BOP deficit narrowed in August despite Middle East woes
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ dollar deficit narrowed in August despite continued volatility tied to the Middle East conflict, as resilient inflows from key sources like remittances may have helped offset the outflows. The country’s balance of payments (BOP), a broad measure of money flowing into and out of the economy, registered a deficit of $596
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Fitch restores Thailand’s stable outlook as debt trajectory improves
Fitch Ratings has revised Thailand’s sovereign outlook to Stable from Negative, while affirming the country’s BBB+ long-term foreign- and local-currency ratings. The move, announced on September 19, means Thailand now has a Stable outlook from all three major international rating agencies, following Moody’s revision in April and S&P Global’s existing Stable assessment. Key points Fitch’s […]
Betting on People-First Banking
China CITIC Bank International’s Wendy Yuen says the future of finance will not be won by technology alone, but by banks that combine digital speed with human trust, cross-border insight and lifelong learning. As head of the Personal and Business Banking Group at China CITIC Bank International, Wendy Yuen sits at the intersection of technology, regulation and real-world customer needs. Based in Hong Kong, she works across retail banking, SME support, fintech innovation and cross-border growth in...
China’s CXMT touts new chip manufacturing platform as close to ‘world’s most advanced’
Chinese memory chip giant Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) said on Sunday that it adopted its new-generation technology platform for mass production, narrowing the advantage of global leaders including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in manufacturing nodes. CXMT’s fifth-generation technology platform, dubbed G5, achieved a “quantum leap” in storage density, with the number of dies produced per wafer increasing by at least 50 per cent from the previous generation while maintaining better...
Housing prices surge near new Huanggang Port as buyers eye ‘dual-city’ lifestyle
Prices for properties near the new Huanggang Port are already soaring months ahead of the border crossing being put into operation, with many buyers attracted by the idea of a “dual-city lifestyle”, according to property agents. The new border facility, which is set to open before the end of the year, is expected to make crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong far quicker and more convenient, with plans for 24-hour operations, a “co-location arrangement” and a “joint inspection” clearance model...
ASEAN economy 'resilient' despite Middle East crisis - economic ministers
The economy of Southeast Asia remains "resilient" despite the Middle East crisis and other global uncertainties, the ASEAN economic ministers highlighted following a meeting in Manila on September 19.
DA backs proposed P210/kilo hog floor price
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Sunday that it is backing the proposal from the hog industry to set the floor price for swine at P210 per kilo.
Chicken meat imports to PH to increase by nearly 15% in 2027 - USDA
The country's chicken meat importation is forecasted to rise to 780,000 metric tons in 2027 to meet the growing demand from food manufacturing and food service industries, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.
Which Sector-Specific Licenses Do Foreign Investors Need in Indonesia?
Foreign investors in Indonesia need sector-specific approvals based on activities, risk levels, and regulations; licenses and certifications vary.
Will fresh incentives give China’s housing market more than a short-lived rebound?
Property brokers in China’s major cities are expecting busier days as would-be homebuyers take a cue from a recent policy shift by Beijing aimed at reviving the slumbering real estate market. Some say they are being swamped by inquiries and are trying to seal as many deals as possible amid a recovery in confidence, while others are keeping their fingers crossed for more government stimulus to sustain the growing momentum. “Government support always holds the key to the performance of the home...
Silver Sessions: Inquirer brings AI and cybersecurity lessons to seniors
MANILA, Philippines — The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advances such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). But as innovation reshapes the way we live and connect, it also brings new opportunities, challenges, and risks—and senior citizens should not be left behind. The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) recognizes that today’s seniors are active
Ube’s sweet success faces growth pains
MANILA, Philippines — On Starbucks’ menu and grocery shelves abroad, ube—once a niche flavor internationally but long beloved in the Philippines—has found a comfortable place under the global spotlight in what has been dubbed its great “purple reign.” Ube coconut macchiato. Ube mochi pancakes. Ube-scented candles. And, more familiar to Filipinos, ube ice scramble. READ: A
The business behind TikTok livestreaming
MANILA, Philippines — For many Filipinos dreaming of making it online, the traditional route has often pointed toward Manila. But from Cagayan de Oro, a cohort of singers, dancers and natural conversationalists is testing whether a smartphone, a stable audience and several hours of livestreaming can offer another way in. READ: From trends to truth: TikTok’s
