FDI Tracker

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

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

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

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.

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air, the country's second flag carrier, is launching direct flights to the Philippines to compete with existing airlines, primarily serving overseas Filipino workers.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) celebrates 60 years as a central architect of Thailand's investment strategy, aiming to build an investment foundation for a sustainable new economy.

An expert suggests Vietnam's semiconductor sector can learn from Malaysia's experience, potentially contributing to an 'ASEAN semiconductor corridor' alongside Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Techcombank is providing banking services tailored to international businesses to support foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam, driven by strong economic growth, an expanding manufacturing base, and free trade agreements.

The Thai government is preparing tougher screening criteria for data centre investments due to concerns over their heavy use of electricity and water.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote two-way investment.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has tasked military-run telecom company Viettel with developing the semiconductor chip industry in a "more efficient and diverse manner".

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Bac Ninh province, a northern Vietnamese industrial hub, continues to concentrate on electronics, components, semiconductor equipment, and related technologies.

Bualuang Securities (BLS) predicts a bull run for Thai equities, expecting the market to benefit from returning foreign capital and growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre investments.

A report from Singapore's MTI suggests that non-stop flights to emerging markets would boost the economy through direct investment flows and increased passenger and cargo transfers.

BAC has broken ground on a USD 150 million manufacturing facility in Malaysia, expected to create 200 high-skilled jobs by 2035 and strengthen regional engineering capabilities.

ASEAN recorded historically high foreign direct investment inflows in 2025 according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report, reflecting the region's resilience amid global economic shifts.

The US state of Utah is actively seeking investment from Singaporean investors, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox highlighting sectors like energy as key areas of interest for potential investment.

Vietnam is rethinking its FDI success, shifting focus from job creation to skill development, as its economy struggles to create enough jobs utilizing advanced skills despite rapid industrialization.

Indonesia and the EU aim to sign the IEU-CEPA trade deal by Q4 2026, which is expected to open broader market access for Indonesian products and enhance competitiveness.

Vietnam aims for higher-quality FDI under Resolution 10. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam attracted over US$38 billion in registered FDI, a nearly 58% year-on-year increase.

Foreign investment inflows to Vietnam surged in seven months. Manufacturing and processing continued to dominate new FDI commitments, accounting for 55 per cent of the total with $11.6 billion.

Thailand's stock market is regaining momentum as foreign investors return, supported by stronger capital inflows and improving economic fundamentals, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) urges policymakers to prioritize sustainable investment in data centre projects to maximize long-term benefits for the Thai economy.

The Vietnam Green Finance Conference on Aug. 6 discussed strengthening legal frameworks, financial infrastructure, and project quality to attract international green investment to Vietnam. Policymakers, financial institutions, investors, and businesses attended.

Singapore has approved the import of 900 MW of Malaysian solar power, with Sembcorp Utilities and Ditrolic Energy among the awardees.

Thailand's foreign and domestic investment applications surged 37% year-on-year to reach US$43.6 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by Big Tech's push into Southeast Asia.

BAC, a global leader in cooling solutions, broke ground on a US$150 million manufacturing facility in Malaysia, strengthening regional capabilities and creating up to 200 high-skilled jobs by 2035.

Malaysia is well-positioned to benefit from the global AI-driven structural shift due to its strong international standing.

Bali has restricted foreign investors from accessing Indonesia's online licensing system for 18 business categories due to concerns over foreign-owned businesses.

Vietnam and the Netherlands are pursuing deeper cooperation in the manufacturing sector, a key contributor to Vietnam's economic growth, exports, and foreign direct investment.

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing announced work on the Dawei industrial project to connect with Thailand, providing the shortest route for Thai goods to West Asia.

A survey by Alibaba Cloud indicates Thailand is becoming Asia's most ambitious AI market, with local enterprises planning the region's largest increase in AI investment despite a significant talent shortage.

Thailand's life insurance industry is expected to maintain growth in the second half of 2026, driven by rising demand for health protection, retirement planning, and investment-linked products, according to the Thai Life Assurance Association.

Dutch businesses are optimistic about Vietnam's economic outlook and are keen to expand cooperation in finance, logistics, tech, and green transition.

