The Brief: Asia's economy, 5 October 2026
What moved across Asia overnight: 9 stories on economies, markets, banking and industry, read in five minutes.
Banking & Fintech
MB Bank, OceanBase partner for database upgrade in Vietnam: Vietnam's MB Bank signed a pact with OceanBase on 2 October 2026 to enhance its core database, aiming for greater system resilience and scalability for digital banking.
OCBC boosts 365 card cashback to 6%, simplifies tiers: Singapore's OCBC will raise cashback rates for everyday spending categories like dining and groceries from 1 November 2026, standardising its minimum spend requirement.
Industries
FAA Clears 737 Max Software, Max 10 Path Opens: The US Federal Aviation Administration's decision on 3 October smooths the path for the long-delayed 737 Max 10, a crucial model for Boeing's finances with over 1,500 orders.
Thakral Corporation divests Osaka office building for JPY4.12 billion: The Singapore-listed firm sold Utsubo East Building at a 16% premium over its carrying value, expecting to free up $21 million in cash from the transaction.
Singapore's Bee Cheng Hiang hit by AI data breach, 95,000 emails exposed: Singapore's Personal Data Protection Commission found an employee used an AI tool to generate marketing code, exposing over 95,000 customer email addresses.
China AI microdrama producers pivot to quality amid saturation: Chinese AI microdrama creators are shifting focus from low-cost production to unique content, as over 90% of 430,000 new microdramas launched this year were AI-generated.
Wuhan becomes 4th city to sell only finished homes: The central Chinese hub is the fourth major city to transition towards selling only finished properties, focusing on housing supply rather than boosting buyer demand.
Wealth
Vietnam's Ultra-Rich Population to Grow 59% by 2031, Knight Frank Says: This expansion, forecast as the world's fourth-fastest, reflects broader financial wealth growth expected to exceed 9% annually through 2030, according to Boston Consulting Group.
India's 'No-Cost EMI' for iPhone 18 Pro Carries Hidden Fees, Debt Risks: Indian consumers considering "no-cost" equated monthly instalments for an Apple iPhone 18 Pro face undisclosed processing fees and potential loss of upfront discounts, according to financial analysis.
Each item above was reported and checked separately; this brief collects the overnight session in one place. Follow any headline through for the figures and the source they came from. The Week Ahead maps the week's data and central-bank dates every Sunday.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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