Industries.
Manila Water expedites Metro Manila Subway utility relocations
The utility firm is moving pipelines and sewer lines in Pasig and Quezon City, with key sections due by October 2026.
Chinese Crude Imports Rebound, Pressuring Global Oil Prices
Chinese customs data shows August crude imports climbed 6.2% month-on-month, with September volumes also increasing, as refiners gradually restock.
ByteDance Founder Zhang Yiming Tops Asia's Richest List
Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance, has seen his net worth rise to US$105.5 billion, surpassing India's Gautam Adani on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Waymo Targets 2028 Singapore Autonomous Ride-Hail Debut
Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit will deploy an all-electric fleet, marking its initial foray into Southeast Asia via a partnership with Singaporean transport bodies.
ASE Technology Holding August revenue record on AI demand
Taiwan's ASE Technology Holding recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue in August 2026, driven by sustained demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chip packaging and testing services.
Global Telecoms Shift Capex to AI as 5G Revenue Growth Stalls
DigiTimes analysis reveals that despite 2.96 billion 5G subscribers in 2025, operators are reallocating capital towards AI infrastructure and exploring token-based billing models to drive new revenue.
Plaud doubles Singapore AI investment to US$20 million
The US wearable AI firm has expanded its Marina Bay Financial Centre headquarters and local engineering team, targeting 12 regional markets for multilingual conversation tools.
Samsung Electronics Gains From Memory Chip Prices, Smartphone Outlook
Samsung Electronics will fare better than most smartphone makers this year, Mizuho Securities reported. Rising memory chip prices support its semiconductor division, while a flagship phone focus helps absorb higher costs.
Singapore Transport Minister Siow: SIA Air India Investment Not Affecting Local Services
Singapore's Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow stated that Singapore Airlines' (SIA) investment in Air India has not compromised its ability to provide essential services locally. This follows a reported US$1.5 billion equity call for the Indian carrier.
Meta develops camera-free smart glasses to ease privacy worries
The US tech firm's design choice aims to remove a social hurdle, potentially accelerating adoption in the rapidly expanding wearable device market.
Coupang Rejects Korea's W3.37 Trillion Data Breach Payout
The e-commerce giant notified the Consumer Dispute Mediation Commission it would not accept the 100,000 won per user recommendation for 33.7 million affected customers.
HK Landlords: Bank Mortgage Curbs Deepen Shop Slump
Hong Kong property owners and industry figures claim local banks are worsening the city's commercial shop downturn. They accuse banks of restricting commercial mortgages, which impedes transactions despite falling property values.
Singapore Business Closures Rise, Landlords Face Takeover Risks
Over 38,000 commercial establishments ceased operations in Singapore during the first seven months of this year, following 60,000 closures in 2025.
Tesla China Cuts Model 3, Model Y Prices Amid Weak Demand
Tesla China has introduced discounts on its Shanghai-built Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This marks the first such price adjustment since late 2024, following declining deliveries in the world's largest electric vehicle market.
Taiwan MOEA outlines power stability plan at APEC
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs presented its strategy for ensuring reliable energy supplies to support advanced industries at the 16th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting.
FirstMetroSec Reinstates Megawide Coverage, Cites 4PH Housing Programme
First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp. reinstated coverage on Megawide Construction Corp. on August 31, 2026, setting a P7.50 target price. The brokerage firm attributes its improved outlook to the Philippine government's 4PH housing programme.
CPC Oil Exports Rebound 22% in August as Black Sea Attacks Ease
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium transported 6.288 million metric tons of crude last month, recovering from July's dip caused by disruptions to tanker traffic.
Huawei Launches Mate XT2 Foldable Phone Amid China Premium Market Competition
Huawei launched its new Mate XT2 foldable phone on Monday, aiming to defend its lead in China's premium handset sector. This move intensifies competition with Xiaomi and Apple, both also releasing new devices this week.
