association president Wong Siew Hai calling for deeper Japan collaboration is grounded in hard data: Japan controls 53% of global semiconductor silicon wafer supply and dominates the entire value chain from IC design to end products. Wong’s pitch is strategic – diversify from US-China dependency, attract wafer fab investments and leverage Japan’s indispensability in niche technologies. ASEAN Business Advisory Council chairman Nazri Abdul Razak noted 70 years of diplomatic relations provide the foundation. The window is open because geopolitical tensions make Malaysia a shelter from global risks. Seize it or watch it close.

Full article here: Malaysia should bolster Japan ties to stay competitive globally

China and ASEAN Eye Deeper Innovation Cooperation

April 03, 2026

Editor’s View: China’s National Development and Reform Commission signing a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongguancun Development Group at the ASEAN Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum delivers institutional backing for cross-border collaboration. Focus areas – digital economy, green technology, biomedicine – reflect complementary strengths: China has capital and scale, ASEAN has market access and regulatory diversity. Practical outcomes include the ZGC AI Business International Service Hub (ASEAN) with CGS International Securities as investment banking partner, plus UOB’s “Intellichain: The ASEAN Express” offering one-stop financial services for Zhongguancun enterprises expanding into ASEAN. Now comes execution and delivery.

Full article here: China, ASEAN eye deeper innovation cooperation

ASEAN Neutrality Unlocks Safe Passage Through Hormuz

April 02, 2026

Editor’s View: Indonesia’s two Pertamina vessels – Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro – leaving the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic negotiations with Iran demonstrates how ASEAN neutrality functions as leverage. Tehran grants safe passage to Southeast Asian tankers whilst choking supplies to the US and allies, projecting itself as a diplomatic actor rather than a rogue state. Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs spokesman confirmed communication was established when the situation first escalated. Energy Ministry spokeswoman Dwi Anggia called the vessels and cargo “critical to national energy security.” ASEAN’s refusal to pick sides creates diplomatic space. Neutrality isn’t weakness. It’s strategic positioning that secures energy flows whilst others fight.

Full article here: Why Asean neutrality in Iran war is key to unlocking Strait of Hormuz

Danantara Enters Year Two with Rp27 Trillion Ambition

February 24th, 2026

Editor’s View: Danantara targeting Rp27 trillion in asset values and Rp3.7 trillion in annual profits is ambitious for a state holding company entering only its second year. The entity was created to consolidate Indonesia’s sprawling state-owned enterprises (SOE) under unified governance, but execution has been messy. Critics point to overlapping mandates with existing ministries, lack of transparency in decision-making and unclear accountability structures. President Prabowo backs Danantara publicly but rising scrutiny from parliament and civil society suggests patience is thinning. The model works in Singapore with Temasek because governance is clear and results are measured. Indonesia needs to demonstrate both if Danantara is to gain credibility.

Full article here: Danantara enters year two with Rp27 trillion ambition and rising scrutiny

Philippines Unveils $433 Billion Renewable Power Push

February 27th, 2026

Editor’s View: Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announcing a 10-year, PHP 25 trillion ($433 billion) renewable auction roadmap targeting 25GW of new capacity is the biggest clean energy commitment in Philippine history. The Green Energy Auction program uses competitive bidding to lock in transparent pricing and long-term contracts, giving investors the certainty to mobilise capital. PHP 1.3 trillion flowed into renewables in 2025 alone. The pipeline spans offshore wind, battery storage, geothermal, canal-top solar, biomass and hydropower. The reforms backing it – the PPP Law, Right of Way Act and lower RCOA thresholds – are structural, not rhetorical. The challenge is grid infrastructure and last-mile distribution. Frequent brownouts in provincial areas discourage investment. If Manila can solve transmission bottlenecks, this becomes transformational.

