SINGAPORE: Singapore and the United Arab Emirates intend to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Wednesday (21 Oct 2026). The agreement will deepen economic integration, facilitate trade and investment flows, and create opportunities for businesses in both countries, the MFA said. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan during an official visit by Mr Wong to the Middle East, including a stop in Qatar.
US envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday after what a US official called 'constructive' talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Oslo. President Donald Trump said it was time for Ukraine to end the war, as relations between Washington and Kyiv have
Prime Oil & Gas, Inc. has offered to acquire the 30% participating interest held by Monte Oro Resources & Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of Apex Mining Co., Inc., in Service Contract 72 (SC72) covering the Sampaguita Gas Field in the West Philippine Sea. The proposed intra-group transaction, subject to
RHB Research expects Malaysian REIT earnings growth to slow in 2027 as recent acquisitions enter the comparison base, shifting focus to rental increases and occupancy gains. The research house maintained an 'Overweight' rating on the sector, citing resilient earnings and stable yields despite rising
IndiQube Spaces has approved an investment of up to ₹35 crore in SaiEdge Realty, acquiring a stake of up to 49% on a fully diluted basis. SaiEdge will develop commercial office space which IndiQube intends to lease upon completion.
A Reuters poll of 34 economists finds the Bank of Korea will keep its key policy rate unchanged at 3.00% at its October 22 meeting, but is expected to raise it to 3.25% in November. Inflation remains above the 2% target at 2.9%, while growth stays strong on semiconductor-led exports, giving policyma
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will provide RM24,000 in grants for three community-led pilot projects under the Malaysia Urban Forum 2026 initiative. The projects aim to improve urban liveability, accessibility and public amenities, with implementation expected between November 202
Autonomous Logistic Solutions Sdn Bhd has launched its Level 4 driverless RoboVan for public-road operations in Malaysia, the first fully driverless vehicle by a Malaysian company with a valid licence plate. The vehicle will undergo a six-month trial along Cyberjaya's 22km MyAV testing route under m
KIP Real Estate Investment Trust posted a 19.6% year-on-year rise in revenue to RM48.75 million for 1QFY2027, while net profit was broadly flat at RM17.26 million. Higher management fees and borrowing costs offset gains from its retail and industrial portfolio.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) has signed an agreement with US nuclear microreactor developer NuCube Energy to explore replacing its aging Tsing Hua Open-pool Reactor (THOR). The partnership will assess technology, research applications and deployment feasibility for nuclear education, researc
Japanese insurer Daiichi Life has offered A$6.3 billion to acquire the 79.5 per cent of Australian annuity provider Challenger Ltd it does not already own, valuing the Sydney-based company at about A$8 billion. The bid would give Daiichi greater access to Australia’s retirement savings pool and cont
The Commission on Audit flagged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources over P1.93 billion in unliquidated fund transfers, P521.26 million in uncollected revenues and a P5.61 million buyout of reforestation projects in 2025. State auditors said 79.22% of P2.43 billion transferred to impl
Tenstorrent has raised $1.5 billion in a Series E funding round, valuing the AI chip startup at $6.2 billion post-money. The round was led by Trace Capital and Innovation X, with the company planning to scale production of its Galaxy servers.
China's economy grew 4.5% in the third quarter, beating consensus forecasts, as strong exports offset weak consumer spending. Analysts expect Beijing to hit its 2026 target of 4.5%-5% without fresh stimulus, though they warn of deepening structural imbalances.
Subaru plans to launch software-defined vehicles (SDVs) in the second half of this decade and cut vehicle development times by about 40 per cent. The Japanese automaker will deploy a new integrated electronic control unit co-developed with US chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices across its lineup.
