Southeast Asia

The regional economy is marked by significant foreign investment and national growth targets, juxtaposed with financial sector volatility. Micron's $24 billion investment in Singapore boosts chip production, while Hanoi targets over 11% GRDP growth. This contrasts with the resignation of the Indonesia stock exchange CEO after an $80 billion market rout and HSBC's review of its Singapore insurance business.

• 1Indonesia stock exchange CEO resigns after US$80 billion market rout
• 1MAS raises inflation forecasts for 2026, continues to stand pat on monetary policy
• 1Exclusive: Citgo buys first Venezuelan oil since 2019 from Trafigura, sources say
• 1Singaporean billionaire Chua Thian Poh’s Ho Bee Land buys Australia property for $220M
• 1Arise backs AI and digital growth as True sticks to profits and progressive dividends

Politics is characterized by leadership consolidation and diplomatic friction with China. Singapore's Prime Minister Wong removed and Parliament voted to remove Pritam Singh as leader of the Opposition. Concurrently, a Palawan town declared a Chinese envoy persona non grata, and Xi Jinping congratulated To Lam on his reelection as Vietnam's Party chief, signaling continued Chinese engagement.

• 2PH not affected by halted US visa processing
• 2INQToday: Marcos ready for any impeachment complaint, says Palace
• 1Senator notes pro-China tone in colleagues' remarks
• 1ASEAN does not recognise Myanmar’s elections ‘as of now’: Philippine FM
• 1Military-backed party wins majority in Myanmar’s Union Parliament

Security is dominated by China's cross-border crackdown on organized crime based in Myanmar. China executed 11 gang members linked to Myanmar telecom fraud operations, with multiple reports confirming the action. This period also saw high-profile arrests sparking an exodus of scam workers in Cambodia and the conviction of a man in Singapore for dragging an ICA officer with a car.

• 2Frenchie Mae Cumpio: Philippine journalist found guilty of financing terrorism
• 1Man who dragged ICA officer with car after being stopped for fuel tank checks convicted of rash act
• 1Filipino’s death in Ukraine fighting for Russia still unconfirmed – AFP
• 1Cobra Gold expands into space and cyber domains
• 1AFP steps up Malampaya patrols after new gas find

Society is grappling with a severe natural disaster crisis in Indonesia, which is the dominant tension. A landslide death toll rose to 34 with dozens missing, following an earlier report of 7 dead and 82 missing in West Bandung. This crisis is compounded by unsafe levels of smog in Bangkok and 57 Thai provinces.

• 3Indonesia landslide death toll rises to 34, dozens missing - reports
• 1Flood wracked Hat Yai still struggling, bookings way down
• 1South Korean firm starts aiding mangroves conservation in Pampanga
• 1Fake baby milk discovered in Vietnam
• 1Taal Volcano stays calm amid increased gas emissions