Full article here: Philippines: $433-billion power projects set to cut electricity rates

China Overtakes Japan as Thailand’s Top Investor

February 24th, 2026

Editor’s View: China overtaking Japan as Thailand’s largest investor through BOI approvals marks a structural shift, not a temporary anomaly. Chinese investment surged on the back of EV supply chain relocation, data centres and electronics manufacturing. Japan remains a major player but its capital is moving more cautiously as firms reassess regional exposure amid US-China decoupling. Thailand’s BOI approval figures don’t always translate to disbursed investment, so the real test is execution. However, the signal is clear: Chinese firms are committing capital to Thailand at scale and the government is approving it aggressively. Japan’s slower pace reflects risk management. China’s speed reflects strategic urgency. Thailand is positioning itself to benefit from both.

Full article here: Chinese investment overtakes Japan in Thailand

Singapore Ranks Third Globally for Business Resilience

February 26th, 2026

Editor’s View: Singapore rising two spots to rank third in the 2026 FM Resilience Index behind Denmark and Luxembourg confirms what multinationals already know: it’s the most stable business environment in Asia-Pacific. A macro score of 95.9, perfect marks in political risk and urbanisation and a 99.8 cybersecurity score underscore structural advantages competitors cannot easily replicate. FM notes that top-50 locations recover 30% faster from property losses on average. For data centre operators, Singapore, Japan and South Korea offer conditions suited to power-dense infrastructure. Singapore’s edge is governance, transparency and predictability. In a volatile world, that premium matters more than cost.

Full article here: Singapore ranks 3rd most resilient location for business and investment

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

 

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

Vietnamese Businesses Expand Across Southeast Asia and Beyond

February 3rd, 2026

Editor’s View: Vietnamese companies ramping up operations in Indonesia whilst expanding into Mexico and Latin America demonstrates strategic market diversification beyond traditional reliance on US and European markets. VinFast opening manufacturing in Indonesia, FPT expanding technology services and Vietnamese e-commerce sellers scaling cross-border operations reflect genuine capacity to compete regionally. With Vietnam-Mexico bilateral trade up 24.2% to $5.9 billion in nine months and Indonesia representing over half of ASEAN’s e-commerce volume, these aren’t opportunistic moves. They’re calculated market entries. The real advantage is that Vietnam’s businesses are diversifying whilst production remains concentrated at home, capturing foreign demand without fragmenting domestic manufacturing. This approach builds resilience without sacrificing the economies of scale that made Vietnam competitive initially.

Full article here: Vietnamese businesses diversify amid global trade shifts

Cambodia and Japan Plan Sihanoukville Port Transformation

February 3rd, 2026

Editor’s View: Cambodia and Japan devising plans to transform Sihanoukville Port into a regional logistics gateway addresses Cambodia’s infrastructure bottleneck whilst advancing Japan’s regional connectivity ambitions. The port currently handles significant cargo but lacks the capacity and efficiency of competing regional hubs. Japanese investment in port infrastructure, coupled with Cambodia’s Autonomous Port of Sihanoukville management, could position the facility as a viable alternative to congested Thai and Vietnamese ports. However, success requires more than capital. Cambodia needs streamlined customs, reliable hinterland connectivity and regulatory stability. The port’s transformation potential is real but execution will determine whether Sihanoukville becomes a genuine regional player or remains a secondary facility serving primarily Cambodian domestic needs.

Full article here: Cambodia-Japan Devise Plans to Transform Sihanoukville Port into Regional Logistics Gateway

UK Confident Philippines Will Emerge Stronger from Business Reforms

February 3rd, 2026

Editor’s View: British firms viewing the Philippine market as a major opportunity post-reform reflects confidence in economic fundamentals despite recent governance setbacks. The UK emphasising the Philippines’ business-minded government and commitment to attracting investment suggests London sees beyond short-term negative headlines to structural reform potential. With the Joint Economic and Trade Committee planning discussions on agriculture, infrastructure, energy and economic development, plus UK support for Philippine CPTPP membership, Britain is positioning for long-term engagement. However, confidence requires validation through execution. British investors need to see infrastructure projects advance, corruption prosecutions proceed and business conditions actually improve, not just ministerial commitments.