Cambridge Associates, which oversees more than US$600 billion in assets, advises Asian families to adopt long-term, customised investment frameworks as they transfer wealth across generations. The firm stresses genuine diversification, strategic asset allocation, and rigorous manager selection to bu
TAL Daiichi Life Australia Pty, a unit of Japan's Daiichi Life, has submitted an indicative proposal to buy the 79 per cent of Australian investment manager Challenger it does not already own, valuing the company at A$7.94 billion. The offer of A$11.80 per share represents a 19.8 per cent premium to
The National Physical Planning Council has granted in-principle approval for the proposed National Maritime Port City and Carey Island Port Special Economic Zone. The development is expected to create up to 115,000 jobs and contribute RM4.7 billion to Malaysia's GDP by 2045.
Cebuana Lhuillier has launched Money Guro Loans, a financing platform offering loans from P5,000 to P20,000 to micro, small and medium enterprises. The programme provides four loan options tailored to different business types, with disbursement and repayment handled through Cebuana Lhuillier branche
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has set a P150-million minimum capital requirement for firms seeking to act as market makers in stocks and bonds. The new regulatory framework, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 28, aims to improve liquidity and trading activity in the domestic cap
Philippine hydropower developers are asking the Department of Energy to accelerate project construction during the coming El Niño, arguing that low water levels make building easier even as they hurt generation. The PhilHydro Association also backs the seventh round of the Green Energy Auction and u
Yields on Philippine government securities climbed an average of 7.82 basis points week on week as peso weakness, elevated inflation and expectations of another Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rate hike dampened market appetite. Volume traded fell to P19.94 billion from P27.98 billion the prior week.
Japan's space agency is preparing to launch the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe on a landmark round-trip mission to Mars's moon Phobos, aiming to collect samples that could reveal the origins of the Solar System. The H3 rocket is scheduled to blast off from Tanegashima Space Center on Tuesday
Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (Sabeco) and the Vietnam Fatherland Front launched the 2026 Ambassador of National Progress Award in Hanoi on Oct. 16. The award recognises individuals whose initiatives have brought positive changes to communities, with nominations now expanded to all 34 pro
Vietnam targets GDP growth of at least 10% in 2027, with GDP per capita of $6,100 and CPI growth around 4.5%, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung told lawmakers. The government also reported 9.01% GDP growth in the first nine months of 2026, among the fastest in Southeast Asia.
DLF reported a 10.3 per cent rise in net consolidated profit to ₹1,301.35 crore for the September quarter, with total income up 1.6 per cent to ₹2,297.30 crore. New sales bookings hit ₹3,800 crore, and the company maintained a net cash position of ₹15,084 crore despite a ₹1,980 crore dividend payout
Tesla unveiled a redesigned Roadster with SpaceX-developed rocket thrusters at a Texas event, saying production will begin in 2028. The two-seater can accelerate from zero to 97 kmh in under a second and travel over 480 km per charge.
A government valuer told the High Court that no additional compensation would be payable to Semantan Estate for the Duta Enclave land if his valuation, which excluded interest, was accepted. His assessments fell below the RM1.39 million already paid by the government.
Houthi missiles struck the presidential palace in Aden on Thursday, killing at least four people and wounding 10, as Saudi Arabia accused Iran of encouraging the escalation. The attack targeted command centres used by Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition.
IOI Properties Group has fixed Oct 30 as the entitlement date for its restricted offer of 550.61 million units in IOIPG Malaysia Real Estate Investment Trust to shareholders. Eligible holders can buy one REIT unit for every 10 IOIPG shares held, with acceptance closing on Nov 10 and listing tentativ
Minox International Group has applied to Bursa Malaysia for the listing of new shares to fund its RM15 million acquisition of Johor residential developer Pembinaan Dragon Point. The purchase will be paid partly in cash and partly via new shares, as Minox diversifies into property development.
SD Guthrie Bhd's non-interested shareholders have approved the proposed RM418.51 million cash sale of about 556.96 acres of freehold land in Kulai, Johor, to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sime Darby Property Bhd. The disposal is expected to generate a net gain of approximately RM373.36 million and is
Haus Talk, Inc. used P498.64 million of its bond proceeds in the third quarter for project development and land banking, representing 97.7% of the P510.2 million disbursed. The company had P738.7 million in unspent net proceeds as of end-September.
