On June 2, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) published its second quarterly report of 2026, highlighting the region’s steady growth forecast at 4% as well as revised upward inflation projection to 1.8% from 1.4% this year.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent
Malaysia braces for snap election as coalition tensions mount
Malaysia is facing a potential snap election in the second half of 2026. The 16th General Election is formally scheduled for no later than February 2028. However, on May 29, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated he would consider dissolving parliament early should internal alliance tensions deteriorate further.
Myanmar President visits India to boost bilateral trade and investment
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is currently on an official five-day visit to India until June 3 with an agenda packed with business matters. This is the president’s first overseas trip since taking office on April 10.
ASEAN to sign first digital economy pact in November
ASEAN is one step away from implementing its first digital economy pact, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is set for signing at the 49th Summit in November this year.
Brunei expands fintech sandbox eligibility in push for digital innovation
On May 21, the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) officially amended its Guidelines on FinTech Regulatory Sandbox. This instrument was intended to be “a catalyst for innovation in the financial sector”.
Indonesia-France CEO Forum 2026 culminates in business council launch
Indonesia and France have formally established a high-level business council, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, boosting trade and facilitating investments between the two countries.
Porsche Brunei hosts Saturdays@Porsche classic day exhibition
On May 23, Porsche Centre Brunei commenced its Saturdays@Porsche initiative. Themed “Porsche Classic Day”, the exhibition showcased the enduring allure of Porsche Classic collections, which remained on display until May 30.
Cambodia and Laos partner to link power grid with World Bank backing
Under the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), Cambodia and Laos have signed the “Joint Study Framework on Development of the ASEAN Power Grid Feasibility Study for Cross-Border Interconnection”.
State-owned enterprise given monopoly rights over select strategic minerals in Indonesia
Per May 25, Indonesia’s investment management agency Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara)’s subsidiary, Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), officially attained state-owned enterprise (SOE) status.
Indonesian president’s three-day Paris visit set to elevate bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On May 27, the second day of his bilateral visit to France, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto began his morning by performing the Eid al Adha prayer at the Indonesian Embassy residence in Paris. He greeted Indonesian citizens and members of the diaspora in attendance before gathering with them for a communal meal, in an engagement intended both to mark the Feast of Sacrifice and to reinforce ties with overseas Indonesians.