The Week Ahead: Asia, week to 20 September 2026

Economies: the week just gone

Hong Kong unveils five-year financial hub strategy, HKEX welcomes vision: Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee presented the city's first five-year blueprint this week, aiming to fortify its financial sector as a core economic strength.

India's 8th Pay Commission Hears Pensioner Demands for OPS Restoration: India's Chennai GPO Pensioners Forum urged the 8th Pay Commission to restore the Old Pension Scheme and increase pension benefits. The Commission, formed in November 2025, will finalise its recommendations by May-June 2027, impacting millions of government retirees.

Singapore raises ministerial salaries, tightens bonus targets: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced Singapore's first political salary increase in over a decade, linking pay to stricter national economic and social targets.

Metro Manila Wage Board Approves P60 Daily Pay Hike: The Metro Manila wage board has approved a P60 daily minimum wage increase. This new order aims to implement a portion of an earlier, larger hike, currently frozen by court injunctions.

Philippines' 2027 Rice Harvest Faces Middle East Conflict, El Niño Risks: Philippines' 2027 rice harvest faces significant risks from Middle East conflict and El Niño. Rising fertiliser costs and water scarcity threaten domestic food supply, increasing import demand.

Markets: the week just gone

Seoul KOSPI gains 2.66% as inflation concerns ease: Foreign investors turned net buyers, acquiring 424.6 billion won in shares, while the Korean won strengthened against the US dollar.

US Dollar Gains Against Vietnamese Dong in Unofficial Trade: Unofficial exchange points in Vietnam reported the greenback trading 0.23% higher at VND25,880 on Saturday, while Vietcombank maintained its official rate.

Indian Gold, Silver Prices Fluctuate Post-US Fed Rate Hike: Retail 24K gold in India reached ₹1,53,600 per 10 grams today, following a 25 basis point interest rate increase by the US Federal Reserve, with silver gaining 85.49% over the past year.

MCX Gold, Silver See Volatility on Rate Hikes, Crude Swings: India's Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) saw gold October futures dip 0.08% and silver December futures rise 0.49% today, influenced by global crude prices.

Bank of Japan hikes rates to 31-year high, yen weakens against Singdollar: The Japanese currency fell over 1 per cent against both the Singapore dollar and US dollar after the 25 basis point increase to 1.25 per cent.

Banking & Fintech: the week just gone

OCBC, Bank of Ningbo Extend Alliance for 10 Years Amid Trade Growth: The Singaporean lender, a 20% shareholder in Bank of Ningbo, will continue a US$5 million training grant to support cross-border business between ASEAN and Greater China.

Grab acquires Atome, lifts 2028 EBITDA target to US$1.7 billion: Singapore's Grab plans to pay US$1.49 billion for an initial 60% stake in consumer lender Atome, aiming to significantly boost its financial services segment by 2028.

Singapore's dtcpay secures US$25M Series A, SBI Group invests: Fintech firm dtcpay has closed its Series A funding at US$25 million, with Japan's SBI Group joining the round. The company will expand its stablecoin payment offerings and merchant network.

MoMo, Saigontourist Travel forge digital payment alliance: The partnership will expand digital travel product distribution and payment options for Vietnamese travellers, including cross-border transactions in over 60 countries.

Ant International Unveils Nearly 100 AI Fintech Products: The new AI-native financial technology stack spans payments, foreign exchange, and treasury, with a global rollout planned for later in 2026 across its Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and Bettr platforms.

Industries: the week just gone

AirAsia's Fernandes denies Malaysian government sought rivals' help: The low-cost carrier faces surging fuel costs and a 75 per cent stock plunge since the Iran war began, but CEO Tony Fernandes says it needs no rescue.

Haidilao, Oriental Kopi see market value drops; Yum China acquires Pizza Hut China: Haidilao International's H1 2026 revenue rose 7.9 per cent to CNY 22.3 billion, while Oriental Kopi's net profit for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, fell 5.3 per cent.

Yangzijiang Maritime orders 24 newbuilds, expands fleet: Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Maritime Development will add 24 new vessels from Chinese shipyards for delivery between 2028 and 2030, growing its portfolio to 98 ships.

Singapore Retailers Accelerate AI Use, Consumers Wary of Agents: An Adyen survey shows 99% of merchants use AI, but 58% of consumers hesitate on autonomous AI for transactions due to fraud risks.

Crystal Jade Closes Five Singapore Outlets Amid F&B Slump: The Chinese restaurant group confirmed three September closures, bringing its 2026 total to five, as Singapore's F&B sector reports a 1.9% sales drop in July.

Wealth: the week just gone

India: Gold Beat Nifty 50 Post-Tax Over 20 Years: A ₹1 lakh investment in gold would have yielded ₹13.25 lakh after tax over 20 years, compared to ₹8.14 lakh for the Nifty 50, according to FundsIndia's latest report.

Vingroup's Pham Thu Huong Wealth Surpasses Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift: Pham Thu Huong, Vingroup's Vice Chairwoman, now holds a US$4.4 billion net worth. This places her as Southeast Asia's second-richest woman, ahead of global figures like Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift on Forbes' real-time billionaire list, driven by Vingroup's share performance.