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This Week in Asia /

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A transfer of oil between MT Nora ship (left) and Rcelebra ship (right) off Penang last month. Photo: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Malaysia

Malaysian waters see return of oil transfer by ‘dark fleet’ of tankers

A crackdown against two vessels off Penang was the first disruption of such a ship-to-ship oil transfer in the state for over 10 years.

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Indonesia

Exclusive | Indonesia’s top economic minister vows capital market reforms

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India

Why India may ‘gravitate back’ to US bloc after Trump-Modi tariff deal

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Singapore

Singapore aims for stars with its new space agency, in a boost for Asia-Pacific

By launching a national space agency, Singapore aims to scale its satellite capabilities and lead the Asia-Pacific in space sustainability.

Singapore is set to launch a national space agency to cement its status as regional innovation hub. Shutterstock/Nasa
Singapore is set to launch a national space agency to cement its status as regional innovation hub. Shutterstock/Nasa
India

India eyes ‘global manufacturing powerhouse’ status with budget boost

The measures aim to boost production in key sectors such as biopharma and semiconductors, and increase support for smaller businesses.

Malaysia

Malaysia rushes to plug leaks as Sabah’s subsidised fuel flows to Philippines

The Malaysian state’s proximity to southern islands in the Philippines has made enforcement against fuel smugglers difficult.

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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia set to redraw economic road map as megaprojects scale down

A plunge in construction deals and the postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games have cast doubts on Riyadh’s Vision 2030.

An artist’s impression for The Line, 500-metre tall parallel structures in the heart of the Red Sea megacity Neom. Photo: Neom/AFP
An artist’s impression for The Line, 500-metre tall parallel structures in the heart of the Red Sea megacity Neom. Photo: Neom/AFP
The Philippines

Is Philippines falling behind in EV race as Southeast Asia revs up?

Policy uncertainty and the Philippines’ lack of competitiveness in key areas have reinforced investor unease, observers say.

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Thailand

‘Critical point’: can Thailand election pave way for national reset?

With the economy struggling and corruption rife, Thai voters will look to the February 8 election as a chance to turn the country around.

India

Why India should tackle pollution more urgently than tariffs

The adverse impact of pollution could lead to significant health and economic costs for India if left unchecked.

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A rally by protesters in New Delhi in November against what they called the Indian government’s lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital. Photo: AP
Thailand

Will Thai tourism ambassador Blackpink’s Lisa help lure Chinese visitors back?

Chinese visitor arrivals slumped by nearly 30 per cent last year amid concerns over safety, the border war with Cambodia and the strong baht.

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Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manobal arrives for the Amazing Thailand Ambassador Exclusive Night at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manobal arrives for the Amazing Thailand Ambassador Exclusive Night at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Indonesia

Bank Indonesia’s autonomy under scrutiny as Prabowo’s nephew joins leadership

Thomas Djiwandono’s appointment as deputy governor has made it seem ‘as if power at Bank Indonesia is inherited’, some analysts say.

Japan

Why Japan’s public is ‘happy’ to see a Chinese tourist drought

Travel operators say business has so far remained resilient, with strong demand from other parts of Asia, Europe and the US.

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Malaysia

As Malaysian ringgit strengthens, Singapore shoppers in Johor reap less savings

The ringgit’s appreciation is also bad news for Malaysian export-oriented sectors, such as gloves and electronics, analysts say.

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A woman counting several notes of the Malaysian ringgit. The currency has risen against the Singapore dollar in recent trading sessions. Photo: Shutterstock
India

India, EU ‘make history’ as they seal trade pact amid US tariff pressure

Both sides are ‘set to benefit’ from the deal that analysts say will underscore broader shifts under way in the global order.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday. Photo: AP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday. Photo: AP
South Korea

South Korea tariff hike: is Trump ‘sending message’ to US court ahead of ruling?

Trump’s message appears more focused on pushing through the US-South Korean trade bill than on permanently raising tariffs, analysts say.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s aim for sustainable aviation fuel faces low Asian demand hurdle

Most of the demand still comes from Europe, with Malaysia aiming to produce 1 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by 2028.

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The Philippines

‘Bitter fruits’: why the Philippines faces a 10-year climb to fix its schools

Its ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget might not be enough to close long-standing gaps, experts say.

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Children walk to school in Bulacan province, north of Manila, in 2025. Photo: AFP
Children walk to school in Bulacan province, north of Manila, in 2025. Photo: AFP
Singapore

How Johor-Singapore SEZ is delivering for businesses a year on

While the zone has attracted sizeable investment since its launch last year, experts call for better coordination to ensure seamless operations.

The Philippines

Philippines’ new gas find fuels energy diversification hopes

With gas supply at a current well set to run out by 2027, potential new sources could help avert an energy crisis in Luzon.

World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Indonesia’s Prabowo pitches stability at Davos amid rising global tensions

Prabowo says Indonesia aims to stamp out corruption and ‘greedanomics’, and calls for trade integration to help boost global prosperity.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
India

India, EU ramp up push for ‘historic’ free-trade deal amid US tariff tensions

A trade pact with the EU would offer an ‘alternative market’ for Indian goods amid a fraught global environment, analysts say.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in New Delhi, India, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in New Delhi, India, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

At Davos, Singapore’s Tharman calls for US-China rivalry to ‘benefit’ world

The city state’s president urges nations to build resilient global alliances and, at a separate panel, calls for ways to boost job creation.

Donald Trump

How Asia’s economies could benefit from Trump’s global power plays

Countries such as Canada are looking to diversify their customers, particularly for oil and gas, with ‘a strong focus on Asia’, analysts say.

Asean

As more nations block Grok for obscene content, calls for Asean-wide curbs mount

The Philippines should push the fight against deepfakes high on the Asean agenda as the bloc’s chair, analysts say.

The Grok AI website displayed on a mobile phone as a nationwide restriction on the service took effect in Malaysia earlier this month. Photo: EPA
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