This Week in Asia /

Economics

Related Topics:
Money Matters
Banking & finance
Stocks
A teller counts rupiah banknotes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah’s low spotlights Prabowo policy concerns, global uncertainty

The decline in the currency led the central bank to intervene, stabilising the rupiah and restoring confidence.

videocam
South Korea

From soju to noodles, South Korean food brands are targeted by copycats

Central Asia

‘Eternal peace’: Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border deal opens path to visa-free zone

Malaysia

Malaysia’s PM says ‘no way’ to US$10 million ransom after airport cyberattack

Officials said the weekend cyberattack had affected certain computer systems at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he refused to provide a ransom to hackers over a cyberattack at the Kuala Lumpur airport. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he refused to provide a ransom to hackers over a cyberattack at the Kuala Lumpur airport. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Bali to crack down on ‘naughty’ foreigners with new rules and tourism levy

The new guidelines for foreign tourists were issued to curb their misbehaviour.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis port vows faster halal deliveries to China, but Thai support key

Malaysia’s Perlis mega-port aims to revolutionise halal cargo delivery to China, contingent on Thai rail agreements and regional stability.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Indonesia

Indonesia set to allow domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia after 10-year ban

Jakarta is expected to send 600,000 domestic helpers and skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia, but rights groups are concerned about the move.

Indonesian migrant workers who were set to be sent to Saudi Arabia being inspected by the police at a shelter in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Photo: EPA
Indonesian migrant workers who were set to be sent to Saudi Arabia being inspected by the police at a shelter in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Photo: EPA
Thailand

Bangkok brawls: Thai minister calls for tougher mall security after fights

Latest fracas between rival students of two schools near MBK Centre sparks vow from education official to ‘do whatever it takes’.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s police urged to undergo robust AI training to combat crime

The call comes after Malaysia reported a sharp rise in commercial crime cases, especially online fraud.

Laos

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice

In some poorer areas, stunting is even more prevalent. Experts say a lack of dietary diversity is a big part of the problem.

8
Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
India

Amid India’s trade blitz, New Zealand joins the race for a deal

New Delhi is simultaneously pursuing agreements with the UK and the EU, driven by export-led growth ambitions and concerns over US policies.

videocam
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) shakes hands with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: AFP
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) shakes hands with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Hegseth’s Manila visit ahead of Balikatan signals strong US-Philippines ties

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s visit is seen as an important step in strengthening Washington’s alliances in the Asia-Pacific.

videocam
9
Singapore

Singapore rolls out unprecedented unemployment payouts – will it help?

The policy ‘U-turn’ is brought about by global disruptions that Singapore has been experiencing in recent years, an analyst says.

videocam
Thailand

Chinese couple linked to cryptocurrency scam, kidnapping arrested in Thailand

Thai police arrested a Chinese woman in connection to the scam, while discovering her fugitive boyfriend was wanted for kidnapping in China.

videocam
Thai police announced the arrest of a 27-year-old Chinese national, in connection with a series of cryptocurrency frauds. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Will India and South Korea join the Philippines’ ‘Squad’ to counter China?

Analysts say expanding the Squad would strengthen surveillance and response capabilities, making it harder for Beijing to operate unchallenged in contested waters.

videocam
9
Soldiers march during a military parade held to mark the 89th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in December 2024. Photo: AFP
Soldiers march during a military parade held to mark the 89th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in December 2024. Photo: AFP
Thailand

Thailand to stop allowing foreign pilots on domestic flights from next year

The country’s pilot association has sued the government for letting foreign pilots fly certain local routes under a temporary arrangement.

South Korea

South Korea’s foreign population hits record high, but many struggle with low pay

South Korea’s record surge in foreign residents reveals wage disparities and education challenges for immigrant families.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines

Philippines taps India as nickel trade partner to curb reliance on China

Philippines realises it is too risky to depend solely on China, which imports nearly 98 per cent of its nickel, analysts say.

A barge being loaded with nickel ore at in Infanta, Philippines. Photo: AFP
A barge being loaded with nickel ore at in Infanta, Philippines. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s stock market turmoil fuels fears over Prabowo’s economic agenda

The Jakarta Composite Index has underperformed relative to its regional peers amid investor fears over Indonesia’s financial position.

South Korea

South Korean county under pressure to scrap ‘absurd’ plan to host Myanmar refugees

The proposal to bring in 40 refugees has raised welfare concerns among Yeongyang residents, who question the government’s priority on helping locals.

videocam
Malaysia

Backlash brews in Malaysia over tea chain Chagee app’s South China Sea map

Irate consumers spur boycott calls after Chinese tea chain’s app prominently displayed the controversial nine-dash line.

videocam
Guests attend the opening ceremony of a new Chagee outlet in Kuching, Malaysia. Photo: Facebook/my.chagee
Indonesia

Scepticism surrounds Indonesia’s plan for island prison for corrupt officials

A recent prison break has exposed the flaws in Indonesia’s overstretched correctional system. Experts say a complete overhaul is required.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto greets guests at an event in Jakarta last month. Photo: AFP
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto greets guests at an event in Jakarta last month. Photo: AFP
India

India’s Modi indicates thaw in China ties, reaffirms ‘strong bond’ with Trump

During a podcast, Modi acknowledged border disputes with China, but noted improved ties after meeting President Xi Jinping. He also praised Trump’s “America First” initiative.

Japan

‘Volcanic’ public anger over Ishiba’s gift scandal puts Japan’s LDP in crisis

The scandal has raised concerns about political ethics ahead of a crucial election, with analysts noting it reflects increasing public anger towards Japan’s ruling LDP.

videocam
Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Explainer | Why is Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal still casting a long shadow over its economy?

About 70 per cent of the US$10 billion funds pilfered from the sovereign wealth fund have been recovered, Malaysia’s MACC says.

videocam
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak gestures as he leaves the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Putrajaya in 2018. Photo: AP
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

videocam
40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

videocam
29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

videocam
4
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

videocam
32
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

videocam
40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

videocam
29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

videocam
4
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

videocam
32
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
OPINION
Donald Low

Asian Angle | What China must learn from Japan’s decades-long debt-deflation slowdown

Donald Low
6
Su-Lin Tan

Opinion | Cramped, mouldy, smelly: an expat’s hunt for a US$1,500 room in Singapore

Su-Lin Tan
Dawn Cher

Abacus | 8 tips to save money as inflation hits households from Singapore to China

Dawn Cher
Joseph Cherian,Jingyuan Mo,Marti G. Subrahmanyam,Xiao Tingyi

Opinion | The swan song march? An update on China’s Big Tech crackdown

Jingyuan Mo
Neil Newman

Abacus | From China to Europe, ignoring flood alerts will leave us soaked in regret

Neil Newman
Neil Newman

Abacus | A tidal wave of Chinese debt is about to sink Australia’s economic recovery

Neil Newman
250
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW