Unoccupied rooms are seen at the shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)
Economy

Malaysia's ban on development no relief for property glut

Central bank and analysts warned of worsening situation

28 December 2017
Officials attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the rail project linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, on Dec. 21 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. (Photo by Yukako Ono).
Economy

China's high-speed train plans in Southeast Asia stumble

Disagreements over costs and land procurement are adding years to schedules

28 December 2017
Broadcom CEO Hock Tan announces the repatriation of his company's legal base from Singapore to the U.S. at the White House on Nov. 2.
Economy

US corporate tax cuts unnerve Asian economies

Region frets as Broadcom becomes first US company planning to move home

28 December 2017
A 1MDB protester at a demonstration organized by pro-democracy group Bersih, calling for Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to resign, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Nov. 19, 2016.
Economy

1MDB settles final debt to Abu Dhabi sovereign fund

Malaysian PM eyes third term as government tries to lay ghost of 1MDB to rest

27 December 2017
The Bank of Korea has joined the U.S. Federal Reserve in reversing the unconventional easy-credit policy once led by the Fed and other central banks.
Looking ahead 2018

QE unwinding is more dangerous than it appears

Asia's emerging markets remain dependent on central bank liquidity

26 December 2017
The economic effects India's new goods and services tax are expected to dissipate next year. Overall, growth is forecast to rise in both India and the large economies of Southeast Asia next year. (Photo by Keiichiro Asahara)
Economy

Economic picture brightens for ASEAN and India toward 2018

Exports, domestic demand lift forecasts; political risks remain: survey

26 December 2017
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop delivers her opening remarks during a ministerial meeting of Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila on Aug. 6.
Economy

Australia seeks 80% free trade coverage by 2020

Foreign minister backs 'all options' on North Korea, including force

26 December 2017
Cabinet-level ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership nations meet Nov. 9 in Danang, Vietnam.
Economy

Japan pushes for March signing of TPP 11

Tokyo's point man travelling to Vietnam, Mexico to seek consensus on outstanding issues

26 December 2017
Broadcom has decided to relocate its legal base from Singapore to the U.S.
Economy

US tax cuts unnerve Asian economies

Broadcom quits Singapore as region frets over competitiveness

22 December 2017
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Economy

Tenaga expects decision on loss-making Sabah unit next year

In talks with energy, finance ministries to determine fate of Sabah Electricity

22 December 2017
The People's Bank of China was the first central bank in Asia to respond to the latest U.S. rate hike.
Economy

When it comes to rate hikes, Asia still follows the US lead

China, Hong Kong first to follow suit, and Philippines, Malaysia may be next

21 December 2017
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at the United Malays National Organization general assembly. Najib is leading the drive to foster entrepreneurship in the country.
Economy

Malaysia tells the world's entrepreneurs: We want you

Prime Minister Najib looks to startup culture to push the country to the next level

21 December 2017
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Economy

Malaysia November retail inflation up on costlier food, fuel

Analysts expect central bank to raise rate next year amid robust domestic demand

20 December 2017
Commuters walk to a train station in Singapore's financial district: The new line will connect the city with Kuala Lumpur in 90 minutes.
Business

Singapore and Malaysia open bidding for historic railway link

Chinese and Japanese contractors are on a collision course

20 December 2017
Budget carrier AirAsia cried foul against the move to raise passenger service taxes at KLIA2 to the same level charged at main terminal KLIA used by full-service carriers.
Economy

Critics attack Malaysia's plan to hike airport tax

AirAsia and opposition party criticize move, fearing impact on arrivals

18 December 2017
A Google data center in Iowa boasts state-of-the-art technology.
Asia300

China techs driving data center investment across Southeast Asia

Alibaba, Huawei and Tencent challenge Google, Amazon beyond Singapore

15 December 2017
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Economy

World Bank raises Malaysia's 2017 economic growth forecast to 5.8%

Private consumption, investment views drive third upward revision this year

14 December 2017
The headquarters of the People's Bank of China in Beijing (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

US rate hike triggers Asian increases

China, Hong Kong follow suit; Philippines, Malaysia may be next

14 December 2017
Customers check out an iPhone X at an Apple Store in Singapore on Nov. 3.
Economy

Global trade uptick boosts Asian manufacturing

November PMI hits yearl-to-date high in five economies

14 December 2017
A worker looks on at a BYD assembly line in Shenzhen, China. (Reuters)
Economy

ADB keeps 5.8% Asia growth outlook for 2018, hikes 2017 view

Growth in China to slow to 6.4% next year on weaker investment spending

14 December 2017
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Economy

Malaysia's October industrial output growth pace slows

Manufacturing, mining activities ease but power generation gains pace

12 December 2017
Cryptocurrencies are seen on a website that tracks the value of initial coin offerings (ICO)
FT Confidential Research

Southeast Asia ready to embrace blockchain

Central banks are wary of cryptocurrencies but keen on the underlying technology

12 December 2017
The new framework would help reduce reliance on U.S. dollars in settling bilateral trade and direct investments.
Economy

Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia launch currency framework

Move aimed at promoting local currency in trade settlements, direct investments

11 December 2017