finance How the Two-Income Trap Made Families Less Safe Experts now agree: today's two-income families aren't necessarily better off than single-income families were a few decades ago
BUSINESS LG's Withdrawal from Indonesia's EV Battery Project: Implications and Future Prospects The project, initially announced in 2019, aimed to develop a comprehensive EV battery supply chain in Indonesia, covering everything from raw material sourcing to battery cell manufacturing.
politics Featured Urban Renewal Act: A Double-Edged Sword for Malaysia's Future The URA is poised to generate a staggering RM355.3 billion in Gross Development Value (GDV), a figure that has developers and investors salivating. The act aims to revitalize dilapidated urban areas, breathing new life into aging infrastructure and boosting property values.
Vietnam Business Vietnam's Supply Chain Revolution: Embracing Diversification for Sustainable Growth As Vietnam navigates the complexities of global trade dynamics, experts advocate for diversifying supply chains to enhance resilience and promote sustainable practices—key components for thriving in an interconnected world.
indonesia eFishery Scandal: Indonesia's Startup Unicorn Faces Allegations of Financial Fraud The eFishery scandal has rocked Indonesia's startup scene, with allegations of financial manipulation threatening the reputation of the once-celebrated unicorn. A recent forensic audit revealed that eFishery inflated its revenue figures by nearly $600 million.
Artificial Intelligence DeepSeek Cyberattack: What It Means for AI Security and User Privacy The recent cyberattack on the popular AI platform DeepSeek has raised alarms about the security of open-source technologies. As the platform grapples with service disruptions and user registration issues, experts warn of potential data breaches and the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
geopolitical games Navigating Geopolitical Waters: Malaysia's Quest for Rare Earth Supremacy As global demand for rare earth elements surges amidst geopolitical tensions, Malaysia aims to reclaim its position in the market. However, balancing economic aspirations with environmental sustainability poses significant challenges for the nation’s ambitious plans.
Elite Business Featured Revolutionize Your Business: How AI Automation Transforms Operations Imagine a world where your business operations run smoother than a well-oiled machine, where mundane tasks are handled with the precision of a Swiss watch, and where your team can focus on what truly matters—innovation and growth.
film industry Featured Adapting to Change: The Future of Film in China and Japan In 2024, I learned that China's box office revenue reached over 42.5 billion yuan (approximately $5.91 billion), with domestic films making up an impressive 78.68% of that revenue.
MALAYSIA Malaysia's 2025 Budget: Petrol Subsidy Cuts and New Taxes As Malaysia prepares for its 2025 budget, significant changes loom on the horizon with proposed cuts to petrol subsidies and the introduction of new taxes. This strategic shift aims to stabilize the economy amidst rising costs and global economic uncertainties.
MSME Indonesia Empowering Local Products: Indonesia's MSME Journey to Global Markets Indonesia's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal in connecting local products to global markets. Through innovative strategies and supportive policies, these enterprises are transforming challenges into opportunities, fostering economic resilience and community empowerment.
indonesia Featured Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 Sales: Apple's Investment Failures Highlight Regulatory Challenges In a striking move, Indonesia has halted sales of Apple's iPhone 16 due to the company's failure to meet local investment commitments, raising questions about foreign corporate strategies in emerging markets.
Elite Business Featured Watsons Unveils $250 Million Investment Plan: A New Era in Retail Experience In an ambitious move to redefine customer engagement, Watsons announces a $250 million investment aimed at opening over 1,200 new stores and refurbishing 4,800 locations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
BUSINESS Southeast Asia's Insurtech Sector Soars to $2.4 Billion: A New Era of Digital Insurance Southeast Asia's insurtech sector has recently marked a significant milestone, reaching a valuation of $2.4 billion, reflecting the rapid evolution of insurance technology in the region. This growth is driven by a combination of increased digital adoption, changing consumer behaviors, and the emergence of innovative startups that
Artificial Intelligence Google Bets Big on Thailand: $1 Billion Investment Fuels AI Growth and Economic Transformation This investment comes at a critical time as Thailand positions itself as a major digital hub in Southeast Asia.
sustainability Korean Firms Push for Sustainability Initiatives The push for sustainability in South Korea is evident across various sectors. Major corporations such as Samsung Electronics, POSCO, and Hyundai Motor Group are leading the charge with ambitious plans aimed at reducing their carbon footprints and enhancing their environmental stewardship.
ECONOMY Nusantara Capital: Pioneering Sustainable Growth with Magnum Resort and AIS Campus The Magnum Resort is poised to become a flagship destination within Nusantara Capital, reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable tourism. This resort will feature eco-friendly designs, integrating local culture and natural beauty into its architecture.
Elite Economy SoftBank Pioneers Digital Salary Payments: A New Era for Payroll in Japan The introduction of digital salary payments aligns with Japan's broader push towards cashless transactions, which gained momentum after the government approved such payments in April 2023
Japan News Tokyo Game Show 2024: A Celebration of Gaming Culture and Innovation Cosplay and Community Engagement: The TGS is renowned for its vibrant cosplay scene. Attendees dressed as their favorite characters added to the atmosphere, with designated areas for photoshoots
Japan Luxury Market Revitalising Trend: Japan's Luxury Market Thrives Post-Pandemic Major luxury brands are reaping the benefits of this tourist influx. LVMH, with about a quarter of its Asia stores located in Japan, noted double-digit revenue growth in Japan in Q1 '24. Hermès saw a 25% hike, while Ermenegildo Zegna group's APAC revenues grew by nearly 29%
China Economy China's Export Surge: A Beacon Amid Economic Challenges The significant uptick in exports can be attributed to several factors. First, the low base effect from August 2023, when exports had plummeted by 8.8%, played a crucial role in inflating the year-on-year growth figures.
indonesia Navigating the Dragon: Indonesia's Economic Dependency on China This dependency is not merely economic; it extends into political and technological realms, where China’s influence is palpable. According to a recent study, Indonesia ranks 16th out of 82 countries in terms of Chinese influence
indonesia business Featured Navigating New Terrain: Indonesia's Regulatory Overhaul in the Mining Sector The Indonesian mining industry is among the largest in the world, rich in resources such as nickel, coal, and gold. However, the sector has faced numerous regulatory hurdles
Elite Business Jin of BTS Takes Center Stage: Gucci's New Global Ambassador Redefines Luxury Fashion Jin's appointment is not just a personal achievement; it signifies the increasing intersection of K-pop and high fashion.
Elite Business Singapore Bans Foreign Companies from Using Third-Party Firms to Hire Workers Singapore’s new regulations ban Employers of Record from sponsoring work passes, requiring foreign companies to establish a legal presence to hire talent locally.
