The Business Times
business-time-50
Evan See

Evan See

JOURNALIST

emailevansee@sph.com.sg
Indonesia and Timor Leste are likely to witness strong consumption in 2026, while Myanmar's disaster reconstruction could support a rebound in domestic activity.

Domestic demand could support South-east Asia growth if Middle East conflict stabilises early: ADB

The energy shock is unlikely to crush longer-term growth ambitions, say economists

Above: A petrol station in Bangkok. Import-dependent economies such as Thailand and the Philippines have had to take drastic measures, such as subsidy cuts and export bans, to prevent a crisis.

How deeply have South-east Asian governments had to dig in this oil crisis?

Subsidies and tax cuts may stem the bleed, but the region’s budgets are coming under strain

Bond traders have flocked to markets with stronger buffers against energy‑driven inflation shocks, including Malaysian sovereign bonds.
ASEAN BUSINESS

Amid an emerging market bond sell-off, traders eye attractive Asean moves

Malaysia and Philippine debt could see inflows, but Iran conflict may keep credit conditions fragile

Singapore’s position as a transhipment and logistics hub may come under strain, with stricter rules likely to raise compliance costs and divert trade flows.

One year of Trump tariffs: What has changed and what’s next for South-east Asia?

The levies are reshaping supply chains and driving structural shifts, but the full impact is still to come

A survey by the Philippines' central bank shows the country's economy was on the verge of a potential economic turnaround before the Iran conflict.
ASEAN BUSINESS

Philippines’ businesses hoped to turn the corner in 2026 – then oil prices spiked overnight

Dire straits beckon as central bank holds unscheduled policy rate meeting amid fuel emergency

Changi Airport has now seen several European airlines add new direct flights to the city-state amid higher passenger demand.

S-E Asia tourism takes hit from Middle East crisis, but intra-regional travel could spell hope

As airlines shun the Gulf region, key airports in this area could also capture more transit traffic: analysts

Following a diplomatic spat last November, Chinese tourists are abandoning Japan and flocking to South-east Asia in greater numbers.
BRUNCH

China’s tourists turn from Japan to South-east Asia, but will momentum last?

The region could see Chinese spending worth US$35 billion this year –  but what happens when tensions with Japan subside?

Malaysian stocks have been a clear beneficiary of the conflict as energy prices rise, with the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index largely supported by oil and gas counters.

Trump shelves military strike ultimatum on Iran, but not before South-east Asian markets hit the skids

Still, Malaysia and Singapore equities are hit the least since Middle East conflict erupted, defying regional gloom

The oil crisis could push governments to diversify into renewables – or return to domestically produced coal, a fossil fuel which the region has struggled to phase out.

Middle East oil shocks send S-E Asia scrambling for alternatives, but cleaner mix is no easy choice

The crisis may be a catalyst – or obstacle – for the region’s renewable energy transition goals

The fate of the Strait of Hormuz, through which the majority of Asia’s all supply flows, remains mired in uncertainty.

Oil fears keep S-E Asia’s central banks on their toes as they mull over easing plans

Economists see rate hikes or delayed cuts as policy space wanes and stagflation looms

Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
View More