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Members of Samsung Electronics’ largest labour union chant slogans during a protest against the company’s compensation levels in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, last month. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

South Korea weighs the cost of stepping into Samsung’s US$400,000 bonus row

Seoul is considering using a rarely used emergency power to halt a strike that could cost the economy US$67 billion.

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Artificial intelligence

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

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Indonesia

Jakarta pushes back after Chinese chamber complains tougher rules hurt investors

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Vietnam

Vietnam’s US$5 billion Apec island is running out of time

Phu Quoc is a test case for Vietnam’s build-fast model. But with 18 months to go, the island is short of workers, diesel and hotel rooms.

A staff member sweeps the grounds of a resort on Phu Quoc island, which is set to host world leaders for the November 2027 Apec summit. Photo: AFP
A staff member sweeps the grounds of a resort on Phu Quoc island, which is set to host world leaders for the November 2027 Apec summit. Photo: AFP
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

The Green Party’s record-breaking gains in UK council elections are a sign voters are taking climate change seriously, analysts say.

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Japan

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

The ruling party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of GDP, in line with that of many Nato members.

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Japan Ground Self-Defence Force soldiers fold a US flag during a Balikatan drill in the Philippines on May 6. Photo: Reuters
Japan Ground Self-Defence Force soldiers fold a US flag during a Balikatan drill in the Philippines on May 6. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

Union members from Samsung Electronics stage a protest in front of the company’s plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi province last month. Photo: The Korea Times
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
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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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.

Indian soldiers perform drills in Kargil, Ladakh, India, in July last year. The Indian army is increasing its use of green energy sources due to rising oil prices caused by the impact of the Iran war. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
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
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