Thailand, Vietnam Solar Shift Pressures Laos Power Exports
Laos earns US$2.6 billion annually from electricity sales, but key importers Thailand and Vietnam are investing heavily in domestic solar and wind generation.
Nepal Floods Halt Hydropower Exports to Bangladesh; India Transit Issues Persist
Monsoon floods in Nepal have stopped hydropower exports to Bangladesh, damaging generation capacity. This disruption highlights ongoing challenges with transit capacity through India's grid.
IQE Posts £6 Million First-Half Profit on AI Infrastructure Demand
British chip component maker IQE Plc reported a core profit of £6 million for the first half of 2026. This reverses a loss from the prior year, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centres.
Far East Organization Sells Singapore District 11 Property for S$84.2 Million
The freehold site, acquired by boutique developer Aurum Land, spans 37,155 square feet in Singapore's prime Bukit Timah enclave and is zoned for mixed-landed housing redevelopment.
Singapore Home Demand Faces Q4 Test Amid Rising Price Sensitivity
Singapore's residential property market now operates under normalised conditions following a strong 2025 rebound. Forthcoming fourth-quarter launches will measure actual homebuyer demand, as buyers demonstrate increased selectivity and price sensitivity. This year, new home sales have already fallen by 11.6 per cent.
Philippine Lawmakers: DICT Must Collect P3.9B Telco Dues
The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department estimates outstanding charges and penalties could significantly enhance the Department of Information and Communications Technology's budget for digital infrastructure.
Zankore secures US$3.1bn loan for Indonesia AI infrastructure
The newly formed firm will develop GPU cloud capabilities across Indonesia with Nvidia, funded by a consortium of five banks.
Huawei's Tau Scaling Law Solves Kirin Chip Overheating Challenge
Huawei's latest research demonstrates its Tau Scaling Law architecture prevents overheating in vertically stacked semiconductors. This addresses a critical hurdle for its forthcoming Kirin 2026 smartphone chip, allowing greater transistor density and lower power use.
US Fed Tightening Threatens Hong Kong Property Capital Inflows
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh's recent inflation focus raises US interest rate hike expectations, directly impacting Hong Kong's property market and its appeal to mainland Chinese capital.
Visa Doubles Philippines Office Footprint with SM Offices Deal
The digital payments firm relocates its operations to a 9,000 square metre facility at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, establishing its Visa Philippines Solution Center.
Samsung Union Intensifies Pay Row, Protests Executive Home
Samsung Electronics' Donghaeng union plans further protests, including near an executive's residence and a Times Square advertisement. It demands better compensation for its Device eXperience (DX) division members.
Beijing halts new energy battery plant approvals
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology initiated the freeze in May to prevent overcapacity in energy-storage systems.
Huawei Kirin 2026 Findings Ease 3D Chip Heat Concerns
The Chinese technology firm's upcoming processor presents new findings on transistor density, potentially reshaping future high-performance chip development for the industry.
LG AI Research, NPS Partner for AI-Driven Pension Fund Management
South Korea's National Pension Service will integrate LG AI Research's Exaone Business Intelligence platform to analyse currency movements, aiming to enhance investment decision-making and operational efficiency.
Sapiens Technology Joins Forbes Asia 100 Watchlist for AI Models
The Singaporean firm, known for its Agnes AI foundation models, was among 15 companies from the city-state recognised on the 2026 list.
Vietnam regulator probes Grab fare and commission policies
Vietnam's National Competition Commission is examining how Grab sets fares and commissions, following driver complaints that declining earnings prompted strike calls.
Alibaba's Taobao Records ¥230 Million in 'Ugly' Product Sales
Young Chinese consumers have driven cumulative sales of unusual items on the e-commerce platform since 2020, reaching US$34.3 million.
APR Medicube Cream Cleared of Banned Dye After Singapore HSA Recall
South Korean beauty firm APR found no Sudan Red dye in Medicube skin cream batches. This follows a Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) recall. APR disputes the origin of HSA's initial samples.
