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Containers at the Manila North Harbour Port in Manila, Philippines. Development of the Luzon Economic Corridor will involve eight more countries. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Western powers ramp up support for Philippines’ Luzon economic hub

Eight more countries will invest in the project as they accelerate regional trade diversification in sectors ranging from AI to energy.

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Britain

Turning over a new leaf: why UK’s green mandate is a win for Asia

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Japan

Why Japan’s ruling party is pushing for 5% military spending

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Asean

Canada pushes to finalise Asean trade deal to cut US reliance

Ottawa is keen to sign an FTA with Asean this year, as analysts predict two-way growth in sectors ranging from mining to manufacturing.

Asean leaders pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the bloc’s summit in Cebu, Philippines, on May 8. Photo: Reuters
Asean leaders pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the bloc’s summit in Cebu, Philippines, on May 8. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Why airport at former US naval base in Philippines has Washington’s backing

The trend in defence is for civilian infrastructure that can be rapidly adapted for military use during contingencies, experts say.

South Korea

Samsung union’s strike threat fuels fears of South Korea’s economic slowdown

The AI boom and SK Hynix’s profit-sharing arrangement with its workers have reportedly galvanised Samsung’s biggest union to take action.

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Iran

Iran war pushes Asia’s Gulf migrants to use stablecoins for remittances

The risk of sanctions has fuelled concerns that monetary transfers from migrant workers via banks or other operators could be disrupted.

Foreign workers look at a tall plume of black smoke after an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone in the UAE in March amid the Iran war. Photo: AFP
Foreign workers look at a tall plume of black smoke after an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone in the UAE in March amid the Iran war. Photo: AFP
Japan

Oil crunch drains colour from 1 of Japan’s favourite snacks

Calbee says it is using monochrome designs for some of its products, as the Iran war has caused a shortage of naphtha used in packaging.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s fuel subsidy headache leaves Anwar ‘scrambling for solution’

The government will review fuel subsidies for higher-income Malaysians but has yet to decide how the cut-off should be applied, Anwar says.

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Malaysia

‘Spare us’: Malaysians sneer at ex-Proton CEO’s self-reliance sermon

The man who once presided over one of Malaysia’s most heavily protected companies has told Malays to stop relying on the state.

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Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Tahir addressed a press conference in 2007 while he was managing director of Proton. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Singapore shines as a stable investment oasis in a global storm

Wealthy families are trading global uncertainty for Singapore’s regulatory rigour, driving record inflows and a revitalised stock exchange.

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Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong
Asean

Asean to step up push for South China Sea code, energy security

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says the code of conduct is key to unlocking deeper China-Asean economic cooperation.

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India

Can India’s rice farmers reap from US$30 million Amazon carbon credit deal?

The pact promises green farming and methane emission cuts, but raises questions over payouts and corporate climate accountability.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

The move contradicts the country’s aim to grow the EV sector and use more renewable energy sources, analysts say.

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim touches the first locally made electric vehicle, Proton’s e.MAS 7, at its launch in Kuala Lumpur on December 16, 2024. Photo: AFP
Asean

Asean’s pivot to energy security leaves long-standing issues on summit sidelines

Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr delivers an opening speech at the Asean summit in Cebu on Friday. Photo: Reuters
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr delivers an opening speech at the Asean summit in Cebu on Friday. Photo: Reuters
Vietnam

Vietnam burns red tape but growth may be harder to rekindle

Vietnam’s drive to energise its economy may take time to materialise in the face of rising fuel costs and trade barriers, analysts say.

India

India’s military turns to green energy options as Iran war prompts new strategy

The Indian army is looking to green sources for its cooking, vehicles and installations due to surging oil prices.

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Indonesia

Indonesia posts fastest first-quarter growth in 3 years, but headwinds loom

The 5.6 per cent growth was propelled by robust household consumption during the festive season and a surge in government spending.

Buyers and sellers at the Al Mahira traditional market in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on Monday. Increased spending during Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr-related travel boosted first-quarter growth, officials say. Photo: EPA
Buyers and sellers at the Al Mahira traditional market in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on Monday. Increased spending during Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr-related travel boosted first-quarter growth, officials say. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Well-oiled diplomacy: Malaysian king visits Moscow as Anwar eyes Russian energy

Though Sultan Ibrahim’s visit is officially ceremonial, its timing coincides with the energy squeeze plaguing Malaysia and much of Asia.

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Malaysia

Malaysia seeks to charge 2 over US$278 million Arm semiconductor deal

Ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli, who is questioned by the MACC, previously pitched the deal as key to the Malaysian chip sector’s future.

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Indonesia

Can Indonesia turn holiday island Bali into a global financial hub?

Having a financial centre on the island will help boost national economic competitiveness, officials say.

The sun rises behind boats moored at a pier near Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 12. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Lawrence Wong warned of ‘storm clouds’ for Singapore. Was it an understatement?

Wong and his team have to prove they are ‘more than equal’ to the task of helping Singapore navigate coming headwinds, analysts say.

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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the general election in May last year. Photo: Reuters
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the general election in May last year. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Course correction: Indonesia reshapes ride-hailing sector with state power

The new commission scheme shows the state’s support for ride-hailing drivers, but may not necessarily boost their incomes, observers say.

Singapore

‘No longer nice-to-have’: AI skills boost Singapore software engineer pay by 25%

Companies are increasingly prioritising engineers who can work effectively with AI tools, especially in senior roles.

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Middle East

‘Structural shift’: new routes for Middle East freight to bypass Hormuz

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE lead a push for a new trade architecture with multiple nodes linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

The port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on April 17. Photo: EPA/The UAE Presidential Court
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