Aisyah Kamal
Desk byline for Southeast Asia at Asianomist: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.
Wellcome Survey Details Heat Risks to Maternal Health; Adaptation Funding Falls Short
A global survey by Wellcome found nearly all maternity workers treated patients affected by extreme heat, as UN climate chief Simon Stiell noted a significant gap in climate adaptation finance for developing nations.
Japan's Finance Minister: Government clarifies Takaichi's policy stance
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated the government began adjusting its messaging in late August to address market concerns about reflationary policies.
Telangana Approves ₹2,500 Crore Annual DA for State Workers
The state cabinet confirmed the release of two Dearness Allowance instalments for employees and pensioners, adding to its recurring expenditure.
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.
RBI Publishes Advisory Report on State Government WMA Limits
India's central bank today released findings from a committee reviewing financial accommodation facilities and Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limits for state governments.
Climate adaptation: Asia-Pacific faces US$27bn annual flood losses
A new survey of 18,000 people shows deep concern over global warming's effects on jobs and living costs, with businesses expected to deliver solutions.
US, China agree 10m tonnes coal imports, pursue tariff cuts
Beijing will import 10 million metric tons of US coal annually in 2027 and 2028, with both nations pursuing tariff reductions on US$30 billion in goods.
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.
US Mortgage Rates Exceed 7% to Two-Year High
The contract rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage reached 7.12% last week, marking the highest point since May 2024 and dampening home financing applications.
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.
Delhi ITAT reverses ₹34.8 lakh 'unexplained cash' tax decision
India's Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that a cash balance was not unexplained when linked to commission income already declared, overturning a prior assessment for a Delhi taxpayer.
India: Central Staff Demand Insurance Hike, 8th Pay Commission
Central government employee groups in India are demanding updated insurance coverage and revised contributions under the CGEGIS scheme, citing decades of unchanged benefits, with a Group C cover of ₹1.5 lakh.
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.
John Lee unveils Hong Kong's first five-year financial hub strategy
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee presented the city's first five-year blueprint this week, aiming to fortify its financial sector as a core economic strength.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sri Lanka expands water schemes amid Colombo contamination concerns
New community water supply projects by the Department of National Community Water Supply aim to complete 197 outstanding schemes by 2027, addressing two decades of urban water quality decline.
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.
China Arrests 52 Singaporeans in Guangxi Pyramid Scheme Crackdown
Chinese authorities in Guangxi province detained 52 Singaporean nationals for alleged involvement in pyramid scheme activities. Singapore's MFA and SPF confirmed the arrests.
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.
Hong Kong Luxury Spending Fuels Uneven H1 Economic Recovery
Hong Kong's economy recorded its strongest half-yearly growth in nearly five years. High-end consumption and a polarised property market drive this recovery, with residential assets outperforming commercial spaces.
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.
India Slashes Sugar Stock Limits, Producers' Shares Fall
India's government reduced sugar stockholding limits for dealers by half, effective September 15. This policy aims to curb hoarding and stabilise domestic prices. Major sugar producers' shares fell following the announcement.
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.