Industries.
Phu My Hung unveils Triton Crown luxury apartments in Ho Chi Minh CBD
The 297-unit Triton Crown project, launched in late September, occupies a rare four-frontage site in Ho Chi Minh City's central Phu My Hung district, targeting affluent buyers.
Foxconn, Shiangbao begin smart care trials at Taiwan sites
Foxconn Technology Group and Shiangbao Longterm Care Group have launched proof-of-concept trials for smart care solutions at three facilities in Taiwan, following a collaboration started in November 2025.
Singapore commits S$118m to bio-based chemicals research
The public funding, part of the S$37 billion Research, Innovation, Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan, aims to transform the nation's energy and chemicals sector, which accounts for one-fifth of its manufacturing output.
Singapore Digital Economy Hits S$144.1 Billion, Tech Workforce Grows
Singapore's digital economy expanded to 19.3% of GDP in 2025, with tech employment rising 3.8% to 222,200, an IMDA report shows.
Adrian Cheng's K11 Xiamen project draws 2 million visits, sales up 32%
Hong Kong developer Adrian Cheng's K11 Select complex in Xiamen, opened on September 22, reported over 2 million visitors and a 32 per cent week-on-week sales increase.
ICTSI faces Durban port delays; anchorage times double
Philippine port operator ICTSI reports doubled vessel waiting times at South Africa's Durban Gateway Terminal, affecting its 25-year concession.
Prasarana, SMRT Delay JB-Singapore Rail Link to Feb 2027
The cross-border rail system, a joint venture between Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia and Singapore's SMRT Corp, now targets a February 2027 launch due to safety certification and regulatory approval needs.
Far East Organization Unveils Novena Condo, Sales Start Oct 16
Far East Organization launches The Serra Residences, a 133-unit freehold condominium in Singapore's Novena, with sales bookings starting 16 October 2026.
Frasers Property, Mitsubishi Estate Plan Singapore River Luxury Project
The joint venture, 51% controlled by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi's Frasers Property, will feature 407 high-end residential units and 184 serviced residences.
FAA Clears 737 Max Software, Max 10 Path Opens
The US Federal Aviation Administration's decision on 3 October smooths the path for the long-delayed 737 Max 10, a crucial model for Boeing's finances with over 1,500 orders.
Singapore's Bee Cheng Hiang hit by AI data breach, 95,000 emails exposed
Singapore's Personal Data Protection Commission found an employee used an AI tool to generate marketing code, exposing over 95,000 customer email addresses.
Thakral Corporation divests Osaka office building for JPY4.12 billion
The Singapore-listed firm sold Utsubo East Building at a 16% premium over its carrying value, expecting to free up $21 million in cash from the transaction.
China AI microdrama producers pivot to quality amid saturation
Chinese AI microdrama creators are shifting focus from low-cost production to unique content, as over 90% of 430,000 new microdramas launched this year were AI-generated.
Wuhan becomes 4th city to sell only finished homes
The central Chinese hub is the fourth major city to transition towards selling only finished properties, focusing on housing supply rather than boosting buyer demand.
AI Capital Inflows Surge as Productivity Gains Remain Elusive
Global spending on AI infrastructure could reach $30 trillion by 2050, but economists and analysts question if this will yield sufficient returns for investors.
New World Development books HK$28.1B loss, exits HK airport mall
The developer logged a HK$18.3 billion (US$2.33 billion) net loss from terminating its 11 SKIES project operating rights, pushing its full-year loss to HK$28.1 billion.
Synopsys shifts EDA, IP revenue to consumption-based models
The US chip design software firm announced new partnerships with OpenAI and Amazon at its 2026 Investor Day, moving from engineer seat licences towards payments tied to design outcomes and chip shipments.
McDonald's sells Hong Kong New Territories outlet for HK$120 million
The property, housing its first restaurant in the New Territories, was acquired by Keen Charm Holdings (HK) Limited, linked to the May Cheong toymaker family.