Micron Taiwan Staff Receive Up To 68 Months' Pay
US chipmaker Micron Technology announced bonuses for its direct labour employees in Taiwan for fiscal 2026, with payouts up to 68 months' salary and a minimum NT$1.7 million cash.
Sheng Siong Matriarch Ng Lye Poh Dies Aged 91
Ng Lye Poh, mother of Sheng Siong's billionaire founders, has died at 91. She was also a survivor of a notable 2014 kidnapping-for-ransom case in Singapore.
Southeast Asia E-commerce Platforms Prioritise Engagement, Content
As the market matures, regional e-commerce firms are moving past price wars, investing in social commerce and artificial intelligence to capture consumer attention.
Korean Air launches free Starlink Wi-Fi on 15 September
The airline will equip four aircraft with SpaceX's satellite system initially, becoming East Asia's first full-service carrier to offer complimentary high-speed internet across all cabin classes.
Kontafarma liquidates Singapore True Fitness units after HK$19.1m loss
Hong Kong-listed Kontafarma China Holdings began winding up its True Fitness and True Yoga subsidiaries today, citing fierce competition and liquidity issues. All 10 Singapore outlets have ceased operations.
Philippine Restaurant Owners Resist Expanded Senior, PWD Discounts
Philippine restaurant owners, led by RestoPH, oppose proposed legislation that would increase mandated discounts for seniors and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Businesses warn these changes would raise operating costs and eliminate consumer promotions, shifting financial burdens from the government to enterprises and other customers.
Turing Drive Targets Japan for Autonomous Driving Expansion
Taiwanese autonomous driving firm Turing Drive detailed its overseas expansion strategy, beginning with Japan. CEO David Shen outlined the plans during the company's eighth anniversary event.
South Korea Haenyeo Seek Compensation From Ssangyong E&C
Traditional free-diving fishers from Guman-ri and Daebo-ri demand payment from the construction firm over alleged marine habitat destruction from a 2021 harbour expansion.
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, QuikBot Integrate Robot Access for Singapore Buildings
The partnerships enable autonomous machines to verify identity and manage permissions for elevator use, with initial deployments and demonstrations underway in Singapore.
Eu Yan Sang Family Divests Bishopsgate Bungalow for S$40 Million
Four members of the Eu Yan Sang founding family sold a freehold Bishopsgate bungalow for S$40 million. The transaction values the land at S$2,480.72 per square foot.
US House to Vote on Bill Curbing Data Centre Power Costs
US lawmakers plan to advance legislation next week aimed at controlling rising electricity bills driven by expanding data infrastructure, a move that could influence energy policy for hyperscale facilities.
Zankore secures $3.1bn loan for Indonesia AI build with Nvidia
The newly formed AI infrastructure firm obtained the syndicated facility from five banks to develop GPU cloud capabilities in Southeast Asia.
Mixue Closes 89 Overseas Stores, H1 Net Profit Dips 15%
Mixue, the world's largest food and beverage chain, cut 89 overseas stores, notably in Vietnam and Indonesia. The company's net profit fell 15% in the first half of 2026, despite a 2.3% revenue increase.
Aditya Birla UltraVolt Entry Dents Indian Cable Stocks
Aditya Birla Group's new UltraVolt unit, backed by a ₹1,800 crore investment, entered India's wires and cables market. This triggered declines for listed competitors like KEI Industries and Polycab India on the BSE.
Tunku Ismail's Singapore Land Sale Faces S$2 Billion Tax Burden
Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim confronts a significant land betterment charge, potentially S$2 billion, complicating his planned sale of prime Singapore property.
CBRE Appoints Chau to Lead Asia Capital Markets, Yan Heads Hong Kong
CBRE has promoted Jonathan Chau to Managing Director for Asia capital markets, excluding Japan. Reeves Yan now leads Hong Kong capital markets, effective September 1, 2026.
