Economies.
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.
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.
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.
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.