Suzuki Motor Directs Indian Suppliers to Cut Production Days
The move, a first for the Japanese automaker in India, aims to boost quality and prevent stoppages as Maruti Suzuki targets 4 million annual car output by 2030.
HD Hyundai Heavy wins Taean offshore wind substation deal
The contract with Taean Wind Power, a joint venture including Singapore's Vena Energy, covers engineering, procurement, and installation for the 500-megawatt project.
Accenture Shares Jump 20% on Strong Q4, $1 Billion AI Safety Investment
The global consultancy reported strong fourth-quarter results and an optimistic financial year 2027 outlook, alongside a significant commitment to artificial intelligence safety testing.
Century Properties Group finalises PHirst Park Homes merger
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission approved the consolidation, integrating PHirst Park Homes, which contributed 73% of H1 2026 revenue, directly into the parent company.
Nvidia AI Security Platform: Higher Costs, Deeper Vendor Ties
Nvidia's new AI agent security platform centralises control via dedicated hardware, prompting businesses to weigh stronger protection against increased infrastructure costs and deeper dependence.
Lotte expands financial, export support for Korean SMEs
The South Korean conglomerate disbursed 949.5 billion won ($698 million) in early payments to 12,000 suppliers and maintains a 1 trillion won fund for working capital.
Philippines promotes Kinampay ube to Japanese consumers
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is spearheading efforts to introduce the premium purple yam, Kinampay ube, as a new agricultural export, building on successful fruit exports.
Audi Singapore launches RS 5 plug-in hybrid models from S$713,999
Audi Singapore debuted its first high-performance plug-in hybrid RS 5 sedan and Avant models yesterday, starting at S$713,999 with COE, during the Singapore Grand Prix period.
Asia's Top Tech Startups Pivot to Physical AI; Singapore's Role as Hub Expands
More than half of the firms on Granite Asia's NextGen Tech 30 list now apply artificial intelligence in physical settings, with Singapore-based companies making up 42 per cent of honourees.
Hyundai E&C launches Hillstate Godeok Ellist near Samsung campus
The 1,779-unit development in Godeok International New Town offers 84 square metre homes, subject to Korea’s price ceiling system.
Mercedes-Benz, ProLogium Boost Solid-State Battery Development
Taiwan's ProLogium Technology grants Mercedes-Benz priority access to Gen4 solid-state cells, deepening their partnership for electric vehicle power units.
Philippine Fuel Prices to Fall for a Week from September 29
The Philippine Department of Energy announced a week-long reduction in Metro Manila pump prices, effective September 29, attributing the shift to easing global oil prices.
Samsung Group commits $1bn to KKR-backed AI infrastructure firm Helix Digital
The investment, split across Samsung Electronics and affiliates, supports Helix Digital's global AI infrastructure expansion, adding to over $10 billion already pledged.
City Developments Shares Drop After Strategic Review Outlines S$6 Billion Asset Sale
Shares of the Singaporean property developer, controlled by Kwek Leng Beng, fell 6.3% intraday after its new three-year strategy detailed plans to divest S$6 billion in assets and target S$5 billion in fresh investments.
Phu My Hung Unveils 297-Unit Triton Crown in HCMC
Phu My Hung's Triton Crown, a 297-unit luxury apartment and commercial podium development, launched on 26 September in Ho Chi Minh City's central Phu My Hung urban area.
Korean Air Mileage Debt Reaches W3.1tn Amid Falling Redemptions
South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reported Korean Air's deferred revenue from unused customer mileage climbed 9.7% by mid-2026, even as usage declined for two years.
Pakistan first to deploy China's MAZU AI weather system
Pakistan has adopted China's MAZU artificial intelligence weather system since October 2025, becoming the first nation to use the platform for advanced early warning capabilities and disaster risk reduction. China plans to expand the system to 30 countries over the next five years.