Naver Cloud Consortium Wins South Korea Cybersecurity AI Project
A Naver Cloud-led consortium secured a South Korean government contract to develop a cybersecurity artificial intelligence (AI) foundation model. The Ministry of Science and ICT awarded the project, providing Nvidia B200 graphics processing units (GPUs).
Vietnam Adjusts Fuel Prices: Gasoline Rises, Diesel Falls
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance announced varied fuel price adjustments on Thursday. Gasoline costs increased, while diesel prices saw a reduction. Global market shifts drove these changes.
CapitaLand Investment Reduces 90 Singapore Jobs in 2026 Restructuring
CapitaLand Investment (CLI) cut 90 roles in Singapore during 2026, representing about 4 per cent of its local workforce. This move forms part of an ongoing organisational restructuring.
Dongkuk Steel Concludes UK Architecture Tour for Fellowship Cohort
Dongkuk Steel Group has completed a UK architectural study tour for its initial cohort of Songwon Future Architecture Talent Fellowship students. The programme promotes the company’s Luxteel brand and supports future design talent.
Nissan Targets Philippines as Top ASEAN Market for EV Rollout
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. anticipates the Philippines will reclaim its position as the automaker's leading Southeast Asian market. The country is a launchpad for new electrified vehicles.
IEEFA: Indonesia Must Integrate 100 GW Solar Goal into National Power Plan
Indonesia's 100 gigawatt solar target needs integration into its national electricity strategy, IEEFA states. This would coordinate investments as solar costs fall below coal.
KEPCO Proposes Samsung, SK Hynix Pay Advance Power Fees
South Korea's state utility, Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO), has suggested Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix make substantial advance payments for electricity. These funds would support grid expansion, meeting the surging power demands from new semiconductor facilities and artificial intelligence data centres.
China blocks Meta's Manus acquisition, Manus resumes operations
AI agent developer Manus has restarted independent operations. Chinese regulators blocked its multibillion-dollar acquisition by Meta Platforms.
Oil Climbs on Hormuz Fears, WTI Nears US$91
Crude benchmarks advanced for a third session, driven by heightened concerns over energy flow interruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 5.2% on Tuesday, its largest increase in five weeks.
Keppel DC Reit, Keppel Acquire Tokyo Data Centres for US$1.1 Billion
Keppel DC Reit and Keppel will acquire 90 per cent stakes in two Tokyo data centres for US$1.1 billion. The Reit manager also plans a S$600 million private placement.
Southeast Asia Pursues AI Autonomy Amid US-China Tech Rivalry
Southeast Asian nations are adopting Cold War-era hedging strategies to develop independent AI capabilities. This aims to reduce reliance on US and Chinese technology stacks, despite significant challenges.
Industrial PC Market to Hit US$8.9bn by 2030, Driven by AI
Industrial PC output could reach US$8.9 billion by 2030. Artificial intelligence applications drive this 7.9% compound annual growth rate.
A Southeast Asian Nation Ranks 10th in 2025 Gold Output
A Southeast Asian country became one of the world's top ten gold producers in 2025. Its mines yielded 104.2 tonnes, placing it among leading global suppliers.
Mapletree Secures US$500M+ for Asia Logistics Fund First Round
Mapletree Investments has closed the initial funding round for its Mapletree Emerging Growth Asia Logistics Private Trust (Mega), raising more than US$500 million for logistics developments across Malaysia, Vietnam, and India.
Sino Land Net Profit Climbs 14% on Valuation Gains; Core Earnings Drop 6.4%
Hong Kong developer Sino Land reported a 14% rise in annual net profit, reaching HK$4.59 billion, driven by narrower property revaluation losses. However, underlying earnings fell 6.4%, revealing sustained pressure on its core business.
Vietnam's Black Thorn Durian Commands Premium Prices Amidst Limited Supply
Black Thorn durian sells quickly in Vietnam at prices five to eight times higher than other varieties. Limited cultivation and lower yields drive this premium, despite falling prices for competing durian types.
