The Week Ahead: Asia, week to 23 August 2026

Economies: the week just gone

Singapore COE Premiums Climb; Industry Expects Sustained Highs: Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums rose across all passenger car categories in the latest bidding. Automotive industry observers anticipate these elevated prices will continue, driven by a persistent supply shortfall.

Cambodia's Trade Deficit Widens to $2.44 Billion Through July: Cambodia's total trade volume reached $44.07 billion in the first seven months of 2026, a 21.3% year-on-year increase. This growth led to a widened trade deficit, hitting $2.44 billion, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).

Japan's Exports Reach Record ¥11.5 Trillion in July: Japan's overseas shipments climbed 23.2 per cent in July, hitting a record ¥11.5 trillion. This export strength supports the economy, countering weak domestic spending and strengthening arguments for the Bank of Japan to adjust monetary policy.

Thailand's Q2 GDP Growth Slowest Among Major Southeast Asian Economies: Thailand’s economy expanded 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, marking the slowest growth among six key Southeast Asian nations. High energy costs significantly dampened domestic demand.

Thailand Commerce Ministry: Double-Digit Export Growth for 2026: Thailand's Commerce Ministry forecasts double-digit export growth for 2026, aiming for 12 trillion baht, despite an "unsatisfactory" second-quarter GDP.

Markets: the week just gone

Robinsons Retail Delisting Approved by PSE: The Philippine Stock Exchange approved Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.'s voluntary delisting, effective August 31. This follows a tender offer that cut the retailer's public float to 0.31 percent.

Trump Urges Crypto Clarity Act; Bitcoin Exceeds $70,000: US President Donald Trump called for legislation to clarify digital asset rules, following a White House meeting. This spurred a market rally, pushing Bitcoin above $70,000 for the first time since early June.

Vietnam Gold Prices Reach Four-Week High on Global Surge: Vietnam's gold market saw prices hit a four-week peak on Thursday, driven by a global surge. Saigon Jewelry Company gold bars rose 2.66% to VND146.5 million per tael.

Japan, China Reduce US Treasury Holdings by $52.3 Billion in June: Foreign investors cut US Treasury holdings by $72.1 billion in June, led by Japan and China. This reflects investor concerns over US budget deficits and inflation.

HKEX Extends CEO Bonnie Chan's Contract to 2030: The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has secured Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan for a new three-year term. Her leadership extension follows a record first half for the exchange this year.

Banking & Fintech: the week just gone

Thunes, Circle Launch EURC Payments for 24/7 Global Treasury: Thunes now allows network members to fund cross-border transactions around the clock using Circle's euro-backed stablecoin, EURC. This service enables treasury management outside traditional banking hours for businesses globally, including those in Asia.

Peter Seah Steps Down as Singapore National Wages Council Chairman: Veteran banker Peter Seah has relinquished his chairmanship of Singapore's National Wages Council. He continues to lead DBS Group and Singapore Airlines boards.

ShopeePay Users in Singapore, Thailand Gain Weixin Pay Access in China: ShopeePay users from Singapore and Thailand can now make QR payments across China via Weixin Pay. The service will later expand to Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, enhancing cross-border digital connectivity.

Ant International FalconTST 2.0 AI Boosts FX Hedging for Barclays, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered: Ant International's FalconTST 2.0 artificial intelligence model now powers foreign exchange forecasting for four global banks. The system aims to improve cross-border payment risk management.

DBS Deploys AI to Cut Corporate Credit Assessment Time by 30%: DBS has introduced an agentic artificial intelligence tool for 1,500 global employees, aiming to reduce corporate credit memo preparation by at least 30%. The bank states the tool handles over 70 tasks, streamlining client financing evaluations.

Industries: the week just gone

Nvidia Cuts OpenAI Data Centre Funding Guarantee to Under US$120 Billion: Nvidia has significantly reduced its financial guarantee for a proposed OpenAI data centre in Ohio. The commitment dropped from US$250 billion to less than US$120 billion, following investor concerns over risk exposure, the Wall Street Journal reported.

SK Group, TerraPower Deepen Nuclear Tie for AI Data Centre Power: South Korea's SK Group and TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, are expanding their nuclear power collaboration. They target stable energy supplies for high-demand AI data centres, moving beyond initial investment into strategic business development.

Tropical Cities Grapple With Rising Urban Heat Island Mitigation Costs: Tropical cities face escalating costs to combat urban heat islands, which intensify humid conditions and health risks. Affordability and comprehensive measurement remain key hurdles.

Esports Champion Chen Zhengzheng 'Cat' Transitions to Coaching, Signalling Tencent's Mobile Gaming B: Esports champion Chen Zhengzheng, known as "Cat", transitions to coaching at 28. His career with Tencent Holdings' Honor of Kings demonstrates competitive gaming's expanding commercial reach and fan engagement.

Singapore Airlines Deploys 160 AI, Kris Chatbot Nearly Doubles Customer Satisfaction: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has implemented over 160 artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Its AI chatbot, Kris, nearly doubled customer satisfaction scores since July 2025, demonstrating operational benefits.

Wealth: the week just gone

India's Unclaimed Bank Deposits in RBI Fund Reach ₹98,073 Crore: India's Reserve Bank holds nearly ₹98,073 crore in forgotten bank deposits. The government and RBI are streamlining processes for individuals to reclaim these funds.

CA Anil Sagayanathan Exposes India's ₹1 Crore Salary Trap: No Financial Freedom: Chartered accountant Anil Sagayanathan shows how high incomes, even ₹1 crore, often fail to deliver financial freedom in India. Lifestyle inflation, taxes, and peer pressure diminish financial security despite large salaries.