Singapore · Sunday, November 1, 2026
asianomistAsia’s economy, daily.
Author

Daniel Sim

Desk byline for industry and supply chain at Asianomist: the China+1 tracker, energy and commodities, and Asia's trade with the world.

Latest from Daniel Sim
Consumer & Retail

PAGCOR's nine-month revenue drops 23.4%, net income almost 85%

The Philippine gaming regulator reported total revenues of P64.41 billion for January to September, down from P84.09 billion a year earlier, with online gaming experiencing the steepest fall.

Tech & Semiconductors

Siemens CEO Outlines Industrial AI Adoption Path for Asia's SMEs

Roland Busch, Siemens' chief executive, late last week in Seoul detailed a step-by-step strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into smaller manufacturing operations, emphasising industrial data and gradual investment.

Energy & Commodities

Thai Government Approves B6.7bn Fuel Subsidy, Orders Refining Margin Cuts

Thailand's Finance Ministry greenlit an initial 6.7 billion baht from the Energy Conservation Fund, while new measures will reduce gross refining margins to ease consumer burden.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

BlackRock's HPS invests S$555m in TBS waste platform

The multi-tranche commitment will fund Jakarta-based TBS Energi Utama's expansion and acquisitions across Singapore, Indonesia, and other Asian markets.

Supply Chain

HCMC draws US$16.4 billion for urban, port projects

Ho Chi Minh City has approved 12 major investment projects totalling US$16.4 billion, targeting urban development, seaports, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing.

Consumer & Retail

HDPI reports P7.07bn loss, auditor flags viability

Hard Discount Philippines Inc., operator of DALI stores, recorded P7.07 billion in losses by 2025, a 35 percent rise from the previous year. Its auditor raised significant doubts about the Philippine retailer's ability to continue operations.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Philippines opens NLEX C5 Northlink, free passage until 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the new section, connecting Quezon City and Valenzuela City, will waive tolls for motorists through 31 December 2026.

Tech & Semiconductors

Apple iPhone Duo faces early screen cracking complaints

Customers report screens on Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo cracking within days of use, prompting the company to offer replacements for affected units.

Tech & Semiconductors

China Permits Xpeng, VW Joint Venture for Robotaxi Operations

Xpeng's Yoyo driverless taxis can now carry paying passengers in Guangdong province, advancing China's autonomous driving sector.

Energy & Commodities

Rystad Energy: LNG Importers Face $39 Billion Cost Hike for Less Volume in 2026

Middle East disruptions will push global LNG portfolio costs to $256 billion, forcing buyers to secure 60.7 million tonnes less supply at higher prices, Rystad Energy forecasts.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Keppel joins Vietnam financial centre, targets $1 billion real estate funds

Singapore's Keppel Ltd. has become an inaugural member of the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC), planning to attract up to US$1 billion for property developments in the country.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Hong Kong Home Prices Decline 0.8% in Q3, Rents Climb

Hong Kong's lived-in residential property prices fell for the first time in over a year during the third quarter of 2026, even as September saw a second consecutive monthly increase.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

OUE REIT acquires half-stake in Sydney Salesforce Tower for $864 million

Singapore’s OUE Real Estate Investment Trust purchased the interest from Chinese insurer Ping An, in a transaction confirmed over the weekend.

Tech & Semiconductors

LG Earnings Bolstered by Appliances, Vehicle Components

The South Korean electronics giant reported an improved profit from a year earlier for its latest quarter, driven by appliances and vehicle components, even as overall earnings declined sequentially. Management anticipates continued challenging consumer spending.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Colliers markets S$85.2m Hillview Terrace industrial portfolios

Colliers is offering two distinct industrial property portfolios in Singapore's Hillview Terrace, valued at a combined S$85.23 million across approximately 50,980 sq ft of land.

Consumer & Retail

Asia E-Commerce Growth Diverges: China Hits ¥13 Trillion

China's online retail sales of physical goods reached ¥13.09 trillion in 2025, while Southeast Asia and India each expanded by 20 percent, showcasing varied regional trends.

Tech & Semiconductors

China approves DeepSeek, MiniMax for global AI deployment

The move, announced by China Central Television, reveals Beijing's intent to support international commercialisation for its artificial intelligence sector, despite potential export controls.

Tech & Semiconductors

Singapore commits S$150m to AI materials research, corporate AI

Singapore's government announced a significant investment in a new AI-driven materials research platform and launched initiatives to embed artificial intelligence across its corporate sector.

Tech & Semiconductors

Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong firms lead 2026 Enterprise Awards

The annual awards, organised by The Business Times and OCBC, recognised nine companies for innovation and sustainable solutions, with nearly 40 per cent of 600 applications from outside Singapore.

Supply Chain

HSBC Aids Chinese Firms' Expansion into Malaysia, ASEAN

Malaysia's 2025 GDP grew 5.2%, with bilateral trade volumes with China rising 33% in the first seven months of 2026, drawing Chinese companies like Mixue and COSMX.

Tech & Semiconductors

HSBC: 65% of Singapore Entrepreneurs Adopt AI, Outpace Peers

High-net-worth entrepreneurs in Singapore are more proactive in adapting operations for artificial intelligence than global counterparts, with 61% planning significant investments in AI over the next year.

Tech & Semiconductors

Thailand NBTC leadership dispute threatens telecom conference, flood aid

Legal uncertainty at Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) could delay the country's ITU conference participation and crucial flood relief for mobile subscribers.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

Daewoo E&C integrates AI for construction safety, efficiency

The Korean builder is deploying real-time translation, automated safety monitoring, and digital management systems to cut workplace risks and streamline operations.

Consumer & Retail

Korean Retailers Use AI Shoppers to Refine Products, Cut Costs

Major South Korean retailers and consumer goods firms are deploying artificial intelligence-generated consumers to test products and marketing, aiming to predict buying behaviour and reduce development expenses.

Supply Chain

HD Hyundai, Kiewit to build US shipyard, create 3,000 jobs

The joint venture will begin construction in 2027, with operations slated for 2029, supported by a significant South Korean investment pledge.

Supply Chain

BYD to build European EV plants countering trade barriers

China's largest electric vehicle maker aims for greater market share in Europe, responding to tariffs and quotas on Chinese imports and reduced domestic fiscal support.

Tech & Semiconductors

Ambiq Micro adds SGX listing, expands Singapore R&D

The US-listed edge AI chip designer seeks to offer Asian investors direct access while committing to a multi-year research and development programme in Singapore.

Tech & Semiconductors

VSMC Opens Singapore 300mm Fab, Targeting 44,000 Monthly Wafers

The joint venture between Vanguard International Semiconductor and NXP Semiconductors will create 1,600 jobs by 2029, with volume production starting in Q1 2027.

Real Estate & Infrastructure

HK Developers Shift to China Commercial Amid Weak Home Sales

Hong Kong's major property firms are redirecting mainland China investments from residential units to commercial assets like hotels, citing weak home sales and limited new opportunities.

Energy & Commodities

Indonesia, Philippines Coal Reliance Hinders Geothermal Investment

Existing coal power plants in Southeast Asia weaken the business case for new clean energy projects, despite a US$170 million derisking facility in the Philippines for geothermal exploration.