Asean Business

Vingroup’s rail retreat sparks VN-Index rout, exposes strain in Vietnam’s mega-project push

The move raises concerns about private-sector limits, after recent exits by other private developers

US trade policy, particularly its trade war with China, remains fragile and a notable downside risk for South-east Asia.
OUTLOOK 2026

What will power South-east Asia in the coming year? 5 trends to watch in 2026

Trade and tariffs to remain critical, as foreign and domestic investments drive the region forward

Vietnam has established the VIFC’s governing council, as well as separate executive bodies in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Vietnam puts 1,200-hectare, two-city International Financial Centre into operation

Hanoi introduces sweeping frameworks that include Common Law elements, 10-year residency for foreign experts, and 30-year tax incentives

The benchmark index FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index is expected to end 2025 largely flat, lagging regional peers.
OUTLOOK 2026

Malaysia equities in 2026: Five themes to watch, from infrastructure to IPOs

Analysts say the year ahead could mark a turning point after a subdued 2025

EDP Renewables will concentrate on growing its projects in Australia, Japan and Singapore.

Capital allocation in Asia remains the same despite EDP Renewables exiting several markets

The renewables energy company says it will invest up to US$2 billion in the region by 2030

Vietnam Airlines’ VN1 flight from Hanoi landing at the new Long Thanh International Airport on Friday (Dec 19).

New airports, high-speed rails, Olympic complex: Vietnam shifts into top gear

The once-in-a-decade fiscal splurge for infrastructure build-out is a key driver for the country’s 10% growth goal

Jakarta is scrambling to rein in lower-grade nickel output by blocking new smelters producing nickel pig iron and ferronickel, in favour of higher-value processing.
THINKING ALOUD

Could Jakarta’s moving goalposts corrode investor faith in nickel?

The Indonesian government’s big push for downstreaming is delivering results, but it comes with trade-offs

None of the digital banks in Singapore, including GXS Bank, MariBank and Trust Bank, have become profitable yet.

Digital banks in South-east Asia face profit pressure as rates slump and credit risks rise

Preserving deposits and embedding products within ecosystems could prove vital, say market watchers

This partnership between Sony Music Entertainment and YeaH1 aims to realise the goal of exporting Vietnamese culture to international markets.

Sony Music deepens Vietnam push with 49% voting stake in YeaH1 subsidiary

The deal builds on YeaH1’s hit local TV shows that have helped usher in a new era for Vietnamese pop culture

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (with raised hand) visited the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 LNG-fired power plants on Dec 14.

Vietnam switches on first LNG-fired power plants, plans 20 more by 2035

Early liquefied natural gas imports have come from Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and Russia, with growing interest in US supplies