FDI Tracker

Cushman & Wakefield is tapping into Vietnam's growing hyperscale data center market, noting the country is underserved while a development pipeline indicates rising demand for digital infrastructure.

Singapore's factory output saw a jump in August 2026, primarily fueled by sustained demand for AI-related products. Most clusters, excluding chemicals, recorded year-on-year growth during this period.

Indonesia is considering Chinese investment for a 2,772km railway network in Kalimantan, following the completion of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed line.

Power projects totaling over 17.8 gigawatts were endorsed to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for system impact studies (SIS) in the first half, according to the Department of Energy.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is courting four major Thai companies and business groups (Line Man Wongnai, CJ More, Thai Beverage, Central Group REIT) for domestic capital market listings.

Singapore ranked first globally for cross-border commercial property investment in the first half of this year, attracting US$8.7 billion in deals.

Krungsri forecasts a gradual recovery in Thailand's vehicle market over the next three years, driven by government energy transition policies and a rebound in the automotive segment.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to launch nonstop services from Manila to Delhi and Mumbai in December, strengthening links between the Philippines and India.

Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines will start financing local government units (LGUs) next year to address underfunding and support infrastructure deficits and basic public services.

Mondelez International has launched its completed RM90 million Crumb Tower at the Cadbury Confectionery plant in Shah Alam, reinforcing its commitment to Malaysia.

Singapore's population grew 1.6% to 6.21 million, largely due to construction workers for major projects including Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Marina Bay Sands expansion, as well as transport infrastructure building.

HSBC reinforces commitment to Thailand-Japan investment corridor, as Japan's FDI stock in Thailand reaches US$104 billion.

Indonesia-based PT Bayan Resources has lifted its force majeure. This follows the approval of mining quota revisions for its subsidiaries and its billionaire founder agreeing to sell a 30% stake in the company.

Thailand aims to attract $80 billion in semiconductor investment by 2050, expecting to create 230,000 jobs as part of a national strategy.

ASEAN and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Foreign Ministers held a meeting on September 23, 2026, in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

Vietnam is considering a tax overhaul to channel investment towards technology, R&D, supporting industries, and supply capacity to help local firms integrate into global supply chains.

The Asian Development Bank forecasts Vietnam's economy to grow 7.8% this year, the highest in Southeast Asia, supported by foreign domestic consumption and direct investment inflows.

The 9th ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting was held on September 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, USA.

The Asian Development Bank and S&P Global Ratings have slashed the economic growth forecasts for the Philippines due to the prolonged impact of the Middle East crisis and weaker investments.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its 2026 growth projection for the Asia-Pacific region to 5%, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from its previous forecast, partly attributed to the AI boom.

PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) has made a final investment decision for the Bussabong gas field in the G3/65 Project, targeting first natural gas production in 2028 to support Thailand's energy demand.

Thailand is fast-tracking regulatory approval for $3.66 billion in strategic industrial investments and unveiling tax incentives to encourage tech IPOs.

US capital, including private-equity funds, corporate investors, and technology companies, is expanding its presence and deploying capital across various sectors in Vietnam.

Singaporean real estate group UOL is reportedly in discussions to acquire the Hyatt Regency hotel in Hong Kong. The talks involve New World and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 15th AEM-Canada Consultation in Manila, Philippines, welcoming progress on the ASEAN-Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment.

The ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the 15th AEM-Russia Consultation in Manila, where the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation for 2026-2035 was endorsed.

Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines plans to expand financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the halal industry to tap into the rising global market.

Infrastructure constraints and tighter regulations may push larger data centre projects in Thailand to areas outside Bangkok, according to Kasikorn Research Center. Bangkok remains the country's primary data centre hub.

Singapore's retrenchments in Q2 2026 reached the highest level since late 2020, primarily due to business reorganization and restructuring.

Vietnamese stocks were added to FTSE Russell's emerging market indexes, marking a milestone for the country's stock market after years of reforms aimed at attracting foreign investors.

Ministers from ASEAN, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea convened in Manila on September 21, 2026, for the 5th RCEP Ministers' Meeting, co-chaired by Indonesia's Vice Minister of Trade.

Singapore's solar energy investments saved an estimated US$97 million in fossil fuel import costs over five months earlier in 2026, amid surging energy prices due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The Fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika Open-ended Dialogue with Switzerland was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines, co-chaired by the Philippines' Secretary of Trade and Industry.

ASEAN is targeting to attract higher quality foreign direct investments (FDIs) to promote job creation, following record FDI levels in the region last year.