Trump Canada Tariffs: Toyota, Honda Face Production Shift
Former US President Donald Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff on Canadian car imports could force Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda to reconfigure their North American production. The two companies manufacture over three-quarters of all cars made in Canada.
Hoi Hup Realty Buys Four Points Sydney for US$144.6m
Singapore's Hoi Hup Realty entered the Australian market, acquiring the Four Points by Sheraton Sydney. The A$201.8 million (US$144.6 million) deal highlights Sydney's strong hotel investment sector, JLL noted.
Prince Retail collaborates with Capillary for AI loyalty platform
Philippine hypermarket chain Prince Retail is partnering with Capillary Technologies. This initiative aims to enhance its customer loyalty programme using AI-driven solutions, supporting its expansion plans.
Centurion Corporation Wins Singapore Lok Yang Way Dormitory Tender
Centurion Corporation secured a S$221.7 million tender from JTC for a Singapore dormitory site, adding 5,000 beds to its worker accommodation portfolio.
Shandong Eliminates 17.5 GW Coal Capacity, Faces Heating Supply Test
Shandong province has removed 17.5 gigawatts of small coal-fired power capacity. The industrial hub now confronts the complex task of replacing coal's essential role in heating and industrial steam.
Hotlotz to Auction S$3 Billion Luxury from Singapore Laundering Case
Singaporean auction house Hotlotz will conduct 15 online sales over nine months, liquidating S$3 billion in luxury goods seized from the nation's largest money laundering investigation.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Launched in South Korea at ₩1.045 Million
Samsung Electronics introduced its Galaxy S26 Fan Edition smartphone in South Korea. The device carries a starting price of 1.045 million won (US$714), aiming to broaden its product range amid increasing component expenses.
Bangladesh Corporates Broaden Green Building Certifications
Non-manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh are increasingly adopting green building standards, moving beyond the traditional ready-made garment industry. This shift responds to climate pressures and aims to maintain worker productivity.
JD.com's HK$10bn Retail Property Push Reshapes Hong Kong Model
JD.com has invested over HK$10 billion (US$1.3 billion) in Hong Kong property, building a network of stores and warehouses. Analysts suggest this challenges the city's traditional footfall-driven retail property valuations.
US-Iran Tensions Threaten Hormuz, Oil Prices Jump
Crude oil prices recorded their largest weekly rise since July, driven by increased worries over energy flow disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Renewed US-Iran tensions spurred the gains, pushing West Texas Intermediate (WTI) towards US$92 a barrel.
SIA Defends Air India Stake, Citing India's Aviation Boom
Singapore Airlines (SIA) defends its 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. The airline cites India's projected aviation market expansion and deeper commercial ties as key drivers for its multi-hub strategy.
China Drives Billions into Indonesian Petrochemicals Amid Domestic Green Push
Chinese firms are investing billions in Indonesia's petrochemical sector. This expansion occurs as Beijing tightens environmental standards at home, raising questions about Indonesia's emissions and long-term economic strategy.
Hong Kong Commercial Property Distress Moderates; High Leverage Owners Face Refinancing Hurdles
Hong Kong's commercial property market shows signs of stabilisation, though highly leveraged owners still face refinancing challenges. Office and retail segments previously saw a multi-year slump and loan defaults.
Singapore to Auction Seized Luxury Properties from S$3 Billion Money Laundering Case
Singapore plans to auction numerous luxury properties. These assets were confiscated in the country's largest money laundering investigation, which involved S$3 billion and led to arrests in 2023.
Seatrium, Petrobras Discuss Offshore Gas for Asia Supply
Singapore's Seatrium and Brazil's Petrobras are discussing a partnership for offshore natural gas solutions. This collaboration targets Asia's rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand.
SK hynix US HBM Production Hub to Commence 2029 Output
South Korean chipmaker SK hynix has begun construction on its advanced packaging facility in Indiana, investing over $4 billion. The plant will produce next-generation High Bandwidth Memory for AI applications, with mass production slated for the second half of 2029, aiming to supply US technology firms.
