Aisyah Kamal
Desk byline for Southeast Asia at Asianomist: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.
Indonesia Integrates Indigenous Land Data for Spatial Planning
Indonesia's government has combined data from its Ministry of Culture, the Ancestral Domain Registration Agency (BRWA), and AMAN to map 3,857 Indigenous communities. This initiative aims to strengthen policymaking and land recognition, potentially streamlining spatial planning.
Sri Lanka expands water schemes amid Colombo contamination concerns
New community water supply projects by the Department of National Community Water Supply aim to complete 197 outstanding schemes by 2027, addressing two decades of urban water quality decline.
Shanmugam Affirms Temasek Firms' Commercial Autonomy
Senior Minister K Shanmugam stated that Temasek-linked companies must prioritise commercial judgement. They should operate without fear of political influence. This approach safeguards Singapore's long-term investment returns.
Philippine Exporters Can Claim VAT Refunds While Awaiting Certification
The Bureau of Internal Revenue issued new guidelines on September 7, allowing export-oriented enterprises to recover Value-Added Tax on purchases made before receiving zero-rating status. This applies to VAT incurred from November 28, 2024, through December 31, 2025.
China Arrests 52 Singaporeans in Guangxi Pyramid Scheme Crackdown
Chinese authorities in Guangxi province detained 52 Singaporean nationals for alleged involvement in pyramid scheme activities. Singapore's MFA and SPF confirmed the arrests.
Philippines Q4 Growth Forecast Exceeds Four Percent, UA&P Says
The University of Asia and the Pacific projects Philippine economic expansion above four percent in the final quarter of 2026, driven by infrastructure spending and demand.
Hong Kong Luxury Spending Fuels Uneven H1 Economic Recovery
Hong Kong's economy recorded its strongest half-yearly growth in nearly five years. High-end consumption and a polarised property market drive this recovery, with residential assets outperforming commercial spaces.
Singapore Tax Revenue Climbs 9.4% to S$97.3 Billion in FY2025–26
Singapore's tax revenue reached S$97.3 billion in the 2025–26 financial year, a 9.4% increase. This collection reflects robust economic activity and consumer spending, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore reported.
Singapore Core Inflation Hits 2% in July on Energy, Food Costs
Singapore's core inflation reached 2% in July, driven by increased utility, food, and service expenses. This marks the fastest pace since October 2024, prompting scrutiny of household spending capacity.
India Slashes Sugar Stock Limits, Producers' Shares Fall
India's government reduced sugar stockholding limits for dealers by half, effective September 15. This policy aims to curb hoarding and stabilise domestic prices. Major sugar producers' shares fell following the announcement.
India's Ministry of Health Expands Lifetime Benefits for Dependents
India's Ministry of Health now grants lifetime medical benefits to dependent sons and brothers suffering from critical or terminal illnesses. This policy update relaxes age and marital status requirements under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
BoK: South Korea Sept Inflation Eases, Core Pressures Persist
The Bank of Korea forecasts a moderation in headline inflation for September 2023. This change follows a fading statistical base effect. However, underlying price pressures, particularly in core items, persist.
South Korea August Inflation Hits 3.1%, Mobile Bills Distort Figure
South Korea's August consumer price increase reached 3.1%. Stripping out a surge in mobile communication bills, the figure drops to 2.5%.
South Korea imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate
Seoul's finance ministry will levy anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate imports, citing harm to local industry. The measure aims to correct market distortions from low-priced goods.
Singapore to Auction S$3 Billion in Forfeited Luxury Assets
Singapore will progressively sell over 80 properties and more than 1,000 luxury items. These assets were forfeited from its S$3 billion money laundering case. Sales commence September 2026, concluding by mid-2027.
China Directs Carmakers to Halt Overseas Price Wars
Beijing has issued new guidelines for Chinese carmakers and component suppliers. They must avoid steep discounts in international markets, a move aimed at fostering long-term global competitiveness for the industry.
India's RBI: Lending Rates Mixed, Fresh Deposits Cheaper in July
India's central bank reported varied rate movements for commercial banks last month. Fresh rupee loans became slightly cheaper. However, outstanding loan rates rose, while deposit rates showed a mixed trend.
Singapore Expands Childcare Leave; Businesses Face Workload Shift
Singapore has expanded childcare leave entitlements to encourage higher birth rates. While parents welcome the change, non-parent employees voice apprehension about increased workplace responsibilities.
South Korea Names Lee So-young SMEs Minister
President Lee Jae Myung appointed two-term lawmaker Lee So-young as Minister for SMEs and Startups, ending a 61-day vacancy.
Philippines 2027 Budget Transparency: MAP, DEPDev Push CADENA Act
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) demands full transparency for the 2027 national budget. The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) will recommend the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act as a priority legislative measure.
Singapore Scam Losses Drop to S$410.6 Million in H1 2026
Singapore recorded fewer scam cases in the first half of 2026, but victims still lost S$410.6 million. Investment scams caused the largest financial impact, while business email compromise losses nearly tripled.
Singapore Leads Vietnam FDI in 2026 With US$7.5 Billion
Singapore became Vietnam's largest foreign direct investor in the first seven months of 2026. The city-state committed US$7.5 billion, representing over a third of total registered investment.
RBI: India's Domestic Economy Resilient in August
India's economy maintained strength in August 2026, driven by internal demand and activity. This occurred despite global geopolitical and trade uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India stated in its monthly Bulletin.
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.
Mumbai's BEST Electrification Sparks Driver Protests Over Pay, Job Security
Mumbai's public bus operator, BEST, is electrifying its fleet, but contractual models for e-buses are eroding driver pay and job security. This has sparked protests and safety concerns.
Malaysia's Civil Service Pension Bill Strains Public Funds
Malaysia faces escalating government pension costs. Payments are estimated to reach RM42.8 billion this year, consuming 12.5% of total revenue. This trend diverts funds from critical capital development and talent from the private sector.