Aisyah Kamal
Desk byline for Southeast Asia at Asianomist: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.
EU Trade Deals May Link Tariffs to Deforestation Levels
The European Union's interim trade agreement with Mercosur, applied since May 2026, could set a precedent for future pacts, including those with Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Indonesia.
Bangladesh Bank credit bypasses climate-vulnerable regions
Lending remains concentrated in Dhaka and Chattogram, with only small portions reaching districts most exposed to climate risks, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
India's 8th Pay Commission: Employee groups demand 7% raises
Employee groups propose annual raises up to 7%, potentially adding millions of rupees to civil servants' earnings over a decade, far exceeding the current 3% rate.
South Korea Q3 GDP Outpaces Forecasts on AI Chip Export Surge
The Bank of Korea reported 1.0 per cent quarter-on-quarter economic growth in the third quarter, exceeding expectations, though private consumption declined for the first time in nearly four years.
Philippine SC Voids Budget, Sets Rules
The Supreme Court's ruling voids past budget allocations and sets new transparency rules, impacting the P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget.
Japan PM Takaichi Rejects Yen Weakness Blame, Pledges Fiscal Control
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied responsibility for Japan's weak yen and high interest rates, stating her administration will manage government bond issuance in the upcoming fiscal year to bolster currency confidence.
AMRO Urges ASEAN+3 Action on Converging Shocks, Proposes ACT Framework
AMRO's Yasuto Watanabe outlined a three-part policy framework and called for stronger regional financial cooperation at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok.
Coastal 500 Leaders Demand Climate Funds for Local Ecosystems
A global network of local government leaders advocates for increased financing and community authority to manage interconnected natural systems, ahead of upcoming UN climate and biodiversity summits.
IIED: 2.24% of Nature Aid Mentions Indigenous Peoples
Research from the International Institute for Environment and Development shows only 2.24 per cent of nature-related aid descriptions mention Indigenous Peoples, raising concerns ahead of COP17 in Armenia.
Kerala government lifts dearness allowance by 2%
The increase takes the allowance to 37% of basic pay for state employees and pensioners, effective 1 January 2026, with payments starting in November.
India's EPFO Offers ₹15,000 Incentive for First-Time Workers
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) aims to formalise employment, offering up to ₹15,000 to eligible new entrants to the Employees’ Provident Fund system.
IMF: Asia growth easing to 4.8% in 2026 amid tech boom
The International Monetary Fund projects Asia will contribute 68% of global growth in 2026, shaped by an energy shock, accelerating AI, and trade shifts from tariffs.
James Robinson Cautions Indonesia on 8% GDP Goal
Economist James Robinson stated President Prabowo Subianto's 8% gross domestic product growth target for Indonesia is challenging, requiring specific institutional reforms to be achievable.
Southeast Asia FDI Hits US$226bn, Singapore Lands Record US$143bn
Foreign direct investment into the region grew 8% in 2024, driven by new manufacturing and digital economy projects, according to the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Indonesia Mandates Travel Spending Cuts Amid Budget Pressure
Indonesia's government has ordered ministries to reduce unspent travel allocations by 30%, facing a budget deficit that widened to 1.24% of GDP by end-September due to rising energy costs.
ASEAN Trade Expo to Feature 200+ Women-Led Enterprises in Manila
The "Way of the Weave" themed event, hosted by the Philippines from November 10–12, 2026, aims to link regional craftsmanship with international buyers and investors.
Wellcome: Heat Endangers Maternal Health, Adaptation Funding Lags
A global survey by Wellcome found nearly all maternity workers treated patients affected by extreme heat, as UN climate chief Simon Stiell noted a significant gap in climate adaptation finance for developing nations.
Japan's Finance Minister: Government clarifies Takaichi's policy stance
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated the government began adjusting its messaging in late August to address market concerns about reflationary policies.
Telangana Approves ₹2,500 Crore Annual DA for State Workers
The state cabinet confirmed the release of two Dearness Allowance instalments for employees and pensioners, adding to its recurring expenditure.
Singapore to issue S$190 utility rebates to one million households
The measure in October 2026 will help over one million public housing residents offset living costs, alongside falling electricity and gas tariffs for the quarter.
RBI Publishes Advisory Report on State Government WMA Limits
India's central bank today released findings from a committee reviewing financial accommodation facilities and Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limits for state governments.
Climate adaptation: Asia-Pacific faces US$27bn annual flood losses
A new survey of 18,000 people shows deep concern over global warming's effects on jobs and living costs, with businesses expected to deliver solutions.
US, China agree 10m tonnes coal imports, pursue tariff cuts
Beijing will import 10 million metric tons of US coal annually in 2027 and 2028, with both nations pursuing tariff reductions on US$30 billion in goods.
Philippine DOE forecasts P8 diesel cut on Saudi export return
The Department of Energy anticipates a P6 per litre reduction for kerosene, with a smaller P0.90 cut for gasoline still under review, following global market shifts.
US Mortgage Rates Exceed 7% to Two-Year High
The contract rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage reached 7.12% last week, marking the highest point since May 2024 and dampening home financing applications.
Philippines BIR publishes e-invoicing policies, 2026 compliance
The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) published its implementing policies for electronic invoicing, requiring most businesses to comply by year-end 2026.
Delhi ITAT reverses ₹34.8 lakh 'unexplained cash' tax decision
India's Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that a cash balance was not unexplained when linked to commission income already declared, overturning a prior assessment for a Delhi taxpayer.
India: Central Staff Demand Insurance Hike, 8th Pay Commission
Central government employee groups in India are demanding updated insurance coverage and revised contributions under the CGEGIS scheme, citing decades of unchanged benefits, with a Group C cover of ₹1.5 lakh.
Philippines DOJ confirms agrarian reform programme ended 2014
The Philippine Department of Justice issued an opinion in March 2026, clarifying that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's sunset clause took effect over a decade ago.
John Lee unveils Hong Kong's first five-year financial hub strategy
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.