Autonomous Systems Demand Advanced Robot Memory
Autonomous systems on industrial floors need to move beyond basic mapping to include object recognition, spatial memory, and complex reasoning, according to a recent column.
NXP, VIS Inaugurate Singapore 12-inch Fab, Largest Investment Since 2015
NXP Semiconductors and Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) have opened their joint 12-inch wafer fabrication plant in Tampines, Singapore, now in trial production with volume output expected by Q1 2027.
US, China Agree Tariff Reductions on $30 Billion in Goods
Beijing's Commerce Ministry stated that 90% of the 1,696 products covered by the reciprocal arrangement will see duties fall to most-favoured-nation rates.
Nio sells Nio Power stake to Geely, values unit at US$2.4bn
Chinese EV maker Nio strengthened its collaboration with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by divesting a 30% share of its battery swap unit, Nio Power, to Geely. The transaction values Nio Power at 16 billion yuan.
Singapore REITs weigh fee structures, higher rates near 25-year mark
The sector, which launched in 2002, is assessing how borrowing costs and management fee models affect investor returns, especially during underperformance.
Mitsubishi invests P44.5bn in Ayala for Philippines growth
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corporation is injecting PHP 44.5 billion (around $710 million) into Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corporation, targeting expansion across key sectors.
Southeast Asia Tops Global AI Trust, Plans Significant Investment
Southeast Asian firms lead global peers in AI trustworthiness, with 65.6% planning to increase spending over the next 12 months despite persistent infrastructure gaps.
Oil Futures Drop as US, Iran Discuss Hormuz Shipping Route
West Texas Intermediate futures settled near $92 a barrel, marking their first weekly decline since late August amid hopes for increased crude supply from US-Iran talks.
Chearavanont family gifts $1M Bangkok condo to Nene Royal
Thailand's second-richest Chearavanont family, owners of CP Group, presented a luxury unit at Mulberry Grove The Forestias Condominiums to Nene Royal.
UOL in talks for US$382m Hyatt Regency Kowloon stake
The Wee family's UOL is negotiating to acquire 50% stakes from Hong Kong's New World Development and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in the Hyatt Regency Kowloon.
Singapore Leads Global Commercial Property Inflows with US$8.7 Billion
Singapore attracted the largest share of cross-border investment in commercial property during the first half of 2026, as worldwide transactions surged 56% to US$71.8 billion.
Google's Mandiant flags renewed ShinyHunters attacks on Oracle PeopleSoft
Google's cybersecurity unit, Mandiant, reported the hacking group ShinyHunters bypassed previous security measures to exploit a flaw in Oracle's PeopleSoft, affecting dozens of global systems.
Singapore court approves SGD11.4 million Jetstar Asia customer refunds
The Singapore International Commercial Court's decision covers 194,000 customers who will receive payouts totalling US$8.92 million without needing to prove their claims.
Hanwha Aerospace, KAI Partner on W1.9 Trillion KF-21 Missile
Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries will jointly develop a long-range air-to-air missile for South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet, building on earlier collaborations this year.
NUS Survey: Singapore HDB Resale Prices Not Expected to Surge
A National University of Singapore study found 82 per cent of property players anticipate moderation or modest recovery after the wait-out period lift.
Singapore money laundering case: four luxury condos fetch S$16.28M
The sales, part of a larger government effort to liquidate seized assets, included units in prime District 9 and the Tanjong Pagar business district.
Akamai commits US$5.5 billion to cloud for Anthropic AI deal
US cloud provider Akamai Technologies will expand memory and CPU capacity to support AI firm Anthropic's US$11.6 billion, seven-year commitment.
Korean Firms Advance AI Chip Packaging Alternatives to TSMC
Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek are developing advanced substrate technologies, including Intel’s EMIB, to prepare for evolving AI semiconductor packaging demands.
