AstraZeneca, Merck, Novo deals boost Chinese biotech as global interest grows

South China Morning Post - Sep 29, 2026

Shares of Akeso surged after British drug maker AstraZeneca moved to advance the Chinese biotech firm’s flagship cancer drug, while a new deal from US giant Merck further underscored the sector’s global momentum amid easing fears of US curbs. AstraZeneca on Tuesday announced a US$2 billion equity investment in Florida-headquartered Summit Therapeutics, which holds the exclusive rights to develop and commercialise Akeso’s immunotherapy drug ivonescimab outside China. Summit and AstraZeneca would...

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Meralco begins search for suppliers of 900-MW power requirement
Sep 29, 2026
Meralco begins search for suppliers of 900-MW power requirement

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Tuesday announced that it has started the bidding or competitive selection process (CSP) for suppliers of its 900-megawatt (MW) baseload power requirement.

DOE to require oil firms to submit monthly info on fuel costs
Sep 29, 2026
DOE to require oil firms to submit monthly info on fuel costs

The Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday the suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene would provide direct relief to Filipino households amid elevated global oil prices.

Future-ready: how Asia’s wealthiest should plan for the age of longevity
Sep 29, 2026
Future-ready: how Asia’s wealthiest should plan for the age of longevity

[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] Going by the figures alone, there is no escaping just how important investment in future planning has become for Asia’s high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families, with industry watchers predicting they will drive an estimated US$5.8 trillion in asset transfers in the region by 2030. But behind these figures lie some lingering questions, chief among them being how much investment can be considered...

Shein drops 14% to record low after profit misses in first results since Hong Kong IPO
Sep 29, 2026
Shein drops 14% to record low after profit misses in first results since Hong Kong IPO

Shares of Shein Global Holdings fell as much as 14 per cent to a record low in Hong Kong on Tuesday after the online fashion retailer posted a 67 per cent drop in second-quarter profit in its first earnings report since listing, warning that tariff headwinds and logistics cost volatility would persist for the rest of the year. The stock sank to as low as HK$30.24 during the day and closed 10.7 per cent down at HK$31.50. Both the intraday and closing prices hit their lowest levels since the...

NTC: Fine vs telcos for poor internet service not limited to NCR
Sep 29, 2026
NTC: Fine vs telcos for poor internet service not limited to NCR

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Tuesday said the show cause orders and the P100,000 daily fine against DITO Telecommunity Corporation (DITO), Globe Telecom Inc. (Globe), and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), are not limited to observed poor mobile broadband services in the National Capital Region (NCR).

World Bank: PH seen to unlock up to 7.1% of GDP with fiscal reforms
Sep 29, 2026
World Bank: PH seen to unlock up to 7.1% of GDP with fiscal reforms

The Philippines could unlock between 3.6% and 7.1% of GDP in combined savings and additional revenue annually by broadening the tax base, improving collection efficiency, and making public spending more efficient and equitable, according to a report by the World Bank Group.

The Digital Money Revolution: How a trillion-dollar transformation unfolded in Southeast Asia without much notice
Sep 29, 2026
The Digital Money Revolution: How a trillion-dollar transformation unfolded in Southeast Asia without much notice

The region’s 680 million people largely skipped the credit card era and went straight to mobile-first payments and, in the process, accelerated the buildout of digital payment infrastructure at scale.

Digital assets 'growth driver' for Globe as GCash IPO nears --analyst
Sep 29, 2026
Digital assets 'growth driver' for Globe as GCash IPO nears --analyst

Globe Telecom Inc."s digital assets, led by its stake in GCash parent Mynt Inc., are viewed as a key growth driver for the telecommunications company to expand beyond its traditional connectivity business, according to an independent financial analyst.

Plan to turn Hong Kong office block into flats rejected amid high commercial vacancy rates
Sep 29, 2026
Plan to turn Hong Kong office block into flats rejected amid high commercial vacancy rates

Hong Kong’s Town Planning Board has rejected an application from a consortium of developers to rezone a commercial project in Kowloon for development as residential flats, leaving sellers struggling with high vacancy rates, according to analysts. A consortium formed by CSI Properties, Asia Standard International, and Chongqing-born property tycoon Cheung Chung-kiu applied to the Town Planning Board to redevelop “Harbourside HQ” – a grade A office building at 8 Lam Chak Street, Kowloon Bay, which...

Beyond Recovery: Hong Kong’s Next Economic Challenge
Sep 28, 2026
Beyond Recovery: Hong Kong’s Next Economic Challenge

Hong Kong's economy has moved past pandemic-era skepticism, achieving 3.6 percent growth in 2025 with continued momentum projected at 3.4 percent in 2026.

JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon on how growth can untangle US-China strife, thorny global issues
Sep 28, 2026
JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon on how growth can untangle US-China strife, thorny global issues

Jamie Dimon’s recent whirlwind visit to Hong Kong followed a similar script: a schedule packed with meetings involving the entrepreneurs and business leaders connecting China with global markets. But it was his increasingly visible stance on global issues that appeared to extend his career beyond market strategy and financial industry leadership as CEO of JPMorgan Chase. His preoccupation with economic growth and world affairs drew particular attention in Hong Kong last week, shortly before...

Thailand teams up with South Korean agencies to work on AI and protect copyrights
Sep 28, 2026
Thailand teams up with South Korean agencies to work on AI and protect copyrights

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of Thailand met with South Korean agencies to enhance cooperation on AI, copyright enforcement, and rights management, aiming to support creators and the digital economy. Key Points The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) held bilateral meetings in Seoul with four major South Korean copyright agencies, aiming to bolster cooperation […]