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This Week in Asia /

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A man on a truck brings the ice that keeps the catch fresh. Photo: Aidan Jones
Thailand

Thailand’s fishing industry fights for survival as Iran war hits fuel costs

Half of the fleet is already docked as the fishing association warns the whole sector may ‘collapse like dominoes’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks

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South Korea

South Korea and Indonesia’s fighter jet is ready. But will it sell?

South Korea

Softly, softly: why South Korea, France prefer diplomacy over force in Hormuz

Presidents Lee and Macron have agreed to cooperate on safety in the strait but they are likely to wade in only after the war, analysts say.

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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) toasts with Emmanuel Macron during a luncheon for the French leader at the presidential office in Seoul on Friday. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) toasts with Emmanuel Macron during a luncheon for the French leader at the presidential office in Seoul on Friday. Photo: Yonhap/dpa
Malaysia

Malaysia urged to take more aggressive action to tackle energy crisis

Analysts warn of escalating risks to Malaysia’s economy and call for adjusting the subsidy scheme to stop the government from ‘burning cash’.

US, Israel war on Iran

Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount

Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.

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Indonesia

Indonesia and Malaysia require geo-tracking for civil servants working from home

As governments roll out work-from-home policies to cut fuel use, civil servants face location tracking and other productivity measures.

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Indonesia and Malaysia have implemented work-from-home schemes for government workers that require strict location monitoring. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia and Malaysia have implemented work-from-home schemes for government workers that require strict location monitoring. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects

As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.

Asean

How Asean’s neutral stance in Iran war protects its energy security

Granting Southeast Asian vessels safe passage through the strait allows Iran to come across as a diplomatic good guy, analysts say.

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Singapore

From ‘Unicorn Land’ to Singapore: Estonian start-ups chase tech dream in Asean

Veriff and other unicorn companies are targeting Singapore for their regional headquarters, citing similarities in digital advancement.

A view of the old town in Tallinn, Estonia. Start-ups in the northern European country are increasingly eyeing the fast-growing Southeast Asian market. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

‘Matter of survival’: Philippines seeks safe Hormuz passage for vessels

Philippine and Iranian officials met on Wednesday to discuss ‘key avenues for cooperation’, amid Tehran’s blockade of the strait.

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Oil tankers and ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11. Photo: AP
Oil tankers and ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Malaysian minister warns of ‘very, very serious’ energy crisis

Anthony Loke urges Malaysians to plan their travel and reduce resource wastage, saying energy supply would not be disrupted until May.

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The Philippines

The Iran war could be forcing Filipinos to rely on credit cards. Here’s why

Analysts warn credit card use could increase further to partly cope with higher prices and reduced disposable incomes.

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Malaysia

Malaysia raises 2026 growth forecast despite Iran war risks

Strong demand for AI semiconductors and an anticipated uptick in tourism are forecast to help the economy defy global volatility.

Tourists pose for photographs near the political slogan ‘Malaysia Madani’ (Civilised Malaysia) outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Friday. Photo: EPA
South Korea

Why are South Koreans hoarding rubbish bags from supermarkets?

The won is at a 17-year low, parliament is in damage control mode and shop shelves are being stripped clean of plastic bags.

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A cashier checks government-regulated bin bags at a checkout in Goyang, South Korea, on Monday. South Korea’s energy minister has sought to ease fears over shortages of plastic rubbish bags. Photo: AFP
A cashier checks government-regulated bin bags at a checkout in Goyang, South Korea, on Monday. South Korea’s energy minister has sought to ease fears over shortages of plastic rubbish bags. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

How soaring fuel prices are pushing Filipino farmers to the brink

Farmer Elmer Ullani spent seven hours transporting his produce to a trading post, but says he has nothing left after paying for fuel.

Malaysia

Malaysian traders warn of 50% food price surge amid energy shock

Surge in fuel prices threatens to wipe out any narrow margins and push the cost of doing business higher, trade associations say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

War on Iran is about to make clothes more expensive. Here’s why

Rising freight and energy costs, plus a near-blockade on synthetic fibres, are pushing prices higher.

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People shop for clothes at a market in Jakarta, Indonesia, on March 16. Photo: EPA
People shop for clothes at a market in Jakarta, Indonesia, on March 16. Photo: EPA
Asean

Burning daylight: Asean’s power grid plans get an Iran war jolt

Oil is up, coal is back and so are fuel queues. As the Middle East burns, Southeast Asia dusts off an old plan to rewire its future.

Thailand

Thai luxury hotels dangle huge discounts as Iran war disrupts travel

While the lower prices may be a boon for visitors, businesses say ‘the stillness is unsettling’ as they brace themselves for hardship.

Malaysia

Iran crisis bites into Malaysia’s supply chain as fuel subsidy cap falls

The quota cut for subsidised petrol reflects how the distant war is affecting Malaysia, with the food industry also sounding the alarm.

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A vehicle is fuelled at a petrol station in Negri Sembilan on Wednesday. Surging diesel prices have put Malaysia in “a second-order stress phase”, analysts say. Photo: EPA
Vietnam

Why Vietnam is leaning on Russia to weather energy turmoil

The energy shortage is ‘seriously threatening’ Vietnam’s growth objective and could dent the new leadership’s legitimacy, analysts say.

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Drivers wait to pump petrol into their vehicles in Hanoi on March 9. The cost of fuel in Vietnam has soared since the Iran war broke out late last month. Photo: AFP
Drivers wait to pump petrol into their vehicles in Hanoi on March 9. The cost of fuel in Vietnam has soared since the Iran war broke out late last month. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia battles fuel subsidy misuse after viral 71-litre petrol grab

The government blocked a customer from the subsidy scheme to ensure fair access amid rising oil prices and supply fears.

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US, Israel war on Iran

‘Getting worse each day’: why Southeast Asia is vulnerable to the fuel crisis

From Laos to Thailand, long queues are forming at petrol stations while residents are reeling from surging fuel prices.

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Malaysia

Malaysia wanted 43 million tourists this year. Then the Iran war happened

Malaysia’s reliance on Gulf hubs is exposed as long-haul fares soar, but 21 million annual arrivals from Singapore offer a buffer.

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Members of the Iranian women’s football team seen at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. Photo: AFP
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