China’s manufacturing rebounds in December
Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed that China's official PMI rose to 50.1 in December from 49.2 in November, returning to expansion territory…
Economic Affairs
Thailand’s foreign reserves hit record high above US$300 billion as baht strengthens and gold rallies
The increase underscores the Bank of Thailand’s ongoing role in managing baht stability amid pressures from capital flows and a strengthening currency.
Labour unions protest Jakarta minimum wage, vow court battle
They are demanding the wage be raised to Rp 5.89 million, in line with Jakarta’s decent living needs as calculated by Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
Singapore 2026 outlook: What’s next for politics – and the top stories of 2025
With tectonic shifts in the world of work and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, all eyes are on the Government’s plans to refresh Singapore’s longer-term economic strategy,…
Bali sees dip in domestic tourists, pins hopes on foreign visitors
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster attributed the decline to a reduced number of domestic flights, noting that several aircraft operated by national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and…
Hong Kong sees 1.25 million cross-border trips on Christmas Day
Of the total number of trips on Thursday, arrivals exceeded 457,000, about 83,000 of which were made by travelers from the Chinese mainland.
Calls mount to diversify Nepal’s cardamom export market as shipments soar
Pakistan, Bangladesh and West Asia are major consumers of the pricey spice but Nepal doesn’t sell to them directly.
Laos, Thailand open fifth Friendship Bridge, strengthening cross-border connectivity
Beyond its economic significance, the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge was described as a powerful symbol of the long-standing friendship, good neighbourliness, and Strategic…
2026 is year without job security in Bangladesh
Layoffs outpaced hiring, while employment shifted toward low-quality informal activity.
China’s high-speed rail network surpasses 50,000 kilometres
The opening of the Xi'an–Yan'an high-speed railway in Northwestern China's Shaanxi Province on Friday cuts travel time between the two cities from over two hours to about one,…