Malaysia’s latest reforms, relief measures expected to support economic growth
Economists said the mix of institutional reforms, cash assistance and business-focused measures signals a shift from crisis management to execution.
Policy Matters
Indonesia extends income tax relief for labour-intensive industries
Tax relief is provided for employees working in five business sectors: footwear, textiles and apparel, furniture, leather and leather goods, as well as tourism.
China launches new round of applications for nationwide childcare subsidies
The program, launched in July 2025, has so far benefited more than 24 million people nationwide, with the distribution rate of childcare subsidies for 2025 reaching around 80…
Why healthcare reform is needed in Malaysia
Reform is no longer a matter of preference. It is a necessity shaped by demographic, economic and structural realities that are becoming impossible to ignore.
South Korea’s foreign policy challenges pulled into domestic politics
There has been a growing pattern in which diplomacy — and public sentiment toward foreign countries — is being weaponised in partisan conflict, with ripple effects for policy…
7,000+ cannabis shops in Thailand close as rules tighten—patients assured
Under the new regulation, sellers must be legally designated facilities, with doctors responsible for prescribing and clearly identified personnel authorised to dispense cannabis…
Authoritarian fears loom in Indonesia as new criminal code takes effect
Several articles of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP) may erode civil liberties and freedom of expression, particularly the right to criticize…
Bill to limit Malaysia’s prime minister to two terms to be tabled
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the bill is among several others that will be brought to the august House for approval, beginning with one to separate the powers of the…
China’s push to boost birth rate sputters as couples stay child-free
A decade since China scrapped its stringent one-child policy and implemented a two-child policy in January 2016, the nation is dealing with a looming demographic crisis.
Philippine President Marcos vetoes P92.5-B unprogrammed funds on signing 2026 budget
As mandated by the Constitution, the education sector received the highest allocation, P1.345 trillion. The healthcare sector, meanwhile, received its highest budget ever at…