Southeast Asia: Economy

Domestic

Singapore's government warned that global economic fragility will impact its trade-dependent economy. Concurrently, it is targeting four key industries for transformation using artificial intelligence, though experts note workforce preparation is a major challenge. In Malaysia, there were calls to address corruption in public tenders, specifically targeting cartels that rig the system. A Malaysian company, Hextar Industries, purchased a majority stake in the frozen yogurt chain llaollao Malaysia for 177.5 million ringgit.

Thailand's Board of Investment approved a 10-billion-baht plan to build a manufacturing base for humanoid robot parts. The government also extended the work permit deadline for 375,000 migrant workers. Indonesia extended a Rp 200 trillion bank deposit program to boost liquidity until 2026. The country fell 10 places in corruption rankings in 2025, and the son of a figure nicknamed the 'Gasoline Godfather' was jailed in a graft case.

International

Thailand implemented new travel restrictions that will stop Russian visitors from entering the country if they do not have enough money. A China-Thailand program called Luban Workshop is training people for new jobs. In Vietnam, Japanese retail company Takashimaya is planning to open a shopping mall in a high-value area of Hanoi. Foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam dropped by 10.7%. Separate developments included a project to potentially shorten travel time to the new Long Thanh Airport near Ho Chi Minh City, the Hanoi Metro offering free tickets, and activity by the Hanoi Railways Company.