India in ‘wait-and-watch’ mode on US sanctions against Russian crude
India diversifies energy sources from Middle East and US amid sanctions, but rising crude prices could cause inflation and budget issues.
Policy Matters
AI rules pushed to 2026 as Indonesian government charts next move
After the roadmap is published, ministries and agencies will be required to draft their own AI guidelines, as detailed enforcement will fall under sector-specific regulations.
Bank Indonesia to add incentives amid slow lending
Lending growth has been sluggish so far in 2025, remaining below BI’s target range of 8 to 11 per cent, though it has seen an uptick in September to 7.7 percent year-on-year…
Bhutan’s new income tax reliefs to benefit families, homeowners, and persons with disabilities
A major addition is the parenthood child tax credit, a measure to support parents and encourage population growth.
Bangladeshi government to ease labour union requirement
The advisory council approved a draft ordinance to allow groups of as few as 20 workers to apply to form a trade union, a major regulatory shift in worker representation,…
China’s food delivery platforms to abolish late-delivery fines
Cities participating in the trial include Nantong and Changzhou in Jiangsu province, Jieyang in Guangdong province, and Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province. There are plans to expand…
Thailand unveils major tourism stimulus package to revive growth
Government agencies are mandated to accelerate spending by disbursing 60% of their seminar and training budgets, injecting approximately 6 billion baht into the economy by January…
Japan to probe overseas real estate regulations for foreign nationals, will use data to update own laws
The government will look at legal regulations in Canada, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan, and will examine the extent to which foreigners are restricted in purchasing and leasing…
Malaysian ministers push for stronger digital ecosystem for AI
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said AI should be seen as a complementary tool to enhance human capability, not as a replacement.
Foreign beer and luxury goods spotted in Pyongyang despite UN sanctions
Chanel perfumes, Corona beer, and Adidas jerseys are openly sold in North Korean stores, Chinese social media posts reveal.