Latest Business and Economic Sector Updates in Southeast Asia (January 28, 2026)
Vietnam Business Hub Aims for 100% Electric Bicycle Use in Official and Ride-Hailing Fleets by 2030
A Vietnamese business hub is promoting the full transition of official vehicles and ride-hailing fleets to electric bicycles by 2030 to drive green transformation and reduce emissions.Southeast Asia’s Offshore Oil and Gas Resource Assessment Upgraded
The recoverable resources of a major offshore oil reservoir in Southeast Asia have exceeded previous estimates, potentially boosting energy supply and investment appeal.Parts of Southeast Asia Emerge as New Hubs for Online Fraud
As some Southeast Asian nations become hubs for online fraud, commercial and regulatory risks rise, impacting cross-border payments and digital economies.Global Funds Return to Southeast Asian Stock Markets, Drawing Attention in 2026
Since December, foreign capital has flowed back into Southeast Asian stock markets (especially Indonesia and Thailand), making the region a 2026 global financial focus and boosting market confidence.China’s Trade and Investment with Southeast Asia Continue to Deepen
Southeast Asia has become China’s largest trading partner, with China’s 2025 export growth partly attributed to this. In 2026, China is expected to further increase direct investment in Southeast Asia, shifting to a new model of “from exporter to investor.”Climate Action Can Unlock Southeast Asia’s Future Competitiveness
Southeast Asia can enhance its long-term competitiveness by accelerating clean energy transition, as clean electricity has already met all growth in new demand by 2025, leading to the first absolute decline in thermal power generation in a decade. Experts emphasize that climate policies will become key drivers of future investment and economic growth.The ASEAN AI Dilemma: Malaysia Positions as New AI Hub with 0% Tax Incentives
Southeast Asian nations are competing fiercely to attract AI capital. Malaysia offers up to 0% corporate tax in special economic zones, while Thailand provides long-term low-cost renewable electricity for green data centers. If the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is fully implemented in 2026, it is expected to propel the regional digital economy toward a $2 trillion scale by 2030.What Will Power Southeast Asia in 2026? 5 Trends to Watch
Southeast Asia’s 2026 growth drivers shift to domestic demand (falling inflation + lagged rate cut effects boosting consumption), continued FDI inflows (Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand perform strongly; Indonesia expected to rebound), and monetary easing in some countries (e.g., Thailand’s policy rate may drop to 1%). However, geopolitical risks (e.g., Thai-Cambodian border conflicts) and inflationary pressures persist.Asia’s Diverging Monetary Policies and Trade Dynamics in 2026
Asia’s 2026 trade landscape is reshaping: China lowers tariffs on high-tech and new energy goods while shifting production to Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia become manufacturing hubs); India diversifies trade partners; South Korea strengthens green energy tech manufacturing. Under RCEP, regional supply chains are accelerating restructuring.
Japan Sets 2026 Price Band for Carbon Market; Southeast Asia Clean Power Momentum
Japan sets a 2026 carbon market price band to guide large emitters’ investments, indirectly influencing Southeast Asia’s energy transition paths. Clean power in the region continues to replace fossil fuels, though some countries (e.g., Vietnam) still see rising coal imports—yet the long-term green trend remains clear.
