Fiona Zhang
Desk byline for North Asia at Asianomist, covering China, Japan and Korea, and the semiconductor supply chain.
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.
India Inc profits slide, FPIs pull out amid West Asia conflict
Foreign portfolio investors withdrew ₹60,847 crore from India in H1 FY27, as rising oil prices and a lack of AI investment opportunities impacted corporate earnings.
South Korea seeks Mexico tax relief for 562 firms
National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun highlighted value-added tax refund delays and double taxation in talks with Mexican tax chief Antonio Martinez Dagnino this week.
ADB lifts South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 3.2%
The Manila-based development bank cited strong exports and corporate earnings, largely driven by the artificial intelligence boom, for its upward revision.
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.
India's 8th Pay Commission Hears Pensioner Demands for OPS Restoration
India's Chennai GPO Pensioners Forum urged the 8th Pay Commission to restore the Old Pension Scheme and increase pension benefits. The Commission, formed in November 2025, will finalise its recommendations by May-June 2027, impacting millions of government retirees.
India's August 2026 CPI inflation rises to 4.82%
India's consumer price index climbed in August, driven by higher food costs, though price changes varied significantly across everyday goods and services.
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.
South Korea Finance Nominee Rules Out Corporate Tax Cut
Lee Hyoung-il, South Korea's finance minister nominee, confirmed Sunday he will not pursue corporate tax cuts, citing this year's rate restoration from 24% to 25%.
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.
South Korea: Ministry Confirms Recovery, Exports Up 68.7%
The finance ministry's monthly Green Book report confirmed a sustained positive outlook, noting persistent Middle East war uncertainties despite August's strong semiconductor shipments.