Ramp, a financial technology company offering corporate cards and expense management, has raised US$1.85 billion in a primary financing round that values the firm at US$60 billion. The round was led by Dragoneer Investment Group and co-led by Thrive Capital, Founders Fund, Sands Capital and Avenir G
India has postponed the 0.4 per cent transaction fee on UPI payments above 2,000 rupees until after Deepavali, giving retailers more time to prepare. Merchants are concerned about added costs, while experts argue the fees are needed to sustain the fast-growing payments network.
Chinese automaker Chery will introduce a five-seater electric SUV under its iCAUR brand in Britain in early 2027. The launch comes three years after Chery entered the UK market and as its brands hold a 7 per cent share of British sales so far this year.
CK Hutchison, controlled by Hong Kong's richest man Li Ka-shing, is doubling down on oil via its stake in Cenovus Energy, which agreed to buy Athabasca Oil for C$5.7 billion (US$4 billion). The deal follows Cenovus's C$8.6 billion acquisition of MEG Energy, underscoring the group's bet on fossil fue
Pyongyang test-fired two types of submarine-launched cruise missiles into the East Sea on Wednesday, state media said. The launches, described as a navy training exercise, came amid escalating tit-for-tat missile tests with Seoul following a landmine blast along the border.
US President Donald Trump has granted a sanctions waiver for Russian diesel imports and declared an energy ceasefire that Russia has not confirmed. War studies lecturer Samir Puri argues these moves pressure Kyiv more than Moscow, weakening Ukraine's position as it faces winter blackouts and potenti
JAG Bhd has proposed acquiring freehold industrial land in Shah Alam from Japan's Kobe Steel Ltd for RM36.89 million to support the expansion of its total waste management business. The purchase price is about 12.2 per cent below the RM42 million market value assessed by Laurelcap Sdn Bhd.
Oriental Holdings Bhd's share subscription agreement for a 96.84% stake in Northam Georgetown Sdn Bhd became unconditional on Oct 14, after remaining conditions were fulfilled or waived. The deal is part of a broader RM411 million related-party acquisition package involving three Penang properties.
Fraser & Neave Holdings has finalised the sale of its entire 50% stake in Vacaron Company to Tan & Tan Developments at RM181.55 million, a slight reduction from the interim price. The final consideration was set after an audit of Vacaron's accounts, with the land valued at RM360 million.
Ukrainian drones hit Russia's biggest data centre, owned by Sberbank, on 14 Oct, in attacks targeting Moscow's AI ambitions. Sberbank said all systems were operating normally, while Yandex data centres were also struck in the past week.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has urged the government to prioritise reforms in economic corridors, energy security, agriculture and tax administration to enhance national competitiveness. The call came in resolutions presented at the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and
The Philippine Commission on Audit flagged nearly P40 billion in unrealised investment losses at the Social Security System, along with P490.21 million in pension overpayments to deceased beneficiaries. The 2025 audit report also highlighted underused properties, weak risk management, and 44 unimple
The Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development will roll out portable water filtration kits and establish community water depots starting next week, targeting areas under a state of calamity due to El Niño. The free gravity-powered kits attach to household buckets and require no electri
The Department of Transportation said its P1.8-billion Navotas feeder bus rapid transit project has entered the right-of-way acquisition stage, with financing arrangements under negotiation. The two-line system is expected to serve 12,674 passengers daily and connect to major rail networks.
Maya Philippines is in talks with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to launch a Personal Equity Retirement Account product and is currently testing it on its platform. The company is also seeking a partner for PERA onboarding, aligning with the central bank's push to promote the voluntary retirement s
Saudi Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran was attacked on Tuesday night, causing a limited fire in an administrative building, with no injuries or deaths reported. The Houthis claimed the strike, part of an intensified campaign against Saudi targets amid the reignited Yemen war.
Blackstone-backed AirTrunk has delayed a planned Singapore REIT listing that could have raised more than US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion), citing market volatility and uncertainty over US interest rates. The offering could come to market in the first or second quarter of 2027, according to a Wall Street