QTSC and the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) signed an MoU to link Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem with Singapore's semiconductor business network, enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam attracted over US$38 billion in registered FDI in the first seven months of 2026, up nearly 58% year-on-year, with a focus on higher-quality, large-scale, high-tech investments under Resolution 10.

Vietnam attracted over US$38 billion in registered foreign investment in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 58% year-on-year increase, driven by improved investor confidence.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the sidelines of the Heads of Civil Service Meeting for the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) and the 8th

Thailand's bourse is expected to remain a bull market for 1-2 years, with the benchmark index projected to reach 1,700 points by the end of 2026, assuming economic and political fundamentals remain stable.

Vietnam plans to shift from tax breaks to cost-based incentives for next-gen FDI, targeting infrastructure, workforce training, R&D, and innovation to directly lower investment costs.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) approved a USD 688 million (23 billion baht) investment by Nestlé for an AI-driven regional coffee hub on July 8, 2026.

The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) celebrates its 60th anniversary, reflecting on its role in attracting global corporations like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, and Western Digital to the country.

AI is evolving beyond a productivity tool to drive economic growth and reshape investment and financing demand across ASEAN, according to speakers at the ASEAN Conference 2026 in Singapore.

LG is investing USD 1 billion in Vietnam as the country moves up the semiconductor value chain, reflecting its growing role in the global electronics and chip supply industry.

Maharlika Investment Corp. aims to achieve a P3.3 billion core net income for 2026, driven by dividend inflows, interest income, and equitized earnings from investees, with plans for up to P35 billion in capital deployment for investments.

Indonesia's foreign direct investment (FDI) grew 20.2% annually in Q1 in rupiah terms, with a focus on downstream investment. The base metal industry was the largest recipient.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows slumped to their lowest level in almost a decade in April, as global uncertainties kept investors in a cautious stance.

Vietnam drew US$38.06 billion in registered foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first seven months of 2026, up 58% year-on-year, driven by stronger inflows into manufacturing, energy and technology-related industries.

The World Bank maintained its Philippine economic growth forecast for the current year but reduced projections for next year and 2028, citing an uncertain global environment.

Thailand's foreign tourist arrivals dropped by 3.19% year-on-year to 18.51 million visitors between January 1 and August 1, 2026.

The 48th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) meeting in Bandung, Indonesia, strengthened cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance from July 28 to August 1, 2026.

Sunway Construction Group (SunCon) has secured a US$249 million engineering contract for a data center project in Malaysia's Johor state.

FDI inflows into Vietnam surged 58% to $38bn in the first seven months of the year, with processing and manufacturing attracting $11.58bn, or 55% of the total.

Vietnam is preparing a new comprehensive foreign affairs strategy to strengthen international engagement and mobilize global resources for national development.

Indonesia is urged to play a more active role in global climate diplomacy, with climate change identified as a significant global issue at the Indonesia Net-Zero Summit (INZS) 2026 in Jakarta.

Chevron Offshore (Thailand) Ltd completed its first Total Wellhead Platform Reuse project in the Gulf of Thailand, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and greenhouse gas emission efforts.

PXP Energy Corp. is seeking foreign investments to pursue new upstream oil and gas opportunities beyond areas covered by the West Philippine Sea exploration ban.

Property developer FLC Group has appointed Michael Vu, former country director of Boeing Vietnam, as its vice chairman. FLC Group controls Bamboo Airways.

Singaporean brand Bee Cheng Hiang, known for its barbecued meat, has officially returned to Bangkok, Thailand, bringing freshly grilled products to local diners.

Philippines-based DoubleDragon Corp. plans a SGD 300-million REIT listing in Singapore.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Minister of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia, H.E. Nga Kor Ming, in Ipoh, Malaysia, to discuss strengthening ASEAN on August 1, 2026.

The British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines welcomes the role of economic zones in attracting investments across the country, boosting market opportunities in various sectors.

Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand's premier resort islands, are becoming international real estate hotspots, with foreign investors, particularly from Russia and Israel, driving demand for luxury homes.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Governor of the Banco Central de Timor-Leste, H.E. Hélder Lopes, at the ASEAN Headquarters. They discussed advancing regional financial integration and payment systems within ASEAN.

