Economies.
Singapore raises ministerial salaries, tightens bonus targets
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced Singapore's first political salary increase in over a decade, linking pay to stricter national economic and social targets.
Philippines' 2027 Rice Harvest Faces Middle East Conflict, El Niño Risks
Philippines' 2027 rice harvest faces significant risks from Middle East conflict and El Niño. Rising fertiliser costs and water scarcity threaten domestic food supply, increasing import demand.
Metro Manila Wage Board Approves P60 Daily Pay Hike
The Metro Manila wage board has approved a P60 daily minimum wage increase. This new order aims to implement a portion of an earlier, larger hike, currently frozen by court injunctions.
Philippines targets 75% emissions cut by 2035, builds carbon market
The Marcos administration is actively seeking private investment for green projects and developing a tradable carbon credit market to meet its enhanced 2026 Nationally Determined Contribution.
Vietnam Coffee Exports Hit $6B, Value Falls Despite Volume Rise
Vietnam's coffee exports reached over US$6 billion in the first eight months of 2026. This represented a 10% volume increase year-on-year, yet an 11.2% value decline due to lower prices.
Singapore Tightens Political Salary Bonus Criteria
Singapore’s government revised political salary performance metrics. Targets for unemployment, income growth, and real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will tighten, reflecting a long-term economic outlook.
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.
Philippine Fuel Prices Jump Over P4 Per Litre, Exceed P100
The Department of Energy announced increases taking effect 15 September, pushing some Metro Manila gasoline and diesel costs past P100 per litre after two weeks of consecutive rises.
Singapore details ministerial pay, entry-level salaries capped
The government confirmed entry-level ministers will not immediately receive SGD1.8 million annually, with a new framework introducing performance-based adjustments and a 9% cap on initial increases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thai Industrial Confidence Rises in July, Fueled by EVs and State Stimulus
Thailand's industrial confidence rose for a second consecutive month in July. Electric vehicle sales and government stimulus measures supported the increase, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported.
Thai Leaders, World Bank Convene Bangkok Summit 2026 for Economic Restructuring
Thailand's Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), with government agencies and the World Bank, convened the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 yesterday. The event aims to restructure the Thai economy, positioning the nation as a global investment hub ahead of major international meetings.
Singapore Increases Child Support to S$70,000 Per Child
Singapore will provide S$70,000 in direct financial support for each eligible child, from birth to age 17, under a new package. This measure addresses the nation's record-low birth rate and aims to ease parenting costs.
Singapore COE Premiums Climb; Industry Expects Sustained Highs
Singapore's Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums rose across all passenger car categories in the latest bidding. Automotive industry observers anticipate these elevated prices will continue, driven by a persistent supply shortfall.
Cambodia's Trade Deficit Widens to $2.44 Billion Through July
Cambodia's total trade volume reached $44.07 billion in the first seven months of 2026, a 21.3% year-on-year increase. This growth led to a widened trade deficit, hitting $2.44 billion, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Thailand's Q2 GDP Growth Slowest Among Major Southeast Asian Economies
Thailand’s economy expanded 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, marking the slowest growth among six key Southeast Asian nations. High energy costs significantly dampened domestic demand.
Thailand Commerce Ministry: Double-Digit Export Growth for 2026
Thailand's Commerce Ministry forecasts double-digit export growth for 2026, aiming for 12 trillion baht, despite an "unsatisfactory" second-quarter GDP.
Philippines House passes disinformation bill; critics urge AI governance
The Philippine House of Representatives approved a bill targeting online disinformation. Critics, including media advocates and AI ethicists, warn the measure may restrict free expression and call for comprehensive AI governance instead.
Thailand Finance Ministry Funds EV Public Transport Conversion
Thailand's Finance Ministry will subsidise public transport vehicle conversions to electric power, using emergency borrowing funds. The programme aims to cut fossil fuel reliance and boost clean energy adoption.
Thailand's Suphajee Details Four-Pillar Plan: Diversification, SMEs, Value Creation
Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun detailed Thailand's plan to boost sustainable economic expansion, focusing on market diversification, value creation, SME empowerment, and building global trust amid trade uncertainty.
Thai Shippers' Council Flags US Transshipment Report Risk
The Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC) voiced concern over Thailand's inclusion in a White House transshipment report. This may reduce US confidence in Thai exports, potentially leading to stricter inspections and higher costs for businesses.
Philippines Proposes US$11 Billion Climate Budget; Tagging Questions Persist
The Philippines aims for a US$11 billion climate budget in 2027, a 6.8 per cent increase from 2026. This allocation faces scrutiny over its effectiveness and past corruption allegations.
Thai State Agencies Deploy Agentic AI for Fraud Detection, Service Delivery
Five Thai state agencies will implement agentic artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance complex administrative functions. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and fraud detection across land purchases, civil registration, and public services.
