Asia M&A and investment review
Grab-GoTo merger sparks monopoly fears, nationalist pushback in Indonesia
While public speculation grows, both companies remain tight-lipped. Grab Indonesia’s Chief of Public Affairs, Tirza Munusamy, denied any formal discussions, claiming the rumors were “not based on verified information.”
How Turkey became a fintech operator in Spain and Pakistan by seizing unicorn enterprise Papara
State trustee appointed to Turkish firm that owns Madrid-based neobank Rebellion Pay and reportedly took over Pakistani operator SadaPay.
Indonesia fast-tracks OECD bid as part of geopolitical balancing act
Indonesia is accelerating its efforts to become a full member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, positioning itself as a reform-oriented emerging economy with aspirations for global policy influence.
Indonesia's Batam raises COVID-19 alert level as virus surges in Singapore, elsewhere
The Batam municipal government in Indonesia’s Riau Islands has heightened its COVID-19 alert status following a notable rise in cases in neighbouring Singapore, a key regional transit hub just across the strait.
Inside Malaysia’s $107bn semiconductor gamble
By betting big on chips, Malaysia is not just investing in factories and engineers, it’s investing in long-term technological sovereignty. As the global race for semiconductors accelerates, Malaysia is proving it intends to play for keeps.
India’s remote Northeast emerges as a green energy frontier
India’s Northeast is gaining renewed strategic and economic significance as the country recalibrates its regional posture amid evolving geopolitical dynamics
COMMENT: How Nepal and Bhutan navigate the India-China rivalry
While New Delhi flexes its military posture to signal resolve both to Beijing and Islamabad, neighbouring microstates like Nepal and Bhutan find themselves compelled to recalibrate their security interests and economic alignments.
Indian passenger vehicle sales continue to set fresh records
Domestic PV sales hit a record for April 2025, with 348,847 units sold—up 3.9% year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Indonesia's energy future: The structural hurdles to achieving independence
As Indonesia accelerates its march toward energy independence, President Prabowo Subianto's administration has made ambitious declarations: achieving full energy sovereignty within five years
Indonesia’s data centre industry: huge market, limited infrastructure
Under President Prabowo’s administration, the government has pledged support for the development of the data centre sector to accelerate digital transformation and drive a technology-based economy.
Pakistan stocks tumble nearly 10% in four days amid rising India tensions
Pakistani stocks have suffered a steep decline, with the KSE-100 Index dropping 9.7% over the past four sessions, as escalating military tensions with India rattled investors.
Pakistan lacks fiscal space for war with India
Pakistan has asserted its right to retaliate following India’s missile strikes on nine locations in its territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, but analysts at Moody’s believe Islamabad lacks the financial capacity for any military action.
Uber to pay $700mn for 85% stake in Turkey delivery unit of Alibaba’s Trendyol
Trendyol GO delivered 200mn+ orders in 2024 and generated $2bn in gross bookings.
India moves to cut reliance on Chinese solar modules and PV cells
India has taken significant strides when it comes to reducing import dependency for solar modules and PV cells, which is a result of expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Singapore eases monetary policy again as growth outlook dims and tariff pressures mount
In its latest policy statement, MAS announced a reduction in the rate of appreciation of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate policy band, though it will maintain a path of gradual appreciation.
Russia and Indonesia work on direct bank settlement framework to bolster trade
Russia and Indonesia are currently working to establish direct settlement mechanisms between their respective banking institutions.
India eyes deeper trade ties with trusted economies
India is poised to significantly reshape the global trade landscape by expanding partnerships with trusted allies such as the US, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said at the Carnegie India Global Technology Summit in New Delhi
US tariff pause offers breathing room for Indian exports
Even as the world reacts to a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, the impact of possible future US tariffs on Indian exports varies significantly across sectors.
Southeast Asia's leading economies ponder possible US tariffs as 90-day pause takes effect
When the US administration under President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs on ASEAN nations, it triggered an immediate ripple across Southeast Asia’s export-dependent economies.
India’s energy growth to follow unique low-carbon path
India is expected to become an important player in global energy markets, following a distinct growth path marked by lower energy intensity, a diverse energy mix and expanding commodity imports, according to Wood Mackenzie's latest Horizons report.