Osaka-based Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. is making its first overseas pumped storage hydro (PSH) investment in the Philippines, joining tycoons Enrique Razon Jr. and Federico Lopez in a large-scale project in Rizal.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, received a telephone call from the newly-appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, H.E. Roberto Velasco, providing an opportunity for introductions.

Phyathai Sriracha Hospital, part of the Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group, reports an increase in foreign patients in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) hospitals due to growing investment in the industrial zone.

A Thai member of parliament has called for a new committee to scrutinise the environmental impact of new AI data centres.

Malaysia has seen sustained high levels of approved investments, averaging RM352.1 billion per year from 2022-2025, driven by fundamental and structural improvements including geoeconomics and tech reforms.

Samsung is discussing with the Vietnamese government the establishment of an IC testing facility, potentially its second overseas backend facility, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Philippines is set to be a major market for direct-to-device satellite service in Asia-Pacific, with Globe Telecom Inc. leading the segment.

Loan growth at large Thai banks picked up in the first half of 2026, driven mainly by corporate lending, while borrowing from SMEs remained weak.

Philippine President Marcos' 2026 State of the Nation Address includes plans to amend EPIRA to remove system loss charge, expand power generation by up to 10,000 MW from renewables, develop indigenous oil-gas, and affirm nuclear energy.

A consortium led by Frasers Property, controlled by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, sold 56% of units at its private condominium project in Singapore's prime District 11 during the launch weekend.

Singapore's Vena Energy secured $310 million (P19 billion) in financing from eight foreign lenders for its large-scale solar project in Pangasinan.

Online retail sales on major e-commerce platforms grew over 40% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, tripling the pace of Vietnam's overall retail sector growth.

Cambodia has exported 5,738 metric tons of fresh durians to China in the first seven months of 2026, amid improved overland logistics.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) reported a net profit of S$20 billion, attributed to strong investment gains. The managing director noted the benign global financial conditions but expressed uncertainty about the sustainability of the AI investment boom.

Approved Japanese investments in Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) manufacturing sector totaled RM10.5 billion across 46 projects between 2021 and 2025, projected to create 9,009 jobs.

Keppel will divest six operational rigs in 2026 to private fund Keppel Offshore Fund for $1.2 billion, as part of a larger $3.7 billion sale of oil rigs.

Thailand is tightening investment standards for AI data centres, shifting its policy from prioritising project quantity to emphasising quality. This move aims to support the country's development.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, H.E. Tom Berendsen, in Manila, Philippines.

The 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, reviewed the progress of ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation.

The Foreign Ministers of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Participants decided on the ARF Manila Plan of Action (MPOA) covering 2026-2036.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Hon. Vijitha Herath, in Manila, Philippines.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Waleed Elkhereji, on the sidelines of the High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The Philippines captured $9 billion of the region's $244 billion capital influx last year, prompting calls for reforms to close the FDI gap.

Thailand's Board of Investment approved a $210 million investment from the Mazda-Ford AutoAlliance joint venture.

Thailand's Board of Investment approved $1.99 billion worth of new investment projects, with Nestle and Thai Airways International as lead investors.

Thailand approved nine major investment projects worth a combined US$1.99 billion, led by AI and advanced electronics sectors.

Malaysia has realized RM318.5 billion (US$67.7 billion) in approved manufacturing investment projects since 2023. These projects have created over 210,000 jobs.

Thailand has approved nine major investment projects worth a combined US$1.99 billion, with artificial intelligence and advanced electronics companies leading the capital commitments.

Thailand has approved six major projects worth a combined US$29 billion, which includes a large-scale data center investment by TikTok.

Thailand's Board of Investment approved a US$688 million investment by Nestlé Thailand to build an AI-driven regional coffee hub.

Singapore-based Ikhlas Capital is actively seeking new investment opportunities in the Philippines, following previous ventures in cold chain logistics and banking. The firm is exploring collaborations with Filipino conglomerates.

JPMorgan is relocating over 30 quantitative researchers from China to Singapore and Hong Kong to support its electronic trading efforts.

Malaysia has issued dollar bonds for the first time in five years due to an increase in its fuel subsidy bill, which is projected to reach $12.6 billion in 2026.

High-tech and industrial parks in Hanoi attracted over $588 million in registered investment capital during H1 2026, supported by new semiconductor projects including Viettel's plant.