Vietnam Needs $227B–$231B Exports to Meet 2026 Target
Vietnam must generate up to $231 billion in exports during the final five months of 2026. This is required to achieve its full-year growth goal, creating significant pressure for exporters. Trade barriers, rising production costs, and increasing global competition pose challenges.
Singapore Economists Lift 2026 Growth Forecasts Past MTI Range
Private-sector economists in Singapore have raised their full-year GDP growth forecasts for 2026. This follows an official upgrade and strong first-half performance, driven by AI-related investments.
Philippines' 2027 Tax Revenue Targets Ambitious, BMI States
Research firm BMI questions the Philippines' ability to meet its 2027 tax collection goals, citing reliance on consumption gains and lower GDP forecasts.
Filipino Workers Satisfied With Pay, Still Eye Higher Wages, Relocation
A Jobstreet by SEEK survey reveals that while a majority of Filipino workers are satisfied with their current salaries, a significant portion still finds their earnings insufficient for living costs, driving a desire for greater compensation or international relocation.
Singapore PM Wong to Detail Family Support, Economic Outlook at NDR
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will outline new government support for families and child-raising costs on 23 August. He also affirmed Singapore's economic resilience, citing strong growth in the first half of the year and stable labour markets. The government is reviewing family support and investing in AI and skills development.
Malaysia: Courts Bolster Environmental Accountability, Embrace Public Interest Suits
Malaysian courts demonstrate increasing openness to public interest environmental litigation, despite the Federal Constitution lacking an explicit right to a healthy environment. This shift strengthens avenues for corporate and government accountability.
Singapore Raises 2026 GDP Forecast to 4.5–5.5 Percent on AI Boom
Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) upgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.5–5.5 percent, up from 2–4 percent. This revision follows stronger first-half performance, with Q2 GDP growth revised to 5.9 percent year-on-year, largely driven by global artificial intelligence investment.
Philippines Trade Growth: British Chamber Discusses Amid GDP Slowdown
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines met Manila's UK envoy to expand trade in agriculture, technology, and services. This occurs as Philippine GDP growth slowed, though inflation eased.
Philippines House Panel Approves P350,000 Tax-Free Income Threshold
The Philippine House committee on ways and means approved a bill raising the annual income tax exemption to P350,000 from P250,000. This measure aims to boost take-home pay for low- and middle-income workers.
PM Wong Outlines Singapore's Economic Resilience, AI Investment
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong detailed the nation's economic outlook, stressing resilience and significant artificial intelligence investments. He will address family support on August 23.
NACC, OECD Advance Thailand's Anti-Bribery Standards Push
Thailand's anti-corruption efforts moved forward with a joint NACC and OECD seminar, focusing on legal reforms to align with international anti-bribery standards. The initiative aims to boost investor confidence and competitiveness.
Thailand Egg Prices Hit Two-Year High Amid Supply Shortfall
Thai egg prices reached a two-year peak of 4 baht per egg, driven by reduced supplies and rising feed costs. Government intervention offers temporary relief, with prices expected to ease by October.
Singapore competitiveness requires deeper ASEAN integration, SIIA states
Singapore's long-term economic strength depends on closer ASEAN ties, a new Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) report reveals. Domestic reforms alone cannot secure this strength, the think tank concludes, advocating for regional cooperation on energy, AI, finance, and supply chains.
Singapore's ONE Pass Holders Double to 8,500 by End-2025
Singapore's Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass holders reached 8,500 by end-2025, more than doubling since the scheme's 2023 launch. This growth reflects the city-state's strategy to attract top global talent.
Thailand's TCCT Updates Digital Platform, Modern Trade, On-Demand Delivery Rules
Thailand’s Trade Competition Commission (TCCT) is updating its competition guidelines for digital platforms, modern trade, and on-demand delivery services. This move addresses rapidly changing business models across key sectors.
Thai Hotels Association Urges Lower Initial 3% Accommodation Tax
Bangkok's hotel industry is pushing back against a proposed 3% accommodation tax, with the Thai Hotels Association (THA) advocating for a lower initial rate to support tourism recovery and address unfair competition from unlicensed operators.
ASEAN, China Drive ACFTA 3.0 for Late 2026 Enactment
ASEAN and China are advancing negotiations to upgrade their Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), targeting enactment by late 2026. The new ACFTA 3.0 focuses on digital and green trade, alongside supply chain connectivity.
GovTech Singapore Cuts 93 Roles, Keeps Vendor Ties Amid Internal Shift
Singapore's GovTech retrenched 93 employees in July, shifting towards in-house product development. Senior Minister of State Jasmin Lau confirms continued vendor partnerships. (Source: The Business Times Singapore)
Singapore Q2 Layoffs Hit Five-Year High at 4,500 Amid Restructuring
Singaporean companies cut 4,500 jobs in the second quarter, a five-year high, driven by restructuring in outward-oriented sectors, according to preliminary Ministry of Manpower data.