https://www.scmp.com/rss/313204/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) turns 50 this year, the economic strides that have made the regional bloc the world’s seventh-largest economy will set it up for sustained growth, increased prosperity and exciting prospects for the next half century. Technology, and how it will continue to change the way people live, work, shop, dine, travel and save, is perhaps one of the most fascinating advances in recent times, and one that presents vast opportunities ahead. China gives... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/2110785/look-south-asean-tap-digital-future-worlds-seventh-biggest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/2110785/look-south-asean-tap-digital-future-worlds-seventh-biggest?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Sep 2017 04:46:44 +0000 China’s policymakers are confronting the country’s rapidly ageing profile and shrinking workforce by raising the official retirement age which has been in place since the 1950s. This is a sensitive issue in a country where people have long depended on government and their families to sustain them in old age – retirees in China rely more heavily on state funding than most other countries. But to China-watchers and investors, it can only be a good thing that the country is taking a responsible... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1996562/chinas-demographic-time-bomb-may-not-come-pass-pension-moves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1996562/chinas-demographic-time-bomb-may-not-come-pass-pension-moves?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 Jul 2016 05:18:19 +0000 Parents in fast-growing economies, especially in Asia, have strong opinions on what their children should study and are keen to get involved, but paying for a good education can put a strain on family finances, a survey of parents in 16 countries and territories around the world has found. Parents in Asia told us they have clear ideas about what career paths are best for their child. More than nine in 10 parents in mainland China, Indonesia and Malaysia have a specific occupation in mind.... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1842456/asias-tiger-parents-must-ensure-they-have-enough-savings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1842456/asias-tiger-parents-must-ensure-they-have-enough-savings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:48:15 +0000 Southeast Asia’s economic boom is creating a new middle class, one which will help shift the balance of global demand over the next few decades to open up new opportunities for the region and the world. Growth in this region – particularly in member economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) – is changing from being primarily driven by exports and manufacturing to becoming one of the world’s leading consumption hubs. With about 600 million people, Asean countries contain... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1792668/aseans-new-consumer-class-could-change-financial-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1792668/aseans-new-consumer-class-could-change-financial-world?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2015 03:28:34 +0000 The recent link-up between the stock exchanges of Shanghai and Hong Kong marks another milestone in China's drive to reintegrate with the international financial system and transform its currency into a global investment medium. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect is a key element in the bridgework being built between China's huge but relatively isolated domestic markets and international investors, and will become increasingly important as more supporting financial infrastructure is... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1661459/slow-start-shanghai-hong-kong-stock-connect-no-indicator-its?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1661459/slow-start-shanghai-hong-kong-stock-connect-no-indicator-its?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:43:09 +0000 A wave of new consumers is expected to emerge from countries across Southeast Asia, mirroring the recent rise in wealth in China. A combination of changing demographics and income growth is set to swell the middle class and encourage more spending on cars, clothing, household gadgets, education and health care. This should be a key driver to economic expansion in the region. The number of wealthy individuals in Southeast Asia is still low compared with developed economies, but income levels are... https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1517102/rise-southeast-asias-consumer-class?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1517102/rise-southeast-asias-consumer-class?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2014 12:45:30 +0000 China's economy, boosted by a wave of growing middle-class wealth, is undergoing a significant shift in consumption, driven by a new generation of young, prosperous and independent consumers. The country's huge population and strong economic growth will make it the world's powerhouse of middle-class consumerism over the next two decades. Today, China's economy is still heavily dependent on investment for growth: consumption only accounted for 50 per cent of gross domestic product last year,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1459280/how-young-upwardly-mobile-consumers-are-shaping-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1459280/how-young-upwardly-mobile-consumers-are-shaping-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:45:00 +0000