Brent, WTI Crude Dip: US-Iran Truce Hopes vs. Houthi Attacks
Global oil benchmarks fell on Friday as markets weighed a potential US-Iran agreement against ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Asia-Pacific Hotel Investment Hits US$8 Billion in H1 2026, CBRE Says
Capital flows into regional hotel assets climbed 21 per cent year-on-year in the first six months, driven by strong travel demand and constrained new supply across the region.
Suzuki Targets Halved Vehicle Development Time, India Capacity Boost
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor aims to cut new vehicle development time by half by 2030, alongside significant efficiency gains and an expansion of its annual production capacity in India to nearly 5 million units.
CapitaLand, Ally Logistic break ground on S$260 million Singapore smart facility
The Omega 1 Singapore project, a 71,000 sqm development featuring extensive automation, is targeting completion in the second half of 2028.
Microsoft commits US$10 billion to Middle East AI infrastructure
The technology giant plans to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities in the region by 2030, focusing on data centre development.
Persona AI deploys humanoids in Korean heavy industry
Houston-based Persona AI partners with HD Hyundai and Posco to integrate bipedal robots into shipyards and steel mills, addressing severe labour shortages.
Globe, Grab expand prepaid fibre WiFi to major Philippine cities
The service allows customers in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao to order 300 Mbps internet via GrabMart, with installation possible in two hours.
Oracle Restructuring Costs Hit US$2.8 Billion Amid AI Push
The tech giant increased its restructuring programme by US$700 million, targeting operational efficiency and significant capital expenditure for cloud and AI infrastructure.
VinSpeed Secures €1 Billion Siemens Mobility Rail Deal
The Vietnamese rail firm will acquire high-speed locomotives for new lines connecting Hanoi to Ha Long and Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh to Can Gio, with operations projected for 2028.
Simba confirms spectrum breach, Tuas Ltd profits triple despite M1 deal failure
Singapore telco Simba, a unit of Tuas Ltd, cited hardware issues for exceeding spectrum limits, as its parent company's net profit rose 277% to S$26 million for the year.
SM Prime opens new maritime museum at MOA Complex
The 9,000-square-metre Museo del Galeón, featuring a full-scale 17th-century ship replica, aims to boost cultural tourism in the Philippines.
Rio Explores Gujarat Emissions Trading Model for Industrial Pollution
Brazil's Rio de Janeiro is evaluating India's Gujarat emissions trading scheme, following a June 2026 partnership announcement, to curb industrial particulate matter.
InvestHK leads green tech mission to UK, boosting HK investment hub
Hong Kong's foreign investment agency, InvestHK, recently took 25 green technology firms from the city and mainland China to the UK, aiming to boost sustainable finance and innovation flows.
Arvind SmartSpaces Shares Jump 12% on Bengaluru Project Bookings
The Indian developer secured ₹500 crore in bookings for its Arvind Sylva premium residential project in Bengaluru within 30 days of launch, driving investor interest.
New World Development secures Shanghai nod for K11 C-REIT
Hong Kong's New World Development plans to raise Rmb3.82 billion by listing two Shanghai K11 properties as a C-REIT to improve its financial liquidity and reduce debt.
Hermes Testing lists OTC, targets AI chip demand
Semiconductor wafer testing provider Hermes Testing Solutions began trading on the over-the-counter market on September 22, aiming to capitalise on rising demand for AI and high-performance computing chips.
Southeast Asia boosts energy efficiency with AI, eyes US$67bn savings
Singaporean firms Quantified Energy and Gurin Energy lead regional deployment of artificial intelligence to optimise renewable energy projects and grid operations, targeting significant cost reductions by 2035.
PIL Names Temasek's Wan Chee Foong CEO, Lars Kastrup to Advise Board
Wan Chee Foong will become deputy CEO on October 5, 2026, before taking the top role in April 2027, succeeding Lars Kastrup at the Singapore shipping firm.
