Indonesia’s lofty plans with Danantara
The launch of Indonesia’s new sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, has sparked debate as it draws funding from state-owned enterprises. Subianto’s government is painting it as a high-risk, high-reward fund to attract global investors and drive domestic growth. A year has... Read More →
How to deal with a deindustrialising Germany
Germany’s manufacturing sector is in a decline, but this might not be the country’s biggest problem. Internationally known for its large manufacturing sector with its reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, Germany’s industrial base has provided stable incomes for households and... Read More →
Hitting the right timing for Malaysia’s property and construction markets
Recent changes to Malaysia’s Sales and Service Tax framework has affected the domestic property and construction sectors, resulting in some pessimism. Still, the government remains optimistic that both markets will thrive. In December, the Malaysian parliament postponed the discussion for... Read More →
Thailand throws a lifeline to SMEs for much-needed economic boost
Thai businesses have been lagging behind in innovation compared to its ASEAN peers. In particular, small enterprises have been struggling financially to the point of some closing shop. Since Thailand’s general election last May 2023, its real GDP growth rate... Read More →
Higher borrowing costs threaten the UK’s 2026 budget
The UK’s fiscal deficit shows no sign of narrowing as government expenses continue to outpace tax revenues. September 2025 recorded the highest yield on the UK’s 30-year bonds since 1998. The bonds, also called gilts, were priced at 5.72 per... Read More →
Green tech might do more than save Germany’s environment
Solely focusing on climate change adaptation obscures the view about green tech’s ability to push the German economy forward. “So that solar and wind do not destroy our homeland” reads one of the election campaign posters of a German political... Read More →
Brazil’s growth momentum and what lies ahead
The story of strong job creation and a resilient services sector continues in Brazil, but looming political risks, high inflation, and cautious monetary policy suggest a slower growth momentum ahead. Brazil’s GDP rose by 2.2 per cent year-on-year in April-June... Read More →
Malaysia goes big with manufacturing
Malaysia’s manufacturing sector has contracted for the past year due to higher production costs and the impact of US tariffs. The government hopes to boost the industry with policy support and through economic integration. The resurgence of global trade protectionism... Read More →
Aging infrastructure, aging society: the double burden of Japanese real estate
Japan’s property sector mirrors its demographic reality: as the population ages, so do the nation’s homes and infrastructure. While this poses fiscal risks, it also presents fresh opportunities. It is well documented how Japan’s population has been aging quite... Read More →
Cultivating Indonesia’s humble agriculture sector
Despite domestic and international challenges, President Prabowo Subianto envisions Indonesia as self-sufficient in food production and push the agricultural industry forward. Can his administration cultivate the sector to further economic growth? Protests in Indonesia a few weeks ago, triggered... Read More →