Economics

Philippine workers lose jobs, stocks plunge as virus batters economy

As Luzon goes into lockdown and other regions place severe restrictions of movement on residents, many businesses are struggling and workers have been let go.

20 Mar 2020 - 9:30AM
Hong Kong, Singapore seen as safe harbours as global virus cases rise

An influx of people seeking treatment and testing are heading to the cities, which are renowned for their health care standards, but experts say this risks starting a new wave of infections.

18 Mar 2020 - 11:52PM
Coronavirus: Malaysia warns of ‘tsunami-like’ third wave of infections

Malaysia’s health chief has warned the public that failing to respect the rules of the country’s two week lockdown could cause a spike in cases.

19 Mar 2020 - 12:35AM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Bangkok closes bars, schools amid public rumours of pandemic lockdown

Thailand’s flip-flopping on measures to curb the outbreak, along with a minister mask-hoarding scandal, have seen a deterioration of public trust.

18 Mar 2020 - 9:08AM
Coronavirus: Singapore scrambles to house workers commuting from Malaysia

Putrajaya’s measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 include an overseas travel ban for residents and a 14-day self-quarantine for those returning to the country.

19 Mar 2020 - 12:35AM
Coronavirus is hurting Asia’s gig economy workers and they want government help

Gig workers have no job or financial security and this is becoming a problem as the number of freelancers in Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia increases.

16 Mar 2020 - 2:20PM
In Singapore, a post-coronavirus ‘new normal’ emerges

Life in the city state is slowly going back to normal as Singaporeans get to grips with their leader’s warning the coronavirus outbreak could be around for up to a year.

14 Mar 2020 - 3:00PM
Manila lockdown sparks fears among Filipino domestic helpers

Some are concerned about the safety of their relatives in the Philippines as well as about the quarantine measures they may face if they return home.

13 Mar 2020 - 11:06PM
On Reflection | Never mind punishing the US, the oil price war will hurt all sides

Moscow’s refusal to abide with Opec’s proposal to cut oil production and Riyadh’s decision to discount prices caused a rout in oil prices that will hit producers everywhere.

13 Mar 2020 - 1:45AM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Coronavirus: Indonesian firms doing business with China face tough times

From freight forwarding companies to money changers, businesses relying on the Chinese market are feeling the pain as the country slowly gets back to work.

12 Mar 2020 - 4:13PM
Coronavirus and oil price war rattle Asean economies, flatten growth forecasts

Economists polled by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in February slashed their Singapore growth outlook by more than half. Separately, DBS Bank economists lowered growth estimates for five other Asean economies.

11 Mar 2020 - 8:38PM
Artificial intelligence: good or bad for Philippine call centre workers?

Half of the 1.3 million workers in business process outsourcing have low-skill jobs that technology could replace. But some say this is a chance to upskill, rather than lay off, staff

9 Mar 2020 - 9:42AM
Why Nepal is still rebuilding, half a decade after the earthquake

The disaster in April 2015 left more than 9,000 dead and vast tracts of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, in ruins.

8 Mar 2020 - 10:43AM
Unsung heroes: 5 Asian women transcending gender roles

From motherhood in Hong Kong to protests in India, menstruation huts in Nepal and life as a lesbian domestic worker, five women share their perspectives.

8 Mar 2020 - 4:20PM
Japan tourism sector in ‘survival mode’ as virus outbreak widens

Japanese airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights and shopping districts have emptied as leisure and business travellers postpone travel plans.

7 Mar 2020 - 8:16AM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Philippine Senate investigates crime wave linked to Chinese-run Pogos

Numerous criminal activities have been connected with Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators, from murders and kidnappings to prostitution dens.

6 Mar 2020 - 4:46AM
India’s poultry industry in crisis after coronavirus from chicken rumours

The US$14 billion poultry industry is taking a massive hit after social media rumours that coronavirus could be spread by chicken meat.

5 Mar 2020 - 6:58PM
Singapore shops call for rental cuts as coronavirus impact stings

Some 300 businesses are asking landlords to halve rents for three months. They say they won’t close shops in a strike but have taken note of Hong Kong retailers’ coordinated efforts for rental cuts amid plummeting sales.

11 Mar 2020 - 2:49PM03571EC5-13F4-4283-B996-99444BE88411
Big name brands using Uygur ‘forced labour’: Australia think tank

Google, Microsoft, Siemens, Sony and Adidas are among the 83 global brands named by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in its report.

2 Mar 2020 - 8:06PM