Singapore's Tollyjoy Baby Brand Closes After 55 Years
The homegrown baby and mother-care product manufacturer announced its winding down on 15 September, offering remaining stock at reduced prices through retail partners.
Safran Landing Systems launches US$22 million MRO facility in Singapore
The new 7,500 square metre site increases Singapore's role as a global aviation MRO hub for landing gear and will create 100 new jobs by 2030, boosting capacity by 40 per cent.
Rebellions AI Chips Drive SK Telecom to 4 Billion Daily Tokens
South Korean AI chipmaker Rebellions expanded its neural processing units across four SK Telecom commercial offerings, now handling 14 million real-time requests each day.
True Fitness Closure Signals Pressure on Singapore Mid-Market Gyms
True Fitness and True Yoga closed all Singapore studios this month, showing how rising exercise rates do not help mid-market gyms facing niche and budget rivals.
Atlas Motion Systems invests $300,000 in Philippine robotics plant, targets 40,000 motors
The US-based defence technology firm aims for monthly production of 40,000 units by year-end 2026, backed by $11.5 million in US investor funding.
Chinese Gold Jewellers Target Middle East, India as Domestic Demand Falls 34%
The World Gold Council reports local consumption has dropped, prompting firms to seek new markets with advanced crafting techniques.
FD-SOI Chips See Demand Surge as China Builds Domestic Supply Chain
The fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by AI integration into physical devices. China is developing a full domestic supply chain, with YMTC's capital arm reportedly investing in 12-inch SOI technology.
Yatsen Group shifts to skincare, boosts R&D spending
Chinese beauty firm Yatsen Group will slow overseas brand acquisitions, focusing on its existing skincare portfolio and increasing R&D investment.
Focused Ultrasound Foundation Sees Cancer, Alzheimer's Advances by 2029
Global clinical trials, including those led by researchers in Hong Kong, are expected to deliver significant progress in treating glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer within three years, according to the US-based Focused Ultrasound Foundation.
Corning to Raise Display Glass Substrate Prices 15% Globally
The US supplier cited ongoing cost pressures across the electronics supply chain for the worldwide adjustment to its yen-denominated products, effective from Q4 2026.
Europe Q4 Jet Fuel Deficit Looms; South Korea Ramps Up Exports
Energy Aspects forecasts Europe's fourth-quarter jet fuel deficit at 510,000 barrels per day, prompting increased shipments from Asian suppliers like South Korea.
Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple Intensify Foldable Phone Battle
Major electronics firms Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple are escalating competition in the foldable smartphone segment with distinct design and feature strategies.
AirAsia's Fernandes denies Malaysia sought rivals' help
The low-cost carrier faces surging fuel costs and a 75 per cent stock plunge since the Iran war began, but CEO Tony Fernandes says it needs no rescue.
Haidilao, Oriental Kopi see market value drops; Yum China acquires Pizza Hut China
Haidilao International's H1 2026 revenue rose 7.9 per cent to CNY 22.3 billion, while Oriental Kopi's net profit for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, fell 5.3 per cent.
Yangzijiang Maritime orders 24 newbuilds, expands fleet
Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Maritime Development will add 24 new vessels from Chinese shipyards for delivery between 2028 and 2030, growing its portfolio to 98 ships.
Singapore Retailers Accelerate AI Use, Consumers Wary of Agents
An Adyen survey shows 99% of merchants use AI, but 58% of consumers hesitate on autonomous AI for transactions due to fraud risks.
Crystal Jade Closes Five Singapore Outlets Amid F&B Slump
The Chinese restaurant group confirmed three September closures, bringing its 2026 total to five, as Singapore's F&B sector reports a 1.9% sales drop in July.
Indonesian Billionaire Low Sells 30% Bayan Resources Stake
Low Tuck Kwong and his daughter Elaine Low signed a conditional agreement to divest 30% of Jakarta-listed coal miner Bayan Resources to Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, while Bayan faces government delays on mining quotas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.