Economy

Oxfam says that Singapore's low-tax regime has helped to create a huge gap between rich and poor but the government points to the fact that its policies have helped 90% of citizens own their homes. 
Economy

Singapore's inequality debate reignited after charity criticism

Government and public recognize rich-poor divide as growing threat to national cohesion

22 October 2018
Compared with a month ago, Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports fell 4.3% to 15 billion Singapore dollars in September after seasonal adjustments.
Nikkei Markets

Singapore exports show shifting trade patterns

Shipments to US, EU surge while those to China plunge again

17 October 2018
Although RCEP negotiations began in 2013, the 16 Asia-Pacific countries involved became keener this year due to U.S. protectionism and expected collateral damage from the U.S.-China trade war.
Economy

RCEP talks make little headway toward year-end conclusion

Ministers narrow market access differences but say 'further improvements' needed

13 October 2018
The Monetary Authority of Singapore manages the Singaporean dollar against a basket of currencies of major trade partners.
Economy

Singapore joins regional monetary tightening rush

Inflation spurs central bank's second move this year despite GDP slowdown

12 October 2018
Wary of weaker exports, economists now see the five biggest ASEAN economies growing 4.9% this year, down 0.1 of a point from the previous projection.
Economy

ASEAN growth forecasts take hits from trade war and market turmoil

Survey of economists reveals fears for exports and currencies over long haul

11 October 2018
The Singapore dollar could make further gains if the Monetary Authority of Singapore allows the currency to strengthen at a faster pace when it releases its semi-annual policy statement Friday.
Nikkei Markets

Strong Singapore dollar to crimp company earnings

Outlook could worsen if central bank tightens policy, as expected

11 October 2018
The demand for sustainable investments has grown alongside concerns about pollution and global warming and issues such as inequality and empowering women. 
Nikkei Markets

More Singapore firms gain from sustainable investing trend

Target-linked loans could lower cost of capital, increase investor interest

5 October 2018
The shipping industry remains on a recovery track following its crisis in 2016.
Commodities

South American exports help shipping industry offset trade war fallout

Yet rising tide of protectionism remains a threat, Baltic Exchange chief warns

4 October 2018
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3 October 2018
Moviegoers in Singapore pass a poster for "Crazy Rich Asians," which showcases the growing wealth in the city-state. (Photo by Mayuko Tani)
Life

'Crazy Rich Asians' a reflection of Singaporeans' aspirations

Lavish lifestyle depicted on screen offers reminder of very real inequality

29 September 2018
China's Tsinghua University made a rapid ascent to become 22nd in the world, up from 30th last year. 
Economy

East Asian universities climb higher in global rankings

Investment in education creates 'rising tide' of quality in the region, says THE

26 September 2018
Singapore, whose economy heavily relies on trade, has been eagerly promoting free trade in the international community. 
Trade war

Singapore and China to upgrade FTA as Trump tariffs escalate

Deeper bilateral ties would complement Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative

21 September 2018
Mitsubishi Motors operates this plant in Thailand. Southeast Asia's auto production grew by a faster rate than China's in the first half of 2018. (Photo by Hiroshi Kotani)
Economy

Southeast Asia's production gains speed as China slows

Manufacturing index up 6.2% for first half as companies diversify bases

20 September 2018
The high base effects from 2017 would continue to weigh on electronics exports for the rest of this year. 
Nikkei Markets

Singapore exports edge up but demand from China tumbles

Electronics exports fall for ninth straight month

17 September 2018
South Korea's New Export Orders Index hit a four-month low and could drop further if the U.S.-China trade standoff continues.
Trade war

Asian exports face headwinds from US-China trade war: PMI survey

Overseas demand weakens as August index for ASEAN falls to 20-month low

12 September 2018
Malaysia's Minister of Economic Affairs Mohamed Azmin Ali, right, and Singapore's Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan agree to restart the construction of the high-speed rail in May 2020. 
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia and Singapore agree to revive rail project in 2020

Mahathir government to pay $11m for deferring construction, easing tension

5 September 2018
MAS's latest survey shows economists expect Singapore’s manufacturing sector to grow by 7.6% this year, slowing from 2017’s increase of 10.1%. 
Nikkei Markets

Singapore growth outlook unchanged despite uncertainties

Central bank survey also shows growing inflation pressures

5 September 2018
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5 September 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, right, meets Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mahathir is keen to discuss the reassessment of large-scale infrastructure projects. 
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia and Singapore agree to defer $27bn rail project

High-speed rail to be delayed indefinitely without penalty

3 September 2018
ASEAN ministers discussed ways to build up economic links so that businesses can survive turmoil. 
Trade war

Southeast Asia strengthens FTAs to head off trade tensions

ASEAN ministers say updating current trade deals will complement RCEP talks

2 September 2018
RCEP comprises the 10 members of ASEAN, plus Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Together they account for a third of the world's GDP.
Economy

Asia advances RCEP talks as Trump's trade policy unites members

Ministers aim to conclude negotiations by year-end but gaps remain

1 September 2018
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks at the opening of ASEAN meetings on Aug. 29.
International relations

Conclusion to RCEP talks 'finally in sight,' Singapore PM says

Members seek harmony in two-day gathering amid escalating US-China trade war

29 August 2018
Singapore’s manufacturing sector lost some momentum in July damped by key segments such as electronics.
Nikkei Markets

Singapore factories lose momentum, signal weaker second half

Electronics sector grows at slowest pace in 29 months

24 August 2018
Shipments to the U.S., Japan and the European Union increased while sales to China were unchanged compared to a year ago.
Nikkei Markets

Singapore exports beat forecasts, again thanks to drugs

Shipments to US increase in July but those to China stay flat

17 August 2018
Soybean prices dropped earlier this year as China slapped retaliatory tariffs on U.S. supplies.
Asia300

Singapore commodity groups reap gains from trade war

Wilmar and Olam worry about long-term negative side effects

17 August 2018