Lena Ho
Writes the Review's briefings on Asian markets and policy: the rate decisions, prints and rule changes that move costs and capital, answered one question at a time.
How do Singapore's new EC rules affect home affordability?
Singapore's government tightened rules for Executive Condominium (EC) land sales from May 2026, aiming to manage escalating housing costs. This follows an ongoing debate about capping EC prices below S$1.6 million.
Can CATL maintain EV battery lead amid carmaker diversification?
Despite holding over 41% of China’s EV battery market in August, Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) saw its shares fall 25.7% since mid-August as manufacturers like Xiaomi and Li Auto seek alternative suppliers.
What drives Vietnam's real estate transparency gains in 2026?
Vietnam ranked among the top 10 globally for improvements in real estate transparency during the 2024–26 period, according to property consultancy JLL. This progress helped drive record cross-border investment volumes in some markets, including Vietnam.
Chipmakers lift KOSPI 0.93% despite oil price caution
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 0.93% to 6,958.32 on 21 September 2026, as chipmakers advanced despite investor caution over elevated oil prices.
AI, supply woes reshape Asia's chip industry: Taiwan, China vie
Global technology firms are intensifying competition for talent and custom silicon, while equipment lead times extend to 40 months, impacting capacity expansion across Asian manufacturing hubs.
Eurozone Consumers Raise Near-Term Inflation Outlook in August
The European Central Bank's August 2026 survey shows consumer expectations for inflation over the next 12 months increased to 3.0%, while forecasts for economic growth remained negative at −1.2%.
Paramount faces US$7bn penalty, US$7m daily fees on Warner Bros bid
Paramount Skydance Corp faces US$7 million daily late fees from late September 2026 and a US$7 billion termination penalty if its US$110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery Inc fails to close.
South Korea, Estonia ink defence industry cooperation pact
The Korea Defense Industry Association and its Estonian counterpart signed a memorandum on 17 September 2026, aiming to move beyond arms sales to joint development and technology sharing in Europe.
Indonesia legal: DNF&P, Hogan Lovells poach A&O Shearman lawyers
Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners, in association with Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, has added two corporate and finance lawyers from A&O Shearman's Indonesian tie-up.
Sentosa Development Corp. to double visitor numbers over 20 years
Sentosa Development Corp. aims to double the resort island's visitor numbers by introducing significant new attractions progressively over the next two decades, according to CEO Thien Kwee Eng.
Will Indonesia adjust its 3% fiscal deficit limit?
Indonesian lawmakers are debating revisions to the 2003 State Finance Law, which currently caps the budget deficit at 3% of GDP and government debt at 60% of GDP.
US Diplomacy Sends Mixed Signals for Myanmar Mineral Investment
The September 16 release of a former American Chamber of Commerce president from Myanmar custody and a US State Department assessment on counternarcotics efforts provide differing signals for foreign capital considering Myanmar's resource sector.
ADB's $30m loan to Gobi, Tavan Bogd boosts Mongolia's cashmere, food
The Asian Development Bank has committed $30 million to Gobi Joint Stock Company and Tavan Bogd Foods, aiming to create 367 new jobs and boost domestic value addition in Mongolia’s cashmere industry.
China's AI drives cultural infrastructure export
China is developing platforms, translation systems, and production tools for cultural content in overseas markets, exemplified by new AI-powered initiatives in Shanghai and Guangxi.
ADB commits $210m to boost Fiji's economic resilience
The Asian Development Bank committed $210 million to Fiji on 16 September 2026, comprising loans for policy reforms and rapid disaster response to safeguard its economy.
ADB's $650m for Indonesia's Fiscal, Digital Governance Reform
The Asian Development Bank approved a $650 million program on 16 September 2026 to modernise Indonesia's intergovernmental fiscal systems and advance digital governance, aiming to enhance public service delivery.
Japan's 2031 quantum drone plan to reshape undersea surveillance
Japan's defence budget request, released in late August, outlines a plan to deploy drone-mounted quantum magnetic sensors by fiscal 2031. This initiative seeks to improve maritime detection efficiency and reduce operational costs.
US$100 oil, 5% US yields split ASEAN currencies
Analysts observe a significant split in regional currency performance, with some benefiting from trade surpluses and capital inflows while others face import cost pressures.
Kganyago on policies that strengthened emerging economies
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago detailed how central bank independence, inflation targeting, and exchange rate flexibility transformed key emerging markets, including several in Asia, since the 1990s.
How will RBI's September 16 reverse repo affect India's liquidity?
The Reserve Bank of India will conduct an overnight variable rate reverse repo operation on September 16, 2026, aiming to absorb surplus funds from the banking system.
Singapore PSD probes civil servant MRT property claims
Singapore's Public Service Division is examining a research paper alleging disproportionate property purchases by civil servants near future MRT stations before public announcements, with potential referral to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.
Tesla's VND77.6bn Vietnam entry to reshape EV market
Tesla Motors Vietnam, established on 11 September 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, will focus on wholesaling automobiles, marking a significant commitment to Southeast Asia's rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.
South Korea's USD 1bn pledge to boost Asia's critical minerals
South Korea's Export-Import Bank and Trade Insurance Corporation will cofinance and share risk with the Asian Development Bank for mineral processing, alongside a USD 20 million commitment for artificial intelligence initiatives.
BNM: Digital payments must create value, be inclusive
Bank Negara Malaysia's Deputy Governor Aznan Abdul Aziz outlined two core principles for digital payment evolution, emphasising value creation and inclusivity, in an address delivered on 14 September 2026.
RBI proposes freezing accounts for cyber fraud
India's central bank seeks public input on proposed amendments to its Know Your Customer directions, aiming to formalise how banks can temporarily freeze accounts linked to cyber fraud by October 2, 2026.
SoftBank Group shares drop 11% after OpenAI delays IPO
The Tokyo-listed investment firm saw its stock decline significantly earlier this week, following an announcement from OpenAI that it would delay its initial public offering and advocate for slower AI development.
Lee Hyoung-il: S. Korea Tax Rate Won't Be Cut
Finance Minister nominee Lee Hyoung-il confirmed on Sunday that the 25% corporate tax rate, reinstated this year, will not be lowered, influencing business investment forecasts for the coming fiscal periods.
Deutsche Bank recruits for double-digit Asia wealth growth
Deutsche Bank's private banking division is recruiting experienced wealth management teams with established client portfolios to achieve double-digit growth in key Asian markets, focusing on high-net-worth individuals.
Vietnam's Canadian seafood imports soar: Premium products, pricing
Vietnam's imports of Canadian seafood grew to $61 million in 2025, a nearly 40% rise over two years, fuelled by competitive pricing for premium products such as lobster and snow crab, alongside favourable trade agreements.
Laos' energy exports challenged by Thai, Vietnam renewables
Laos, a major regional electricity supplier, faces rising competition as neighbours like Thailand and Vietnam invest in diverse renewable sources and expand grid connectivity.