Economy & Resources

In November 2025, Grammy-winning Fugees member Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in US prison for using money stolen from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund to influence American politics and help financier Jho Low obstruct US investigations into the scandal. The court also ordered Michel to forfeit $64.9 million.   In January 2026, a federal judge denied Michel’s request to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction and sentenc...

As the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prepares another rate cut to support slowing growth, Malaysia is holding rates steady after posting its fastest expansion in three years. The divergence highlights two very different economic cycles unfolding in Southeast Asia.   BSP Eases as Domestic Momentum Fades The Philippine economy grew just 4.4% in 2025, well below the government’s 5.5-6.5% target and down from 5.7% in 2024. Growth sl...

Vietnam has entered a new political phase with little noise and even less debate. At the Communist Party Congress in January 2026, To Lam secured another five years as the country’s top leader in a process so smooth it revealed how tightly power is now held at the center.   A former security chief, Lam already occupies the most powerful position in Vietnam’s system. If he also assumes the presidency, as many expect, two of the ...

Asia’s tourism scene is getting more competitive, with Malaysia and Japan almost tied as the region’s top destinations. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors, close to Japan’s 42.68 million. Both countries are expected to grow further in 2026, with Malaysia aiming for 43 million arrivals. Thailand, South Korea, and the Philippines trail behind, showing just how tight the regional tourism race has become. &n...

Even as Western sanctions tighten on oil exports, tankers linked to the so-called "dark fleet" continue moving crude through Southeast Asian waters toward China. This week, two very large crude carriers detained near Penang, Malaysia over an illegal ship-to-ship transfer were released and quickly returned to sea.   Detained, Then Back at Sea Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency intercepted the two vessels about 24 nautical miles w...