Economies.
Philippines Factory Gate Prices See Four-Month High in September
Official data from the Philippines shows manufacturing producer prices increased 3.4% year-on-year in September 2026, primarily driven by rising energy costs.
Vietnam Reduces Electricity Tariff 2%, Suspends Fuel Tax
Hanoi's latest measures aim to stabilise the economy, bringing the average retail electricity tariff to 2,159.9 dong per kilowatt-hour and eliminating the 7%-10% special consumption tax on petrol.
Singapore Q3 Layoffs Reach 4,800, Near Six-Year Peak
The Ministry of Manpower reported 4,800 retrenchments in the third quarter of 2026, an increase from Q2 and the highest figure since late 2020, primarily due to business reorganisations.
Thai rice exports miss 2026 target despite Asian demand surge
Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade forecasts 6.5 million tonnes of rice exports for 2026, below its 7 million tonne goal, with Middle East conflict and US tariffs impacting sales.
Thailand's AI Investment Boosts Economy in September
Private investment surged 21.6% month-on-month, driven by data-centre equipment imports, the Bank of Thailand reported on 30 October.
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.
Philippine SC Voids Budget, Sets Rules
The Supreme Court's ruling voids past budget allocations and sets new transparency rules, impacting the P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget.
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.
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.
AMRO Urges ASEAN+3 Action on Converging Shocks, Proposes ACT Framework
AMRO's Yasuto Watanabe outlined a three-part policy framework and called for stronger regional financial cooperation at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
James Robinson Cautions Indonesia on 8% GDP Goal
Economist James Robinson stated President Prabowo Subianto's 8% gross domestic product growth target for Indonesia is challenging, requiring specific institutional reforms to be achievable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Southeast Asia FDI Hits US$226bn, Singapore Lands Record US$143bn
Foreign direct investment into the region grew 8% in 2024, driven by new manufacturing and digital economy projects, according to the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Indonesia Mandates Travel Spending Cuts Amid Budget Pressure
Indonesia's government has ordered ministries to reduce unspent travel allocations by 30%, facing a budget deficit that widened to 1.24% of GDP by end-September due to rising energy costs.
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.
ASEAN Trade Expo to Feature 200+ Women-Led Enterprises in Manila
The "Way of the Weave" themed event, hosted by the Philippines from November 10–12, 2026, aims to link regional craftsmanship with international buyers and investors.
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.
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.
Singapore to issue S$190 utility rebates to one million households
The measure in October 2026 will help over one million public housing residents offset living costs, alongside falling electricity and gas tariffs for the quarter.
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.
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.
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.
Philippine DOE forecasts P8 diesel cut on Saudi export return
The Department of Energy anticipates a P6 per litre reduction for kerosene, with a smaller P0.90 cut for gasoline still under review, following global market shifts.
Philippines BIR publishes e-invoicing policies, 2026 compliance
The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) published its implementing policies for electronic invoicing, requiring most businesses to comply by year-end 2026.
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.
Singapore Q2 2026 Layoffs Climb to Highest Since 2020
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower reported 4,620 retrenchments in Q2 2026, a significant rise driven by business restructuring in key outward-oriented sectors.
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.
Philippines DOJ confirms agrarian reform programme ended 2014
The Philippine Department of Justice issued an opinion in March 2026, clarifying that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's sunset clause took effect over a decade ago.
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.
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' 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.
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.