Arjun Pillai
Desk byline for India and South Asia at Asianomist, covering India and its neighbours.
India's $200 Billion Chip Market Target Draws Global Investment
New Delhi commits over $20 billion in government support for domestic semiconductor production and electronics, attracting major global tech firms.
Thailand's Economy Gains from AI Exports in September
Private investment surged 21.6% month-on-month, driven by data-centre equipment imports, the Bank of Thailand reported on 30 October.
Japan's Economy Resilient to Rate Hikes, Oxford Economics Finds
Most Japanese firms and households possess strong balance sheets, allowing them to manage rising interest costs, though some small businesses and younger debtors face challenges.
Fitch Sees Indonesia GDP Growth Missing 8% Target for 2027–28
The ratings agency projects Indonesia's economy will expand by 4.9% in 2027 and 2028, falling short of the President's goal despite an upward revision and strong first-half 2026 performance.
IMF Projects 3.1% Global Growth, Fed Lifts Rate to 4.00%
The International Monetary Fund's latest outlook, presented in Bangkok, shows an increasingly uneven global recovery, with Asian long-term bond yields rising 40–60 basis points this year.
South Korea, World Bank Launch AI Hub in Seoul for Digital Equity
Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il announced the plan at the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, stressing technology access for developing nations.
Singapore NWC advises 6-8% pay rise for lower-wage workers, adds unprofitable category
Singapore's National Wages Council has recommended a 6-8 per cent pay increase for lower-wage workers, effective from December 2026, and introduced a new category for unprofitable firms with a S$120 minimum increase.
Keralam Hikes State Dearness Allowance to 37% for Employees
The two-percentage-point increase for Keralam's government staff and pensioners will see revised payments begin in November 2026, with arrears due from January 1, 2026.
China Plus One Spurs ASEAN Investment Surge, Digital Trade Reform Needed
Annual foreign direct investment in ASEAN has exceeded $200 billion since 2021, but a $350 billion trade finance gap for small businesses requires digital solutions.
Vietnam Targets 10% GDP Growth for 2027, Boosts FDI
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined ambitious economic goals to lawmakers, including curbing inflation at 4.5% and boosting foreign trade to an estimated $1.11 trillion in 2026.
Seoul Finance Ministry: Exports Propel Economic Recovery
South Korea's merchandise exports reached a record $120.9 billion last month, driven by strong semiconductor shipments, the Finance Ministry stated.
Philippines Central Bank Chief Warns Asia on Crisis Risks
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. urged Asian nations to learn from the 1997 financial crisis at the IMF/World Bank meetings in Bangkok on 14 October.
AMRO lifts ASEAN+3 growth to 4.9%, defies geoeconomic competition
The regional macroeconomic office upgraded its 2026 outlook from 4.8%, keeping 2027 stable at 4.7%, even as experts note rising pressure on the region's open economic model.
Telangana Approves Two Dearness Allowance Hikes for State Staff
The move includes 3.64% and 2.73% revisions, with payments for employees and pensioners scheduled to be disbursed on 1 November.
US Job Growth Misses Forecasts at 29,000, Unemployment Rises to 4.2%
September's nonfarm payrolls fell short of consensus economist estimates, with annual wage increases slowing to 3%, the lowest since 2021, easing inflation concerns.
India's EPFO Campaign Offers Provident Fund Coverage to Past Workers
The Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2026, active until October 31, allows businesses to regularise provident fund benefits for staff previously outside the formal system.
JTI Philippines backs unified e-cigarette tax to curb smuggling
The proposed P72.9 excise rate from 2027 aims to close loopholes exploited by illicit traders and increase government collections.
Vietnam Tea Exports to US Rise 36% on Higher Prices, Volumes
Vietnam recorded US$7.64 million in tea shipments to the United States during the first eight months of 2026, driven by a 22% rise in volumes and a 12% increase in average prices per ton.
Singapore's August Factory Output Surges 15.4%, Misses Estimates
While Singapore's manufacturing production expanded year-on-year in August, seasonally adjusted monthly output saw a slight contraction, falling short of analyst forecasts.
Philippines to halve retail bond volume as funding options widen
The Bureau of the Treasury plans to raise less than half of last year's amount from its upcoming retail treasury bond sale, considering alternative financing for the remainder of 2026.
SBF Launches Future Ready Business Index, Targets 500 Firms by 2027
The Singapore Business Federation, in partnership with Boston Consulting Group, unveiled a new diagnostic tool today to help companies identify capability gaps and prioritise transformation efforts.
South Korea's Early September Exports Jump 78% on Chip Sales
Outbound shipments hit a record $71.4 billion in the first 20 days of September, driven by a 259% surge in semiconductor sales, according to Korea Customs Service data.
Punjab Employees End Strike After Disciplinary Action Pledge
The decision follows talks between employee unions and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, who agreed to withdraw show-cause notices issued after a mass leave protest on 27 August.
Manila Small Businesses Cut Staff, Take Loans Over Steep Garbage Fees
New municipal rules implemented in January 2026 have increased waste collection costs by up to 12 times for some enterprises, forcing staff reductions and loan applications to cover rising operating expenses.