Contributor
Regional Business Writer
Wan Jia Hui covers cross-border investment, supply chains and industrial policy in Asia-Pacific.
SINGAPORE —An 11% fall in operating profit for the Japanese retail giant in its second quarter underscores broader challenges in consumer spending and operational costs across the Asia-Pacific.
SINGAPORE —Mass protests in Spain over rejected tenant relief highlight how domestic policy failures can ignite social unrest, a pattern that extends to Asia-Pacific economies grappling with housing affordability and rising inequality.
SINGAPORE —National holiday promotions for domestic travel may offer short-term relief, but fail to address deeper structural pressures shaping Asia-Pacific tourism flows.
SINGAPORE —The exclusion of civil society from the Philippines' 2027 budget process highlights a regional pattern of legislative consolidation, with consequences for fiscal transparency across the Asia-Pacific.
SINGAPORE —The 2027 visit, coupled with a vessel donation, indicates a functional security alignment driven by regional dynamics, with implications for Bangkok's strategic calculus.
SINGAPORE —The attempted mid-air aircraft downing highlights persistent vulnerabilities in air travel security, prompting re-evaluation of current standards.
SINGAPORE —An August surge in Taiwan's labor funds reflects broader market movements, underscoring continued reliance on external tech performance for portfolio gains.
SINGAPORE —DFI Retail Group's consolidation of Starbucks licenses across seven Asian markets reflects a strategic pivot towards direct operational control and asset optimisation.
A multi-billion dollar penalty sought against Meta Platforms in a US state case highlights escalating legal pressures, indicating potential shifts in operational priorities for large technology firms and prompting scrutiny of regulatory frameworks globally.
SINGAPORE —The recent death in Ho Chi Minh City, resulting from a falling tree branch, highlights a recurring pattern of infrastructure failure under weather extremes.
SINGAPORE —The confirmed scale of Gencorp's dealings with Davao City Hall exposes how local political influence can shape commercial outcomes, with implications for regional investment integrity.
SINGAPORE —Election-related incidents in Cotabato City signal an escalating challenge to governance frameworks and economic predictability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with broader implications for Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE —Persistent storm activity in Vietnam creates regional economic ripple effects, reshaping investment incentives beyond traditional manufacturing hubs.
The recent US settlement and ongoing regulatory actions signal a hardening incentive structure for digital platforms, with significant implications for Asia-Pacific nations like Thailand.
SINGAPORE —Navigating the incentives for growth against demands for reduction poses a regional challenge.