ASEAN Intelligence: FDI, Data Centres, AI, Trade & Infrastructure

Vietnam aims to master deep-processing technologies for rare earths, semiconductor, and battery materials by 2030, targeting a 50% localization rate.

A pundit urges regulatory reforms in Thailand's upstream petroleum sector to attract foreign investment and prevent a decline in domestic energy supply.

Foreign investment commitments in the Philippines surged by 68% to P115 billion in the second quarter, primarily targeting manufacturing activities.

PropNex predicts lower mortgage rates and policy changes will support Singapore's property market in 2026, with private home prices expected to rise by 3-4% for the year.

Thai sugar producers, including Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Plc, are concerned that an impending El Niño could severely disrupt sugar cane plantations during the 2026-27 crop year.

Cambodia's total trade turnover reached $44.07 billion in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 21.3% year-on-year increase and resulting in a trade deficit of $2.44 billion.

Container shipping giant Maersk, a bellwether for trade, reported Q2 profit that beat forecasts and raised its outlook for 2026.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), a Singaporean operator, has secured a green financing facility of up to US$1.37 billion (RM5.6 billion) to support the development of its data centre campus in Johor.

Singapore raised its 2026 economic growth forecast after Q2 GDP expanded 5.9% year-on-year, above the advance estimate of 5.7%. This indicates a positive economic outlook for the country.

Vietnam is emerging as a significant manufacturing base due to the China Plus One strategy, with companies diversifying production to reduce dependence on China, particularly in rare earths.

The Philippine central bank (BSP) has cut its external position outlook for the year, anticipating weaker foreign inflows due to the conflict in the Middle East weighing on investments.

ASEAN and Denmark held their First Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee Meeting in Jakarta, marking the first formal meeting since Denmark became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

People in Thailand lost nearly US$273 million to online scam networks in the first six months of 2026, with over 170,000 online fraud cases reported. This highlights a significant cybersecurity and digital infrastructure security challenge.

ACEN Corp. has provided an additional P1 billion in financing for its subsidiary's development of the Quezon North Wind Power Project.

Telkom Indonesia has finalized the spin-off of its $4.8 billion InfraCo, completing the transfer of network infrastructure assets to InfraNexia.

Singapore raises its 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.5-5.5% after Q2 growth was revised up to 5.9%. The economy expanded 6.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

Experts suggest the Eastern North-South Expressway, the national backbone for road transport, requires upgrades to operate at highway speeds.

The Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Malaysia has awarded a RM3.028 billion contract to MRCB-Theta Edge JV.

Cambodia plans to commence construction of the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, connecting to Vietnam's Moc Bai border, in June 2023.

Vietnam's textile and garment exports reached an estimated US$4.7 billion in July, up 4.3% year-on-year. Total exports for the first seven months of the year reached $27 billion.