On March 19, Indonesian President President Prabowo Subianto has instructed key ministries to coordinate policies that ensure energy security while minimising any negative impact on economic activity.
Category: Economy
Philippines seeks EV hub status with Chinese firms
The Philippine government is actively positioning the country as a strategic manufacturing hub for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, highlighting strong market growth and favourable investment conditions.
Southeast Asia races to cope with Middle Eastern fuel supply shock
Iran has retaliated against US-Israeli attacks by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important global node for oil and gas distribution. Southeast Asia, which relies on the Middle East for 60% of its oil imports, is hard hit.
Brunei eyes launch of stock exchange by 2027
Brunei Darussalam is planning to establish its own stock exchange by the third quarter of 2027, subject to the completion of an economic ecosystem and market model, a government minister said on March 19.
Brunei aligns economic growth with environmental sustainability framework
On March 17, Brunei Darussalam is strengthening its approach to balancing economic development with environmental protection through a policy-driven framework focused on sustainability.
Vietnam gains ground as a high-tech investment hub
On March 17, strong inflows of technology-driven investment are positioning Vietnam as an increasingly important destination for high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI). A key development in early 2026 is a newly approved US$1.2 billion project in advanced electronic circuit board manufacturing, signalling continued investor confidence in the country’s high-tech ambitions. According to the Foreign Investment Agency, the project underscores Vietnam’s strategy of prioritising innovation-led and value-added investments.
Indonesia strengthens trade ties with Singapore and Malaysia
On March 15, Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong of Singapore and Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin of Malaysia to strengthen regional trade and investment cooperation.
Cambodia expands clean cooking initiatives to support rural development
On March 10, Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation concluded two clean cooking programmes designed to improve rural livelihoods while promoting sustainable energy use.
Philippine government: fuel supply safe amid Middle East tensions
On March 10, the Philippine government assured the public that fuel and essential goods remain sufficiently supplied despite rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Myanmar’s fuel supply from Iran faces disruption as war ravages Middle East
In violation of international sanctions against Tehran, the Myanmar junta imported gasoline from Iran as many as three times from December 2025 to the initial stage of the war between Iran and the US-Israel on February 28.