Hong Kong Home Prices Drop 0.46% in July, Ending 13-Month Rally
Hong Kong's residential property market saw prices fall 0.46 per cent in July, concluding a 13-month upswing. Mainland Chinese tax concerns and capital controls are curbing buyer demand.
Frencken Proposes S$100 Million Share Placement for Expansion
Singapore's Frencken plans to raise S$100 million via a share placement. The capital will fund manufacturing capacity upgrades and potential mergers and acquisitions, focusing on its mechatronics and advanced plastic solutions divisions.
Vietnam Fuel Prices Decline Amid Global Oil Market Shifts
Vietnam’s gasoline and diesel prices decreased on Thursday, influenced by global oil market developments. Domestic fuel costs remain notably lower than in neighbouring countries.
Vingroup Lands Bac Ninh Plot for US$1.5 Billion Urban Project
Vietnam’s largest listed company, Vingroup, secured 112 hectares in Bac Ninh Province for a US$1.5 billion urban development. This initial allocation forms part of a larger 270-hectare project outside Hanoi.
Akeso Drug Outperforms AstraZeneca's Imfinzi in Cancer Trial
Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Akeso announced its immunotherapy drug, ivonescimab, surpassed AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi in a Phase 3 trial for biliary tract cancer, showing extended patient survival.
Hin Leong Director Lim Huey Ching Fails to Exclude Evidence
Singapore's High Court has rejected Lim Huey Ching's application to exclude specific legal advice from her obstruction of justice trial. This evidence relates to her actions following Hin Leong's financial irregularities.
Philippine Business Leaders Question Data Centre Push Amid Energy, Job Concerns
Senior Philippine business figures urge a re-evaluation of data centre investments. They cite critical power shortages, high resource demands, and limited job creation as key issues.
Golden Bay Landholdings Details Garden City Project, Community Focus
Golden Bay Landholdings Inc. recently showcased its Garden City residential project in Pasay City. COO Jardin Wong detailed the development’s expanded lifestyle concept at a forum, emphasising family and community connection.
Larsen & Toubro Secures Middle East Orders, Signals Regional Business Recovery
Indian engineering firm Larsen & Toubro won 13 new orders since early July, with seven from the Middle East. This demonstrates a business rebound in the region after recent conflict disruptions.
Eternal Materials' July Revenue Jumps 23.86% on Packaging
Eternal Materials saw July revenue climb to NT$4.093 billion, a 23.86% annual gain. Demand from the electronics supply chain, particularly advanced packaging, drove the increase.
China's Sawes Energy Generates Power From 4,000m Altitude Wind
Beijing-based Sawes Energy Technology has successfully generated electricity using its S4000 airborne wind system at 4,000 metres. This advancement could provide power to remote areas across Asia.
Bain Capital Buys Gong Cha as China Bubble Tea Slows
Bain Capital has completed a full equity buyout of Gong Cha Global. This acquisition reveals a shift in investment focus within Asia's bubble tea sector, as China's market growth moderates.
AIIB Targets Record Fundraising for Climate, Local Currency Projects
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) seeks record fundraising this year. Its capital will fund climate adaptation projects and local currency financing across Asia.
Indonesia Instant Noodle Demand Drops 1% in 2025, First Fall in Five Years
Indonesia, the world's second-largest instant noodle market, saw demand contract by almost 1% in 2025. This marks the first annual decline in five years, attributed to reduced consumer purchasing power and rising costs.
Hanwha Aerospace Launches Hanwha Horizon USA for South Korea LNG Supply
South Korean firm Hanwha Aerospace launched Hanwha Horizon USA to manage liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement and trading, bolstering South Korea's energy security and global operations.
Singapore to Create New Western Island for Advanced Manufacturing, Power
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to merge several southern islands into a new Western island. This move targets advanced manufacturing and future power generation needs.