Economy

Singapore's central bank said in a statement on April 13 that exports will continue to drive growth.
Economy

Asian central banks move toward policy normalization

Strong economies and Fed hikes provide nudge, but US-China friction looms

13 April 2018
The Petronas Towers stand in Kuala Lumpur. The oil industry must maintain discipline on costs despite rising crude prices, CEO Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin says.
Nikkei Markets

World Bank lifts Malaysia's 2018 economic growth aim to 5.4%

Shifts in external demand, financial market shocks to weigh on growth prospect

12 April 2018
A recent ADB report says, "The anxiety over automation is overblown."
Economy

Automation not a threat to Asian workers, says ADB

Chief economist says new trade pacts will offset impact of US-China tariff fight

12 April 2018
Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, prays during launching event for upcoming general elections in Kuala Lumpur on April 7.
12 April 2018
The trade battle may spur Chinese companies to invest more in Southeast Asia, as Geely did with Malaysia's Proton.
12 April 2018
Manufacturers concerned about a China-U.S. trade war.
12 April 2018
Malaysia's exports fell 2% in February from a year earlier, the first contraction in 18 months.
Nikkei Markets

Malaysia's February industrial production rises, tops view

Print shrinks on month as shift to new base year bumped up January's reading

11 April 2018
Manufacturers concerned about a China-U.S. trade war.
Nikkei PMI

Asian manufacturers less optimistic about output amid trade tensions

March PMI shows rising material costs is another concern

11 April 2018
Imports to the U.S. of Chinese steel, such as these bars at Dongbei Special Steel Group's plant in Dalian, Liaoning province, are now subject to tariffs of 25%.
Economy

US-China trade war will hurt Asia's growth, says ADB

GDP in region's developing nations to ease to 6% over 2018

11 April 2018
Shipping containers stand at a port in Bangkok. While painting bright pictures, economists also identified emergent concerns for economy in southeast Asia.
Economy

'Trump risks' cast shadow over bright Asian outlooks

Protectionism ranked as biggest concern for first time in a year, JCER says

10 April 2018
Trade tensions with the U.S. will hurt exports that are crucial for economic growth of ASEAN member states. (Photo by Keiichiro Aasahara)
Trade war

Southeast Asia feared next on list for US trade sanctions

Thailand's exchange rate policy comes under Washington scrutiny

9 April 2018
Najib Razak, Malaysian prime minister and president of ruling party Barisan Nasional, speaks during the launch on April 7 of his party's manifesto for the upcoming general elections.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's parties dangle populist policies ahead of election

Electoral promises sideline economic reforms with aid targeted toward low-income groups

9 April 2018
Proton cars in Kuala Lumpur: The trade battle may spur Chinese companies to invest more in Southeast Asia, as Geely did with Malaysia's national automaker.
Trade war

US-China trade row spells pain and gains for ASEAN

Spread of 'China plus one' production expected to boost investment in bloc

8 April 2018
Singapore Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat, who chaired the ASEAN ministerial meeting, said the region is committed to free trade.
Economy

Singapore warns on China-US tariff tensions

ASEAN finance ministers reaffirm commitment to open trade

6 April 2018
Consumption of palm oil usually picks up during the holy month of Ramadan as Muslims all over the world break their daily fast in the evening often with lavish spreads.
Nikkei Markets

Malaysia to keep export tax on crude palm oil suspended

Analysts say move to help support price of commodity amid strong export demand

6 April 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is aiming for a third five-year term in office.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia to go to polls as Najib announces parliament dissolution

Opposition coalition weakened by move against Mahathir-led party

6 April 2018
Can it do your job?
Opinion

Robots threaten Asian jobs

Automation risks hitting the region's low-skill industrial posts

6 April 2018
Malaysia's shipments of electrical and electronics goods fell 0.1% in February from a year earlier.
Nikkei Markets

Malaysia's February exports shrink 2% on year

First contraction in 18 months follows fewer working days due to Lunar New Year

5 April 2018
Japanese cedars in Iwate Prefecture: Making wood flooring from cedars grown in forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council is one path to sustainable procurement. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Business trends

UN goals spur Asian companies to alter buying habits

Development targets push many groups to more eco-friendly procurement

5 April 2018
Korean shops in the Shin-Okubo district of Tokyo (Photo by Yasunori Okamura)
5 April 2018
CIMB is aiming for 200 million ringgit in gross written premiums this year from the partnership with Sompo in Malaysia.
Companies

CIMB aims to launch Sompo's products in Thailand by 2020

Move part of bancassurance deal with Japanese insurer across four countries

3 April 2018
Under a 10-year program, Tenaga Nasional is targeting to build a portfolio of international assets that would account for 20% of its earnings.
Nikkei Markets

Tenaga Nasional secures 120 million pound financing facility

Deal marks end of refinancing 80% stake in two UK wind energy companies

2 April 2018
Stream article image
2 April 2018
Stream article image
2 April 2018
Many expect Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to call an election in the coming weeks.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's Najib seeks to redraw electoral map

Critics say his proposal would give the ruling camp an advantage

28 March 2018