Full article here: UK confident Philippines will emerge from reforms with improved business environment

Indonesian Businesses Navigate Mounting Global Uncertainty

Editor’s View: Indonesian businesses confronting global uncertainty from US tariff policies, geopolitical tensions and market volatility must balance domestic challenges with international headwinds. Following the recent market rout and MSCI downgrade concerns, Indonesian companies face dual pressure: restoring investor confidence domestically whilst competing in increasingly fragmented global markets. The key advantage Indonesia retains is its domestic market scale – 270 million consumers provide a buffer against export disruptions. However, businesses relying on imported inputs face cost pressures from rupiah weakness, whilst exporters benefit from currency depreciation but suffer from uncertain market access. Success requires Indonesian firms to strengthen domestic value chains, diversify export markets beyond traditional partners and demonstrate governance improvements to rebuild investor trust.

Full article here: Can Indonesian businesses thrive amid global uncertainties, changing consumer tastes?

January 29, 2026

Editor’s View: MAS holding monetary settings steady after 4.8% GDP growth in 2025 – well above official and market forecasts – demonstrates policy confidence backed by genuine outperformance. Tech exports and robust services demand drove resilience whilst global growth slowed, with MAS hiking inflation forecasts to 1%-2% and flagging upside risks. The authority expects tech to contribute more to 2026 growth, signalling sustained AI-led momentum. However, maintaining current settings whilst neighbours ease reflects Singapore’s inflation management priority over growth stimulus, a luxury only credible economic performance affords.

Full article here: Singapore leaves monetary policy settings unchanged in January but raises inflation forecasts

January 30, 2026

Editor’s View: The Indonesia Stock Exchange CEO resigning and the government promising increased transparency after a US$80 billion market rout shows damage control in overdrive. Proposed reforms – doubling free float requirements to 15%, allowing pension funds to increase capital market exposure to 20% – address MSCI’s specific concerns about ownership transparency. But investor confidence shaken by Prabowo’s nephew appointed to the central bank and respected Finance Minister Sri Mulyani’s firing won’t restore overnight through technical fixes. Foreign investors sold US$645 million in two days; they dumped US$1 billion across all of 2025. The rupiah hovering near record lows at 16,790 per dollar signals structural credibility damage that governance reforms must rebuild, not just regulatory tweaks.

Full article here: Indonesia Vows Market Reform After US$80 Billion Rout; Bourse Chief Quits

January 30, 2026

Editor’s View: Malaysia admitting frequent government changes in Thailand are disrupting the planned railway connection between Rantau Panjang and Sungai Kolok quantifies infrastructure’s vulnerability to political winds of change. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke noting talks have moved slowly due to Thailand’s political situation, with hopes resuming after Thailand’s February 8 election. The delay matters beyond bilateral trade – it undermines regional connectivity ambitions when ASEAN needs infrastructure integration most. Every government change resets negotiations, erodes commercial confidence and pushes completion timelines further. Thailand’s chronic political instability isn’t just domestic governance uncertainty. It’s becoming a regional infrastructure bottleneck.

Full article here: Thai political instability stalls Malaysia rail link

January 29, 2026

Editor’s View: The EU and Vietnam upgrading to “comprehensive strategic partnership” – Hanoi’s highest diplomatic tier – places Brussels alongside the US, China and Russia in Vietnam’s strategic architecture. With trade reaching $66.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 6.6%, and Vietnam as the EU’s biggest Southeast Asian trading partner, this reflects both sides hedging against US tariff volatility. Vietnam exports 30% of goods to Washington, making diversification urgent. For Brussels, it’s supply chain insurance as companies shift manufacturing from China. The timing – days after Vietnam’s Communist Party re-elected General Secretary To Lam – signals Europe prioritising economic pragmatism over governance concerns.

Full article here: EU and Vietnam elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership