The Week Ahead: Asia, week to 30 August 2026

Economies: the week just gone

Philippines Reopens Poultry Imports from Minnesota, Illinois: Manila has reopened its market to poultry and related products from Minnesota and Illinois. The Department of Agriculture cited the end of bird flu outbreaks in these US states.

Singapore Cannot Fully Trace Shipments for US Tariffs, PM Wong States: Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated the nation cannot realistically verify every product's supply chain. This addresses US demands regarding tariffs, forced labour, and rerouted goods. He highlighted a global trade environment increasingly shaped by security concerns.

Indonesia Constitutional Court Faces Land Rights Challenge Over Conservation Law: Indigenous groups in Indonesia are challenging parts of the 2024 conservation law in the Constitutional Court. They argue the legislation could allow the government to designate ancestral lands as conservation areas without community consent, creating legal uncertainty for land-intensive industries.

Experts Advise: Integrate AI Risks into Existing Corporate Governance, Not New Policies: Businesses should integrate artificial intelligence risks into their current corporate governance and disclosure systems, rather than developing separate policies. This approach demonstrates operational maturity and addresses immediate concerns.

India's EPFO Opens Compliance Window for Uncovered Workers: India's Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a temporary scheme. It allows companies to formalise past employment records and enrol previously uncovered staff for social security benefits. The campaign runs until October 31, 2026.

Markets: the week just gone

Indian Indices Sensex, Nifty 50 Face Lower Open: India's benchmark Sensex and Nifty 50 indices will likely open lower today, 25 August, following global market weakness. Analysts identify crucial support and resistance levels for both.

Alibaba Prices US$10.2 Billion AI Share Offer; Stock Drops 10 Per Cent: Alibaba Group Holding has priced a new US$10.2 billion share placement to fund its artificial intelligence initiatives. The company's Hong Kong-listed shares fell over 10 per cent following the announcement.

RBI Schedules ₹2.5 Trillion Variable Rate Reverse Repo Auction Today: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct a 7-day variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) auction for ₹2.5 trillion today, August 24, 2026. This action manages banking system liquidity.

India's RBI to Auction ₹20,100 Crore in State Government Bonds: India's Reserve Bank (RBI) will auction ₹20,100 crore of state government bonds on August 25, 2026. Seven states seek funds through this issuance, which qualifies for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirements.

Blackstone-backed Horizon Industrial Parks IPO Debuts in India, 1.45x Subscribed, Modest Gains Forec: Blackstone-backed Horizon Industrial Parks debuts on India's BSE and NSE today. The IPO was subscribed 1.45 times, with analysts predicting modest listing gains for the industrial real estate platform.

Banking & Fintech: the week just gone

UOB, Lippo Marina Collection: Singapore Court Quadruples Damages to S$76.1M: Singapore's Appellate Division of the High Court significantly increased damages awarded to UOB against developer Lippo Marina Collection for fraudulent housing loan disbursements.

Philippine Supreme Court Rejects BDO Unibank Claim, Cites Bank Negligence: The Philippines' Supreme Court denied BDO Unibank's bid to reclaim funds, ruling the bank's gross negligence caused the loss. The decision establishes banks cannot recover money when their own operational errors lead to premature withdrawals.

Singapore Digital Banks GXS, Trust, MariBank Offer Six Credit Cards: Singapore's three digital banks now collectively provide six consumer credit cards. GXS Bank, Trust Bank, and MariBank products vary in rewards, cashback, and eligibility criteria. These offerings target distinct user segments within the market.

Green Link Digital Bank Posts S$16.1 Million Profit in FY2025; GXS Bank Records S$132 Million Loss: Singapore’s digital banking sector shows varied financial results for FY2025. Green Link Digital Bank (GLDB) achieved profitability, while GXS Bank, MariBank, Trust Bank, and ANEXT Bank reported significant losses.

LankaPay, Alipay+ Enable Wise QR Payments for Sri Lanka Tourism: Wise customers from seven markets can now make QR payments at LankaQR merchants across Sri Lanka. This service, enabled by LankaPay and Alipay+, aims to boost the country's tourism sector.

Industries: the week just gone

AIIB Targets Record Fundraising for Climate, Local Currency Projects: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) seeks record fundraising this year. Its capital will fund climate adaptation projects and local currency financing across Asia.

Indonesia Instant Noodle Demand Drops 1% in 2025, First Fall in Five Years: Indonesia, the world's second-largest instant noodle market, saw demand contract by almost 1% in 2025. This marks the first annual decline in five years, attributed to reduced consumer purchasing power and rising costs.

Hanwha Aerospace Launches Hanwha Horizon USA for South Korea LNG Supply: South Korean firm Hanwha Aerospace launched Hanwha Horizon USA to manage liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement and trading, bolstering South Korea's energy security and global operations.

Singapore to Create New Western Island for Advanced Manufacturing, Power: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to merge several southern islands into a new Western island. This move targets advanced manufacturing and future power generation needs.

Thai Ice Cream Founder Siripong Akkarasriyuk Sells Hawell's for $5 Million to Become Monk: Hawell's (Thailand) Co Ltd founder Siripong Akkarasriyuk offers his ice cream business for 165 million baht (US$5 million). He seeks to divest within two years to pursue monkhood, a long-held ambition.

Wealth: the week just gone

India's ITR Deadlines Approach: Penalties for Missed August 31 Filing: India's income tax return (ITR) filing deadline for business and professional income is August 31, 2026. Missing this date triggers penalties and interest, though options for belated returns remain until December 31, 2026. Specific deadlines vary by taxpayer category.