Emerging market growth is projected to moderate in 2026 as inflationary pressures remain elevated despite the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

An analysis of ASEAN-5 economies from 1986–2023 finds that foreign direct investment (FDI), investment activity, and trade openness are positively associated with long-term economic growth, while excessive private credit expansion may undermine growth when lending outpaces productive absorption.

Digital transformation alone does not necessarily enhance firm value among Indonesian listed companies, as its impact depends on how effectively firms manage complementary capabilities.

ASEAN’s completion of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) marks a significant step toward deeper regional digital integration, with the potential to expand the region’s digital economy to US$2 trillion by 2030.

Jakarta’s property market continued its gradual recovery in the first quarter of 2026, supported by resilient economic growth, rising investment, and improving occupier confidence.

Bangkok’s office market remained highly competitive in Q1 2026 despite improving demand.

Despite growing efforts to promote local currency use in international trade, the U.S. dollar continues to dominate Thai export invoicing, accounting for roughly 75–80% of export transactions between 2007 and 2024.

The ASEAN–Russia Summit in Kazan underscored ASEAN’s commitment to strategic autonomy rather than any shift towards Moscow.

Jakarta’s office market is entering a more stable phase, supported by improving demand and a limited supply pipeline. Occupiers continue to favour premium office space, driven by quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency considerations, while flexible leasing arrangements remain a priority.

A survey of employees in Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector examined how the characteristics of high-performing organizations influence work engagement and employee performance.

A survey of employees in Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector examined how the characteristics of high-performing organizations influence work engagement and employee performance.

Indonesia is strengthening state control over its nickel industry under President Prabowo Subianto, seeking to convert the country’s dominant position in global nickel production into greater industrial and strategic influence.

Bangkok’s property market entered 2026 amid a cautious economic environment, evolving geopolitical conditions, and measured consumer spending patterns.

Real estate entered a phase of selective acceleration in 2025, with global deal value rising 12% to $873 billion, driven by larger transactions and strong demand for specialized assets such as data centers, senior housing, and high-quality office properties.

Indonesia is positioning itself as a regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing, leveraging its vast nickel reserves and growing automotive industry.

Thailand’s opposition People’s Party (PP), successor to the Move Forward and Future Forward parties, continues to enjoy strong support among young voters despite political setbacks and controversial compromises.

Greater Jakarta’s property market is navigating a period of adjustment in 2026, supported by Indonesia’s projected economic growth of 4.9–5.7% and resilient domestic demand.

Global infrastructure investment needs are projected to reach $106 trillion by 2040, driven by population growth, technological advancement, energy transition requirements, and expanding digital infrastructure.

Fintech is playing an increasingly important role in expanding financial inclusion and driving innovation across emerging markets.

The government has established PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia (DSI) as a state-owned enterprise to become the sole exporter of selected strategic commodities, aiming to improve transparency, prevent under-invoicing, and strengthen control over foreign exchange earnings

Southeast Asia faces significant climate financing challenges alongside increasing exposure to climate-related risks and environmental disruptions.

KKR and Capital Group plan to launch a public-private credit fund in Asia in the second half of 2026, extending a partnership model that has already attracted over US$500 million in the United States.

Southeast Asia’s private equity market entered 2026 with strong momentum, reaching US$9.2 billion across 19 deals — the highest quarterly deal value recorded in the past five years.

A closer partnership between Taiwan and Thailand is highlighted as increasingly relevant amid growing global health challenges, including the rise of noncommunicable diseases and ageing populations.

Tax ratios remain a critical measure of fiscal capacity and a tool for financing development while reducing inequality across ASEAN economies.

Thailand’s capital markets remain among the largest in ASEAN, although their contribution to economic expansion has moderated amid slower post-pandemic recovery and broader structural challenges.

Indonesia remains a leading destination for private equity in Southeast Asia, driven by its large population, digital transformation, and expanding middle class. Key sectors attracting investment include infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and education, supported by government reforms such as the Omnibus Law and the Positive Investment List.

Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), launched under President Prabowo Subianto, has expanded rapidly through a highly centralized governance model led by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

ASEAN supply chains continue to face inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems, inconsistent information management, and complicated cross-border procedures, reducing operational visibility and efficiency.

At the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia’s Middle Powers Strategic Dialogue, participants highlighted the growing fragmentation of the global order amid intensifying US-China competition.