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.
What will ADB's €620 million loan mean for Türkiye's healthcare capacity?
The Asian Development Bank has approved a €620 million loan, complemented by €182 million from the Government of Türkiye, to fund nine new public hospitals and increase annual inpatient capacity by nearly 300,000 by 2033.
Why is Australia's inflation outlook worsening after RBA rate hike?
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its cash rate by 25 basis points in October 2026, bringing the cumulative increase this year to 100 basis points, as inflation persists above 3.5%.
What efficiency gains does TBC's mischief 1 AI offer video creators?
San Francisco-based The Biological Computing Co. launched its mischief 1 image-to-video AI model on 30 October 2026, claiming generation speeds five times faster than its foundational technology.
What is the premature redemption price for India's SGB 2021-22 Series VII?
The Reserve Bank of India has set the early redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond 2021-22 Series VII at ₹14,167 per unit, applicable to those opting out on November 2, 2026.
ADB loans $139.55m to boost Puducherry water, sanitation
The Asian Development Bank approved a $139.55 million loan on 30 October 2026 to enhance Puducherry's water, sanitation, and public spaces, aiming to boost the Indian city's competitiveness for investment and tourism.
North Korea's DMZ: 960,000 mines laid since 2024
Since 2024, North Korea has laid an estimated 960,000 mines along the Demilitarised Zone, alongside other fortifications, reflecting a policy shift to solidify its sovereign border rather than prepare for an offensive.
New research: EU trade tariffs can cut deforestation for Asia
New research suggests that linking market access to forest conservation could prevent agricultural expansion and even lead to reforestation, with implications for Asian nations negotiating with the European Union.
US boosts rare earth processing to counter China curbs
Washington is investing in private firms to develop novel rare earth refining techniques, aiming for self-sufficiency as Beijing restricts refining technology and skilled personnel exports.
Etihad Airways deploys A380s, boosts Bangkok capacity by 30%
The carrier has deployed Airbus A380 superjumbos on its daily route to the Thai capital, increasing passenger capacity by approximately 30% compared to its A350 fleet.
ECB's €50bn EUREP: Impact on global euro liquidity
The Eurosystem repo facility for central banks, updated this year, provides standing access and significant same-day liquidity to non-euro area central banks to manage euro funding needs.
Singapore's urban cooling challenge: 5°C rise by century's end
Singapore faces a projected annual mean temperature rise of up to 5 degrees Celsius by the century's end, according to the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, necessitating integrated urban cooling strategies.
ADB's $75m loan targets Türkiye's data centres, energy storage.
The Asian Development Bank and Rönesans Holding A.Ş. signed the financing on 22 October 2026, targeting battery energy storage and a hyperscale data centre.
CPEC pivots to industry, critical minerals
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is transitioning to a second phase, moving beyond infrastructure to prioritise industrial cooperation, critical minerals, and information sharing, following a high-level meeting on 25 October.
Saudi Arabia targets $13.4bn esports GDP, 39,000 jobs by 2030
Saudi Arabia aims for esports to contribute 50 billion Saudi riyals (US$13.4 billion) to its national GDP by 2030, alongside creating 39,000 domestic jobs, as part of its economic diversification strategy.
EQT's A$9.3bn Cleanaway acquisition to reshape Australian waste
Global private equity firm EQT has agreed to fully acquire ASX-listed Cleanaway Waste Management for A$3.095 per share, consolidating a major provider of essential services across Australia.
SK Hynix earnings, returns drive Seoul KOSPI 6.6% surge
Seoul's KOSPI index advanced over 6% on 28 October 2026, reaching 6,012.44, following SK hynix's record quarterly earnings and a 100 trillion won shareholder return announcement.
How will Malaysia's 2027 budget achieve its 3.3% deficit target?
Malaysia's projected fiscal deficit for 2027 is its lowest since 2017, supported by sustained economic expansion and a broadened tax base, even with increased government spending.
Can Kenya's Dangote refinery diversify Australia's oil supply?
The 700,000 barrels per day facility, set for completion by 2030, offers Australia an alternative to its 90% reliance on Asian imports.
Singapore launches S$150m AI platform for materials discovery
Singapore has committed S$150 million to a new AI-driven platform for materials discovery, targeting sectors including advanced manufacturing and energy, with an announcement made on 27 October 2026.
Indonesia warns Singapore: Energy cuts over forest fire accountability
Indonesia's foreign minister today warned of potential energy export reductions to Singapore, following the establishment of a joint task force aimed at corporate accountability for forest fires.
ADB's Mitsuhashi: $3bn Annual Türkiye Deployment to 2027
Keiju Mitsuhashi, appointed as the Asian Development Bank's first Country Director for Türkiye, commenced his role on 26 October 2026, overseeing the establishment of a new Ankara office and an anticipated $3 billion in annual financing until 2027.
Russia-Tajikistan border security: Regional investment implications
Russia has committed to supplying Tajikistan with military equipment and border technology, with initial deliveries expected by late 2026, aiming to enhance stability along the Afghan frontier after November 2025 attacks killed Chinese nationals.
Italian cases reveal Asian production in 'Made in EU' luxury
Recent Italian judicial actions, including a 2024 case by the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office, reveal how major European luxury brands use Asian facilities for primary production despite "Made in Europe" labelling.
Egat's 2037 SMR target to reshape Thailand's energy mix
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) aims to launch its first 300 MW small modular reactor by 2037, with a projected capital cost of 60-70 billion baht, to mitigate volatile liquefied natural gas prices.
Micronesia gets ADB grant to tackle 76% fuel cost surge
The Asian Development Bank approved a $5.6 million grant on 23 October 2026 to support the Federated States of Micronesia's $20 million Crisis Response Plan, which includes a Fuel Stabilisation Fund.
RBI's ₹1.5 trillion repo operation: Liquidity impact
India's central bank announced a four-day variable rate repo auction for 26 October 2026, aiming to inject ₹1,50,000 crore into the banking system to influence short-term money market conditions.
MAS, SGX RegCo urged to boost IPO scrutiny after declines
Persistent share price declines after initial public offerings on the Singapore Exchange are prompting calls for enhanced oversight by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and SGX RegCo, potentially affecting future valuations.
BoJ: Japan's financial system stable, global uncertainties persist
Japan's central bank finds overall stability in its October 2026 assessment, but highlights persistent uncertainties from Middle East geopolitics, AI investment viability, and foreign non-bank financial intermediaries.
RBI to conduct ₹33,000 crore India bond auction
The Reserve Bank of India will conduct a re-issuance of Government of India securities totalling ₹33,000 crore on October 23, 2026, involving specific underwriting commitments for Primary Dealers.
Philippines launches pork import safeguard, sets submission deadline
Manila's Department of Agriculture has opened an investigation into increased pork imports, requiring evidence from interested parties within five working days of 21 October 2026.