Fiona Zhang
Desk byline for North Asia at Asianomist, covering China, Japan and Korea, and the semiconductor supply chain.
World Bank urges Vietnam growth model shift by 2045
Mariam J. Sherman stated the country's current labour-intensive approach will not achieve high-income status, citing a peak in working-age population in 2014.
Singapore to Prioritise Economy, Energy Security as 2027 ASEAN Chair
Singapore's upcoming ASEAN chairmanship will address regional economic anxieties alongside climate goals, focusing on energy security and carbon market mechanisms.
Indonesia Seeks Funds for Coal Transition Livelihoods
Policymakers are urged to establish regional endowment funds, redirecting fossil-fuel revenues to support economic diversification in communities like Pulau Panggung.
Singapore to Balance Economy, Climate as 2027 ASEAN Chair
As Singapore prepares for its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship, it faces the challenge of aligning economic stability with urgent climate action, as regional survey data shows economic concerns outweigh green initiatives.
South Korea's Q3 GDP Expands 1% on Chip Exports, Beats BOK Forecast
The Bank of Korea reported stronger-than-expected growth, with facilities investment and intellectual property also rising, making a $40,000 per capita GNI likely.
India's 8th Pay Commission Nears May 2027 Report Deadline
The three-member panel, established in November 2025, concluded its Mumbai stakeholder meetings on 23 October, with final recommendations on central government salaries and pensions due in six months.
Japanese Firms Pay Compensation Following Cyberattack Disruptions
GMO Internet and Park24 are offering payouts to customers after recent cyberattacks exposed vulnerabilities and impacted services across Japan.
Thailand, EU Target Free Trade Deal Conclusion by 2026
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated the agreement could be finalised by December 2026, following his recent diplomatic tour across Europe to gather support.
KB Financial: South Koreans average 6.3 hours sleep, fatigue
Nearly half of surveyed South Koreans report persistent exhaustion, while average nightly sleep declined to 6.3 hours from 6.5 hours in 2024, according to a new report.
HKMA Calls for Financial Innovation to Ease Economic Pain Points
Hong Kong’s top banking regulator, the HKMA, has urged the financial sector to innovate, aiming to transform conventional tools into efficient solutions for the real economy, reinforcing the city's role as a regional financial hub.
Malaysian Youths Challenge Government on Forest Cover Pledge
Six young Malaysians have filed a judicial review against the government, demanding a halt to deforestation and upholding a 50 per cent national forest cover commitment.
Japan PM Takaichi Rejects Blame for Weak Yen, High Rates
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has denied her administration's fiscal plans are causing market unease, as Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned of potential rises in long-term bond yields.
India Weighs 3% Federal Pay Hike, Arrears for Employees
India's federal government is considering a 3-percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance, potentially raising monthly salaries and providing retrospective arrears from 1 July 2026 if approved by Diwali.
Singapore Exports Surge 68.4% in September, Exceeding Forecasts
Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) jumped 68.4 per cent, recording their strongest growth since 1980 and far surpassing economist predictions.
Bangladesh Secures US$3.3 Billion Energy Funding, Taps ITFC for Fuel
The emergency package includes US$3.1 billion for oil and gas imports this fiscal year, with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corp playing a key role, alongside US$200 million from the Asian Development Bank for grid repairs.
AMRO: ASEAN+3 Financial Cycles Less Tied to Global Shocks
A new paper from the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office reveals that financial cycles in the region are increasingly driven by local and intra-regional factors, with global influences generally declining since 2006.
Barbados champions new economic development model
The Bridgetown Initiative redefines progress by focusing on national capability, financial system reform, and affordable long-term finance for nations facing global stressors.
Indian Bank Deposits Hit ₹28.96 Trillion by End-September
Public deposits with India's scheduled banks rose by over ₹780,000 crore in the last two weeks of September, the Reserve Bank of India reported. This brought the total to ₹28.96 trillion.
Thailand weighs new tourism levies; industry raises competition concerns
The Thai Revenue Department considers an outbound levy of up to 5,000 baht, alongside a 450 baht foreign tourist tax planned for early 2027.
IMF Chief Flags AI's Dual Impact: Asia Growth, Labour Market Shift
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned from Bangkok that artificial intelligence poses a "slow-moving tsunami" to jobs and tax revenues, even as it promises to boost growth in advanced Asian economies.
Singapore to push sustainability, energy integration as ASEAN chair in 2027
The upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and a new Green Economic Framework Agreement (GEFA) will feature prominently, as ASEAN faces a US$200 billion rise in its 2027 energy import bill.
Goldman Sachs sees higher Thai H1 2026 growth, no BOT rate hike
The investment bank projects Thailand's first-half 2026 GDP growth could rise to 2.9% from 2.4%, driven by expanded manufacturing data coverage, but cautions against immediate monetary tightening.
RBI: India NBFC Credit Growth Accelerates to 15.8% in August
Non-banking financial company lending accelerated across key sectors, with retail loans rising 22.0% and agriculture credit up 17.4% year-on-year.
Singapore Manufacturing PMI Rises to 51.7 in September
Driven by strong AI-related demand, the Republic's manufacturing activity expanded for a 14th consecutive month, showing increased orders and production.
USAID Cuts Create US$1 Billion Green Funding Gap, Report Says
A new analysis from One Earth Partners details how the 2025 termination of USAID's environmental funding has impacted projects and economies in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and other nations.
Malaysia establishes sustainability body, backed by Securities Commission
The Association of Sustainability Professionals will launch by end 2026, aiming to standardise practices and support businesses in meeting reporting requirements.
Singapore PM Wong Urges Economic Discipline in Policymaking
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, also Finance Minister, emphasised the enduring value of core economic principles – price, cost, and incentives – for sound policy decisions, even amid pressure for quick fixes.
US Fisheries Agency Plans Looser Domestic Fishing Rules
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries released 34 priorities on 2 September, intending to reduce restrictions on where, when and how fishers operate.
Johor Sees RM59.4bn H1 2026 Investments; JS-SEZ Impact Undefined
Malaysia's Johor state attracted RM59.4 billion (US$14.6 billion) in approved investments during the first half of 2026, MIDA reported, though the specific contribution from the Johor-Singapore SEZ remains unclear.
Singapore Law Society Seeks CEO Amid Governance Review
The Law Society of Singapore has posted a job advertisement for a new Chief Executive Officer, tasked with strengthening the body's culture and governance following an internal audit and police investigation.