City Developments Ltd (CDL), controlled by Kwek Leng Beng, is launching previews for a 570-unit apartment project in Singapore, with units starting from S$1.5 million (US$1.18 million).

The Secretary-General of ASEAN attended the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA), an important step to enhance economic relations and foster a transparent and predictable investment environment.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, to discuss potential economic cooperation on the sidelines of the 58th AEM Meeting in Manila, Philippines.

Vanguard, the world's second-largest asset management firm, plans to invest US$2.5 billion into the Vietnamese stock market, exceeding previous analyst projections.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered opening remarks at the Business Dialogue on ASEAN's Digital Economy 2026 in Manila, Philippines, bringing together policymakers and business leaders.

The ASEAN Secretary-General attended the Joint Meeting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the 29th ASEAN Investment Area Council Meeting in Manila, Philippines, to discuss the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.

Việt Nam is actively pursuing the development of a domestic semiconductor industry, emphasizing science, technology, and digital transformation.

Southeast Asian investors have become the largest non-local buyers of Hong Kong commercial property, with Singapore-based capital leading the investments.

Thailand is fast-tracking regulatory approval for $3.66 billion (121 billion baht) in strategic industrial projects and introducing tax incentives to encourage technology company IPOs.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is targeting the completion of six power transmission projects totaling P23.5 billion this year, according to spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza.

Thai retail giant Central Group, controlled by the Chirathivat family, plans to invest US$1.5 billion into Vietnam over the next decade. The company is considering this significant investment in the Southeast Asian nation.

Besins Healthcare Thailand, with support from international and regional scientific organizations, is advancing women's health and reproductive medicine across the Asia-Pacific region.

The six largest economies in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) are projected to grow by an average of 4.8% annually between 2026 and 2035, with Vietnam leading, according to a report by Bain & Company, DBS Bank and Vriens & Partners.

Malaysia's aerospace industry is strengthening its position in the regional supply chain as local companies expand into higher-value manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering services.

Thailand's participation in the 11th Belt & Road Summit in Hong Kong has opened new avenues for trade and investment, according to Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce.

The Philippines aims to deepen trade and investment ties with ASEAN neighbors, promoting regional cooperation for supply chains, emerging industries, and digital businesses.

MREIT, Megaworld Corp.'s real estate investment trust, received regulatory approval for its largest asset infusion, increasing its property portfolio to P122 billion.

Thailand's economy is now projected to grow 2.5% this year, an increase from an earlier 2% forecast, driven by stronger exports and investment related to artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirvirakul pitched Thailand as a regional hub for energy investment and innovation, highlighting its strategic location, industrial base, and infrastructure amidst global market volatility.

FDI inflows to the Philippines decreased by 17.83% in the first half. Capital primarily originated from Japan, the US, and Singapore, flowing into manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate sectors.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) more than doubled its profit to P53.8 billion in the first two months of 2026, driven by higher foreign exchange gains and lower expenses.

The Philippine government denied the Villar Group's proposal for its first airport project in Iloilo and is now seeking offers from other proponents for the privatization of the country's gateways.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects to surpass its P300-billion investment approvals target for the year due to a robust pipeline.

Thailand's auto sector supports tax restructuring efforts to encourage genuine investment and production within the country, aiming to benefit local auto parts manufacturers and small businesses through EV policy.

Indonesia's Hartono family, the richest in the country, has invested at least US$1.4 billion abroad, marking a shift towards offshore investments.

Thailand's tourism sector expects 250,000 Chinese tourists during Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival, generating 11.5 billion baht due to a weak baht and new direct flights.

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is enhancing its capital market by expanding the domestic investor base, streamlining IPO approvals, promoting digital investment products, and strengthening enforcement against financial fraud.

Mondelez International has completed its RM90 million Crumb Tower at the Cadbury Confectionery plant in Shah Alam, reinforcing its commitment to Malaysia.

Northern Vietnam attracted 80.5% of the country's new manufacturing foreign direct investment in the first half of the year, securing $8.63 billion across 274 projects.

Cake Digital Bank received the "Vietnam's Best Digital Bank 2026" award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence in Singapore, recognizing its digital banking model and business performance.

Vietnam aims to enhance its integration into global semiconductor value chains, as stated by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the National Centre for Pilot Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Support.

Mondelez International launched a RM90 million Crumb Tower at its Cadbury Confectionery plant in Shah Alam, reinforcing its commitment to Malaysia.

Manulife Investments Philippines warns that a weakening peso could diminish the appeal of Philippine bonds to foreign investors, potentially increasing the demand for higher risk premiums.

Net inflow of foreign direct investments in the Philippines fell in the first half of the year due to market volatility and concerns over the country's growth momentum.

