Asia M&A and investment review
Controversy over exorbitant housing allowances: Indonesian parliament's clarification proves nothing
As inequality persists and trust in institutions remains fragile, spending billions on allowances risks exacerbating the rift between political elites and the citizens they represent.
Is India being forced closer to China and other BRICS nations by US tarrifs?
According to a new report, bilateral trade grew from $17bn in 2005 to nearly $120bn by 2024, with China becoming India’s largest trading partner and the trade deficit swelling to almost $100bn.
Malaysia blocks rare earth exports to attract downstream investment
Malaysia will prohibit the export of unprocessed rare earth minerals as part of a strategy to retain greater value domestically by drawing investment into downstream industries.
Indonesia and Malaysia seek peaceful path in Ambalat Sea standoff
The Ambalat region, located in the Sulawesi Sea, has long been contested due to overlapping claims and its strategic importance for oil and gas exploration.
South Korea’s tax reform triggers investor concerns
What was once a buoyant rally under President Lee Jae Myung’s pledge to lift the Kospi to 5,000 points is now shadowed by concerns over the economic implications of sweeping tax changes.
Indonesia targets rice fraud in multi-agency crackdown
At the heart of the probe are allegations that hundreds of rice brands, many operated by major producers, have been repackaging low-quality or subsidised rice and marketing it as premium-grade, often at inflated prices.
India boosts domestic chip design
India has approved financial support for 23 semiconductor design projects under its Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, aimed at strengthening the domestic chip ecosystem.
Samsung to build Tesla’s next-gen FSD chip in $16.5bn deal
Samsung Electronics has just secured a major win by signing a $16.5bn chip manufacturing deal with Tesla, a move that could revive Samsung’s foundry business after a challenging period.
Prabowo’s France visit marks a milestone in 75 years of Indonesia–France relations
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has concluded a state visit to France, in the process reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership between Jakarta and Paris.
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.