While Japan had the biggest slump in its workforce in Asia over the last 10 years, Singapore has the most to fear from an aging population over the next two decades.The city state will face a double whammy: a shrinking workforce and slower progress than Asian neighbours in getting more people into the labour market.
The North Korean nuclear crisis dragged Asian markets further into the red on Wednesday as world powers struggled to agree how to deal with the isolated state, while doubts about further US interest rate hikes dragged the dollar.With few other catalysts to deflect attention from the face off with Pyongyang, investors continue to flock to safe-haven assets, sending gold to near one-year highs and the yen flying.UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned against "confrontational rhetoric
In Southeast Asia, mobile banking is taking on a whole new meaning. Last week, Grab, one of the region's top ride-hailing companies, announced that users of its mobile application can start sending credits – used to pay for rides – to each other. By the end of the year, they'll be able to use those credits at more than one thousand restaurants and retailers.
Known for its dynamic and diverse community, ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as a whole makes for the fifth largest economy in the world and the region is expected to grow even further. Despite its accomplishments, the region still falls short in terms of gender equality in key leadership roles and the general workforce. As reported by The Straits Times, there are only 30 women per every 100 men in leadership positions on average in many ASEAN countries.
Vietnam wants to design and make cars for its 90 million motorbike and scooter riders.The country’s largest real estate company Vingroup JSC said it plans to invest up to $3.5 billion to set up a manufacturing and research and development complex, aiming to roll out the first car in 24 months.
Vietnam - also famously known as the land of the “Ascending Dragon” for its geographical shape on the world map - is a land of opportunities. As Vietnam celebrates its 72nd independence today, it is remarkable to note how far the country has progressed over recent years. Moving away from a centrally planned system into a market based economy, Vietnam has advanced into the "lower middle income countries" bracket since 2009.
The economic outlook for 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states and other major East Asian economies including China, India, Japan and South Korea, remains optimistic following a strong start in 2017.
As Freeport-McMoRan celebrates an arrangement to end a multi-year dispute with Indonesia over the giant Grasberg mine, investors are fretting over the costs.Shares in Phoenix-based Freeport fell the most among mining peers on Tuesday after the company said it reached an “understanding” with the government of Indonesia that will allow it to continue to operate its flagship copper-and-gold asset through 2041.Under the terms of the deal, Freeport will divest an additional 41.64 percent of PTFI,
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) frontier economies of Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) are becoming the centre of attraction for FDI (foreign direct investment). Aside from being the world’s fastest growing economies, these countries boast a young population with low-cost labours and natural resources. Among the potential areas for investment include textile, clothing, footwear, food and beverage, banking, services, tourism and auto electronics.
As the world grows smaller and connected, many organisations and individuals become highly depended on technology-based interfaces for various financial services including banking, payments, money transfers, fund-raising and asset management. The impact of technology on finance is changing the world as we speak and FinTech (financial technology) is at the forefront of the next global revolution - leading to greater overall efficiency and productivity.
Asian stocks advanced after President Donald Trump’s measured response to North Korean missile launches and comments from Kim Jong Un suggested geopolitical tensions will ease off. The yen fell for a second day.Equity indexes in Japan, South Korea and Australia opened higher after U.S. stocks rebounded from losses initially sparked when Kim’s regime fired a missile over Japan.
Stock markets across Southeast Asia tumble as investor sentiment is hurt after North Korean fired a ballistic missile over Japan as investors are likely to turn to safe-haven assets like gold.At late morning, Malaysia’s FBM KLCI declined 10 points or 0.57% to 1,759.49.
