Politics

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, far right, talks with South Korean artists after their performance in Pyongyang on April 1.
North Korea Crisis

North Korea launches charm offensive ahead of US summit

Pyongyang works on boosting its image with Kim's China trip and K-pop show

3 April 2018
Grab said on March 26 that it would acquire rival Uber’s ride-sharing and food-delivery businesses in Southeast Asia.
Companies

Regulator attacks 'virtual monopoly' of Uber-Grab deal

Philippine antitrust watchdog follows Singapore in examining ride-hailing tie-up

3 April 2018
If net immigration falls to zero, Singapore's working-age population could begin to shrink within about two years.
Economy

Tighter rules on foreign workers put Singapore's growth at risk

The government is keen to ensure jobs for locals, but the move could backfire

29 March 2018
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shake hands at a joint press conference in Sydney on March 16.
Politics

Richard Heydarian: Australia is right to move closer to ASEAN

Closer ties with the bloc can help counter US- and China-related risks

29 March 2018
Singapore has created a wealthy and dynamic economy by readily accepting workers from around the world.
Economy

Tighter rules on foreign workers put Singapore's growth at risk

Government struggles to balance economic dynamism with job security

24 March 2018
Myanmar workers in Thailand. An estimate shows that without the contribution of migrant workers, Thai GDP could be 0.75% lower.
Politics

Southeast Asia needs better labor migration policies

Improving worker mobility benefits migrants and raises growth

22 March 2018
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shake hands at a joint press conference in Sydney on March 16.
International relations

Australia right to huddle closer to Southeast Asia

With the US in retreat and China ascendant, chances grow for future ASEAN accession

20 March 2018
(Original pictures by Reuters, Getty Images)
Asia Insight

Singapore seeks another economic miracle maker for next PM

Slower growth raises stakes of succession three years after founding father's death

20 March 2018
China occupies Subi Reef, part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
International relations

Australian and ASEAN pursue maritime code of conduct

Summit draws nations with mixed views on Beijing's moves in South China Sea

19 March 2018
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull takes a selfie with a delegate in Sydney on March 16.
International relations

Australia courts Southeast Asia with unprecedented summit

Leaders to talk trade and security amid doubts about US, concerns about China

16 March 2018
The rules hammered in the TPP-11 free trade agreement signed on March 8 are at risk of not keeping pace with fast-moving developments in worlds of technology and business.
Comment

Pacific trade rules on digital data may already be outdated

TPP-11 principles to contain China could be counterproductive

15 March 2018
An aging population is among the changing economic environments forcing a change in Singapore's reputed low tax rates.
Economy

William Pesek: Singapore is about to raise taxes, and good for them

City-state's brave move shows leadership and a new model for Asia

15 March 2018
Slower-than-expected growth of Singapore's manufacturing sector this year would be partly compensated by an acceleration in finance and insurance activity as well as in the wholesale and retail trade sector.
Economy

Singapore survey shows heightened fears about protectionism

Economists forecast growth of 3.2% for this year

14 March 2018
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks at an event in Singapore on March 13. (Photo by Kentaro Iwamoto)
International relations

Singapore PM tells ASEAN to adjust to new power balance

Lee says region can benefit from China, India despite their "tidal pulls"

13 March 2018
South Korean finance minister Kim Dong-yeon speaks at press briefing in Sejong on March 13. (Photo courtesy of Finance Ministry of South Korea)
Economy

Seoul to decide on new TPP membership by June

UK, Thailand mull joining Japan-led economic bloc as US protectionism widens

13 March 2018
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, center, arrive with Southeast Asian leaders at a reception in New Delhi on Jan. 26. India is building partnerships in the region to counter China's influence.
FT Confidential Research

India pivots to Southeast Asia to counter China's growing clout

New Delhi seeks to capitalize on discontent over Beijing's influence: FTCR

13 March 2018
Trump pointed to output of Chinese-made steel in his remarks on the decline of America's steel industry.
International relations

Beijing condemns US tariffs as Tokyo and Seoul seek exemptions

Philippines expects benefit to infrastructure drive from steel price fall

9 March 2018
Representatives from the 11 member nations of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership met March 8 in Santiago, Chile, to sign the revised trade and investment pact.
International relations

Eleven countries sign revamped TPP in Chile

Pacific trade deal brought back from the brink after US departure

9 March 2018
A container ship in Singapore: The trade-dependent city-state hopes the TPP 11 will provide an economic tailwind.
The Big Story

TPP 11: How Asia took the lead in free trade

The trans-Pacific pact will help business, but hopes remain for a US return

7 March 2018
U.S. President Donald Trump holds up the executive order pulling his country out of the TPP in January 2017.
International relations

Trump's about-face on the TPP keeps the world guessing

But as US president sends mixed signals on trade, governments move ahead with deals

7 March 2018
Construction workers take a break in Singapore, where migrants make up about a third of the workforce.
Asia Insight

Southeast Asia's vulnerable migrants pose an economic dilemma

Countries struggle to prevent abuse without hindering business

6 March 2018
Stream article image
International relations

RCEP a step closer to finalization

Ministerial meeting makes headway on patching up differences

4 March 2018
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's government plans a GST hike for 2021-2025.
Politics

Opposition and activists up in arms over Singapore's plan to hike GST

Ruling party says tax rise should not be an election issue

1 March 2018
An aging population is among the changing economic environments forcing a change in Singapore's reputed low tax rates.
Politics

Hats off to Singapore for raising taxes

City-state's brave move offers a new model for Asia

1 March 2018
The rules hammered in the TPP-11 free trade agreement signed on March 8 are at risk of not keeping pace with-fast moving developments in worlds of technology and business.
International relations

TPP's remaining members ease path for trade deal

Approval by countries with majority of GDP no longer required to take effect

23 February 2018