Malaysia and India's investment ties are gaining momentum. Malaysia has approved 293 manufacturing projects with Indian participation, valued at US$2.95 billion, as of June.

Foreign direct investment inflows into the Philippines were down 18% in the first half of the year, despite rebounding in June. This was attributed to reduced lending by foreign companies to local affiliates and less reinvested earnings.

The Malaysian ringgit has fallen to a 10-month low against the Singapore dollar, influenced by foreign outflows from Malaysian stocks and Singapore's hawkish monetary policy.

The IAI Task Force meeting reviewed progress on Work Plans III and IV and accredited new projects under Work Plan V (2026-2030).

The Secretary-General of ASEAN met with the Director General of GSMA to deepen partnership in support of ASEAN's digital economy and connectivity agenda, including 5G adoption, on the sidelines of M360 ASEAN.

Thailand-listed Gunkul Engineering Public Co. Ltd. partners with SunAsia Energy Inc. to build a $1 billion floating solar project on Laguna Lake, set to be the largest of its kind in the region.

Nearly 80% of European businesses plan to continue investing in ASEAN, but the Philippines ranks last among the top markets considered for investment in the region by expanding EU firms.

Adani Airport is set to raise $1.3 billion from investors including Singapore's Temasek and BlackRock, marking its first foreign investment.

An alliance led by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), advisory firms, developers, banks, and investment promotion agencies is encouraging global firms to locate in the Philippines, aiming for $50.5 billion in revenue by 2028.

Singapore's DPM Gan Kim Yong stated that trade and investment between Singapore and the US can support job creation in both countries, highlighting the US's consistent trade surplus with Singapore.

Nvidia-backed Firmus signs a deal with OpenAI to provide data centre capacity in Malaysia. This follows Firmus' rumoured initial public offering in 2026.

Northern Vietnam attracted 80.5% of new manufacturing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first half of the year, with electronics and semiconductor investments concentrated in the region.

The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (Fetco) recommends the Thai government increase the national savings rate to 28% of GDP from 25% to support investment and reduce reliance on foreign capital.

The Vietnamese Government is working to strengthen domestic supply chains in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, as exports are growing rapidly but imports still outpace them.

Thai domestic systemically important banks are looking beyond traditional lending to find new growth engines and help businesses adapt to an economy reshaped by technology, investment, and changing global supply chains.

The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is pushing for changes to the pricing mechanism for geothermal projects in the Philippines after a poor turnout in the previous government auction.

Malaysia secured RM218.5 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, marking an 11.7 percent increase from RM195.5 billion in the same period.

Philippines is being overlooked by global investors due to weak economic growth and political noise, despite resilient corporate earnings and cheaper stock valuations, according to BDO Capital and Investment Corp.

Vietnam is expanding its participation in global and regional semiconductor value chains, building on its historical capabilities in producing semiconductor components.

Chinese F&B chain Mixue, the world's largest by store count, reduced its overseas store count by 89 in H1 2026, with closures noted in Vietnam and Indonesia. The company's net profit also declined by 15% year-on-year.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has amended its listing rules to attract New Economy companies, including foreign firms, to raise funds from the Thai bourse.

Malaysia is aiming to transition its automotive industry from assembly lines to higher-value parts manufacturing and global value creation, focusing on electronics and software components.

CapitaLand Investment (CLI) will retrench 90 employees in Singapore, representing about 4% of its workforce in the city-state, as part of a restructuring exercise slated for 2026.

Business leaders at Bangkok Business Summit 2026 recommend coordinated investment in Thailand to turn global disruptions into long-term economic opportunities.

Major telecommunications players in the Philippines are expected to exceed $2 billion in investments for 2026 as digital transformation ramps up.

Vietnam's semiconductor industry boom offers an opportunity to shift its growth model from low-cost labour and manufacturing towards more technology-intensive, higher-value activities.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to boost Thailand's competitiveness and attract more foreign investment to address economic and technological challenges.

Samsung's four major Vietnam plants generated over $2.3 billion in profit in H1 2026, driven by global AI boom and chip demand.

Penang secured RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in H1, aiming to surpass last year's RM22.4 billion total.

The Philippines is expected to gain only a marginal economic boost from its data center buildout through 2030, with power supply and energy security constraints threatening to slow projects, according to Moody's Ratings.

Economists have increased Singapore's 2026 economic growth forecast to 5% due to an AI boom, as indicated by a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) survey. Predictions for manufacturing and non-oil domestic exports also rose.

Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has opened a public consultation on proposed rules for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to expand investment choices and promote product diversity.