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 will Japan's fiscal 2031 quantum sensor drone plan 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.
How do US$100 oil and 5% US yields divide 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.
What policy shifts strengthened emerging economies after 1990s crises?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Qatar courts Chinese firms amid Gulf supply chain shifts
Qatar's logistics sector is actively courting Chinese firms seeking to establish local warehousing and fulfilment capabilities in the Middle East, driven by trade route disruptions in the Gulf.
Why did the ECB raise rates amid euro area growth concerns?
The European Central Bank increased key interest rates in September 2026, targeting 3.3% euro area inflation driven by lasting energy price shocks. Its President, Christine Lagarde, stated the economy's resilience allowed the move.
South Korea trials Arctic route viability with maiden voyage
The Panstar Acro, a South Korean container ship, reached the UK on 10 September 2026, marking the midpoint of its maiden Arctic voyage to Europe. This trial aims to evaluate the route's potential to cut transit times and costs.
Fed, FDIC propose new third-party risk guidance for banks
The Federal Reserve and other US financial regulators jointly proposed new principles-based guidance on 11 September 2026, aiming to refine how financial institutions manage risks from external relationships.
WTO: AI demand drives global trade growth through 2026
The World Trade Organisation's Goods Trade Barometer registered 102.0 in September 2026, indicating trade volumes are above trend, driven by demand for AI-related components.
ADB's $3.7bn commitment underpins IMT-GT integration
The Asian Development Bank's sustained financial and technical support, valued at over $3.7 billion as of August 2026, underpins the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle's regional integration and development objectives, particularly in preparing its 2027-2031 implementation blueprint.
Vietnam, Russia Target $15 Billion Trade by 2030
Recent bilateral discussions between Vietnam and Russia establish a framework for expanding trade volumes and deepening energy sector cooperation, targeting $15 billion in two-way trade by 2030, with specific initiatives in oil, gas, and nuclear power. This strategic alignment seeks to enhance energy security for both nations and diversify Vietnam's energy infrastructure.
Argentina's US pivot, China trade: Economic stability at risk
Argentina's President Javier Milei has pursued a foreign policy of alignment with the United States, yet the nation's economic stability remains deeply dependent on trade and financial ties with China and Brazil. This creates a fundamental tension between declared geopolitical orientation and economic realities.
Thailand CubeSat launch tests China's new space export model
Thailand's GISTDA CubeSat-1 launch by China's GalaxySpace tests an integrated commercial space export model, shaping Southeast Asia's US$100 billion market.
Nepal's $5bn flood threatens China trade links
Nepal's economy faces significant disruption following flash floods in late August 2026, with estimated losses exceeding $5 billion. The destruction of the Trishuli-Bhotekoshi corridor, particularly the Gyirong Port, has severed the primary trade route with China, affecting national supply chains, customs revenue, and the operational capacity of hydropower projects.
Kiyosaki's US$1.2bn Debt: China Property Investors Reassess Leverage
The revelation of author Robert Kiyosaki's US$1.2 billion investment debt has intensified debate among Chinese property investors, prompting critical re-evaluation of leverage strategies amidst a protracted market downturn.
How Does China's CAR-T Therapy Pricing Reshape Medical Tourism?
China's development of cost-effective chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is redirecting global medical travel flows, presenting a significant shift in specialised cancer treatment provision.
How will Indonesia's new exchange affect global nickel pricing?
Indonesia's planned Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange, set to launch by January 2027, intends to establish domestic price benchmarks for critical minerals, particularly nickel, potentially reconfiguring global pricing structures for these essential materials.
ADB, Tavan Bogd $30M loan models Mongolia's green building future
The Asian Development Bank's $30 million loan to Tavan Bogd Holdings for Mongolia's first privately developed green-certified residential complex establishes a replicable model for energy-efficient housing, aiming to reduce national emissions and resident operating costs.
Asia-Pacific forced labour: Due diligence laws outperform tariffs
The Asia-Pacific region's estimated 15 million individuals in forced labour require comprehensive due diligence legislation and rigorous enforcement, a more effective approach than the current application of trade tariffs.
Vietnam, Myanmar target trade rebound after 30% fall
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing concluded a visit to Vietnam on 2 September 2026, with both nations seeking to increase bilateral trade and investment after a 30% decrease from 2020 to 2025. Discussions focused on digital technologies, manufacturing, and agriculture.