China is increasing its economic clout in Southeast Asia as its rivalry with the U.S. intensifies.
International relations

Majority of ASEAN people favor China over U.S., survey finds

In a first, Beijing becomes Southeast Asia's preferred choice over Washington

2 April 2024
Fans pose outside Taylor Swift's concert venue in Singapore on Mar. 2: Event tourism has taken on more significance after the enforced isolation of the COVID era.
Opinion

Singapore's Taylor Swift jackpot about more than exclusivity

With planning, city-state has assembled compelling package for event organizers

29 March 2024
The Dali apparently lost power and smashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge while sailing out of the harbor early on March 26.
Transportation

Singapore starts dual probes of Baltimore bridge collapse

Maritime authorities to scrutinize potential rule breaches in deadly accident

28 March 2024
The ringgit's fall against the Singapore dollar creates gains for Malaysians working in Singapore.
Currencies

Malaysians working in Singapore gain spending power as ringgit slumps

Migrants eye properties, cars at home as salaries rise in local currency terms

21 March 2024
Singapore's new system allows travelers to scan a QR code to clear border checkpoints without showing their passports. (Photo courtesy of Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority)
Economy

Singapore starts QR code clearance at busy crossing to Malaysia

Nikkei reporters traveling by car needed only 20 seconds at immigration counter

19 March 2024
Experts discuss Asia's response to global issues likely to arise after this year’s U.S. presidential election during a symposium in Tokyo on March 15. (Photo by Akira Kitado)
International relations

Asia must keep pushing for free trade after U.S. election: experts

Tokyo symposium highlights protectionism worries amid potential Trump comeback

18 March 2024
Malaysia has revived a high-speed rail plan to connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Hiroki Endo and Akira Kodaka)
Transportation

Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles

China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest

6 March 2024
Companies that bring foreign workers to Singapore will have to pay them more starting next year. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Work

Singapore sets higher salary requirement for work visa from 2025

Expats now must earn $4,200 a month as city-state tightens foreign labor rules

4 March 2024
A baby in Seoul. South Korean policymakers have for years been seeking measures to spur more births. (File photo by Reuters)
Society

Singapore and South Korea fertility rates fall to record lows

Heavy government spending to encourage more births fails to reverse trend

28 February 2024
The U.S. Federal Reserve has signaled rate cuts in the coming months as inflation worries decrease, easing the cost of borrowing. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)
Finance

ASEAN banks' fat interest margins wane as Fed rate cuts loom

Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia anticipate rocky road in loan earnings

28 February 2024
The Indonesian Air Force's aerobatics display team takes to the skies during the Singapore Airshow in 2022.
Your Week in Asia

Singapore Airshow, Japan-Ukraine conference, Cambodia Senate election

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events

18 February 2024
Food prices at Singapore's popular hawker centers climbed 15% between 2019 and 2023. (Photo by Fumika Sato)
Economy

Singapore, Thailand and more hand out cash to ease inflation pain

SE Asia governments focus on public support while critics warn of fiscal strain

17 February 2024
Singaporean Finance Minister Lawrence Wong says the city-state's government will boost spending over the next decade. (Singapore Press via AP Images)
Economy

Singapore eyes corporate tax rise, AI investment in 2024 budget

Finance minister and next PM Wong pledges higher spending amid 'mixed' outlook

16 February 2024
Singapore announced its revised GDP just before it unveils the budget for 2024, which is widely expected to help citizens cope with rising living costs.
Economy

Singapore trims 2023 GDP growth to 1.1% amid shaky exports

City-state keeps forecast of 1% to 3% expansion in 2024 ahead of budget speech

15 February 2024
Singapore will expand its automated customs lanes to all arrivals from the second half of 2024.
Travel & Leisure

Singapore to allow all foreigners to enter via automated lanes

City-state steps up use of biometrics from second half as travel returns

13 February 2024
Posters of the presidential election are seen in Jakarta on Feb. 8: Indonesians will choose their next leader on Feb. 14. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Your Week in Asia

Indonesia election, Japan H3 rocket launch, Kakao earnings

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events

11 February 2024
A 40-meter dragon sculpture hangs from the roof of a shopping mall in Singapore on Feb. 7. "Many Chinese families consider a child born in the Year of the Dragon to be especially auspicious," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Politics

Singapore PM Lee urges couples to have babies in Year of the Dragon

Leader suggests adding 'a little dragon' amid record-low fertility rate

9 February 2024
Singapore Economic Development Board Managing Director Jacqueline Poh, left, and Chairman Png Cheong Boon speak to reporters on Jan. 30. (Photo by Tsubasa Suruga)
Economy

Singapore's investment pledges from U.S., China dropped in 2023

Total commitment falls 44% amid 'challenging' global environment

30 January 2024
The Monetary Authority of Singapore's headquarters in Singapore.
Economy

Singapore keeps monetary policy tight as inflation persists

Central bank releases first decision under new quarterly schedule

29 January 2024
Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli poses after an interview with Nikkei Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Jan. 8. (Photo by Norman Goh)
Interview

Malaysia wants to make Johor 'new engine of growth'

Economy minister hopes special economic zone with Singapore boosts tech, renewables

12 January 2024
Malaysian economy minister Rafizi Ramli, center right, and Singaporean trade minister Gan Kim Yong, center left, exchange documents in a signing ceremony in Johor on Jan. 11. (Photo by Norman Goh)
International relations

Singapore and Malaysia to launch QR code border clearance

Neighbors sign agreement on Johor economic zone to boost growth

11 January 2024
Under a new law, buyers into designated entities in Singapore would have to notify authorities if becoming a 5% shareholder, and seek approval before taking up 12% or more. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Politics

Singapore passes bill to vet company buyouts for national security

Government to disclose list of 'designated entities' when law takes effect

9 January 2024
Singapore's government anticipates economic growth this year will be driven by exports, particularly of semiconductors. (Photo by Fumito Akiyama)
Economy

Singapore's GDP growth slows to 1.2% in 2023

City-state expects 1%-3% expansion for 2024 as external demand to recover

2 January 2024
Orchard Road in Singapore in November: While not as many Chinese tourists or moderate-spending locals are filling the boutiques, luxury brand shoppers have been active. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)
Economy

Singapore's Orchard Road loses Chinese tourists, midrange spenders

Indian visitors surprise local business group by showing up in large numbers

30 December 2023
A supermarket in Singapore. This chain, Sheng Siong, will roll out a three-month discount in 2024 on most of its items to offset the additional goods and services tax. (Photo by Tsubasa Suruga)
Economy

Singapore, Malaysia to raise consumption tax amid inflation fears

Southeast Asia balances fiscal needs against uncertain economy in 2024

28 December 2023