Infrastructure Tracker

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.

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.

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.

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

Power utility Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects energy sales to pick up in the remaining months of 2026, driven by strong electricity demand amid the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The Bulacan International Airport project faces delays in its timetable due to challenges in sourcing adequate sand for landfilling the new airport facility.

Ports billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. became the Philippines' richest person as his port empire expands with new projects both domestically and overseas.

The Philippines will not ban rice imports this year, anticipating El Niño's impact on domestic supply. This decision aims to address potential shortages.

Thailand's government plans to upgrade regional airports to drive tourism and investment growth by enhancing facilities, flight routes, and technology to transform them into economic gateways.

Indonesia plans to relocate families living beside railway tracks to newly built housing, starting in Jakarta and expanding nationwide, as part of a significant infrastructure and urban development initiative.

The ASEAN Secretary-General delivered remarks for ASEAN Online Sale Day 2026, highlighting the importance of safe and secure digital commerce for consumers and businesses.

One of Vietnam's highest cable-stayed bridges, 80% complete but left unfinished for years on a southern expressway, is now scheduled to be completed in September after new arrangements for its construction.

The Mutiara Line LRT project in Malaysia has reached key milestones, with MRT Corp awarding a RM3.028 billion contract to MRCB-Theta Edge JV for its construction.

Bridge DC has launched a prefabricated power module for data centers, which includes transformers, power distribution, UPS, and cooling infrastructure.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with H.E. Tin Maung Win, Chairman of the Union Civil Service Board of Myanmar, during the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) Heads of Civil Service Meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which focused on "Innovation for Better Service Delivery."

SGX reported a nearly 25 per cent increase in adjusted net profit for the 2026 financial year, marking an exceptional year for the stock market as revival efforts yield results.

The 47th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD) and its related meetings were held via videoconference on August 4-5, 2026, hosted by Thailand, bringing together senior officials from all ASEAN Member States.

The Indonesian government will take over a state firm's stake in the troubled 142km China-funded 'Whoosh' high-speed railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung.

Academics in Thailand support the development of "missing links" in the country's transport network, as these projects can deliver quick results and clearly address economic needs.

Construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) has reached several major milestones, as MRT Corp announced a RM3.028 billion contract award to the MRCB-Theta Edge joint venture.

The Vietnamese government has proposed the US$11 billion Ring Road 5 expressway, designed to connect Hanoi with surrounding areas, for approval by the National Assembly.

MRCB and Theta Edge have been awarded a RM3 billion system turnkey contract for the Penang LRT. MRT Corp is also evaluating tenders for the Civil Main Contract 2 package, from Komtar to Penang Sentral.

MRT Corp has awarded a RM3.028 billion system turnkey contract for the Penang Mutiara Line to the Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB)-Theta Edge Bhd joint venture.

The Mutiara Line LRT is progressing, with advancements in Civil Main Contract 1 works covering the alignment from Silicon Island to Komtar.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with Mr. Maeda Mio, Director General of General Department of International Affairs and Training, National Personnel Authority of Japan, on August 5, 2026.

Aboitiz Power Corp. is exploring nuclear energy generation as a strategic opportunity, partnering with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. (KHNP).

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with Prof. Dr. Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, Chairman of the National Civil Service Agency of Indonesia, during the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, officiated a symbolic tree planting ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat's New Building on August 4, 2026.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a policy speech at the ASEAN Headquarters on 4 August 2026, affirming Thailand's commitment to ASEAN and advancing the implementation of ASEAN 2045.

Tourism operators in Pattaya support the proposed rail link connecting three airports to boost passenger traffic at U-tapao Airport, which needs a larger volume of visitors than regional tourism alone can provide to meet its planned capacity.

New World Saigon Hotel is updating operations, technology, and leadership to meet international traveler expectations as Vietnam expands its transport infrastructure.

A Singapore Institute of International Affairs special report examines how the city-state can maintain its competitive edge through engagement, regulation, and connectivity.

Cable theft across Malaysia's railway network has caused RM50.05 million in losses since 2024 and led to 381 hours of delays to KTMB services, according to the Deputy Transport Minister.

Singapore's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased to 51.4 in July, showing factory growth supported by AI-driven semiconductor demand, despite ongoing supply-chain pressures originating from the Middle East.

Intermittent partial lane closures will be implemented for 75 days from tomorrow along Jalan Kampung Relau and Jalan Tun Dr Awang to facilitate drainage and road widening works for the Mutiara Line.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for APSC, Dato' Astanah Abdul Aziz, paid a courtesy call on Timor-Leste's Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence, Ana Carla Carrascalão, to discuss enhancing cooperation.

Vietnamese businesses spent over $3 billion to import raw cashew nuts by mid-July, mainly from Cambodia, reaching a record high for the period.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) expressed support for the Pax Silica initiative, expecting it to open economic opportunities, but stressed the need for safeguards to protect national interest, environment, and create local jobs.

Indonesia's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) attracted $1.8 billion in investment and created 34,162 new jobs during the first half of 2026. The country is expanding its industrial hubs.

The Sabah Southern Madani Link project will strengthen Sabah's power supply and, with the Sabah-Sarawak interconnection, create a more integrated and resilient power grid.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing 2026 in Ipoh, Malaysia, followed by an exhibition tour organized by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered a special message at the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing 2026 in Ipoh, Malaysia, emphasizing strengthening capacity building and city-to-city partnerships.

BYD Cars Philippines expects continued growth in electrified vehicles but notes that government support is needed for a faster charging infrastructure rollout in the country.

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry seeks 2.45 billion baht for tourism stimulus projects starting September, funded by a 200-billion-baht borrowing decree to ease cost-of-living pressures.

True Corporation, a major telecom company in Thailand, plans to establish an AI technology powerhouse.

Singaporean manufacturers and service providers are optimistic about the next six months, driven by demand for AI and upcoming major events, despite global economic uncertainties.

Malaysian billionaire Syed Mokhtar Albukhary's reported plan to list WM Senibong, a property developer joint venture with Australia's Walker Corporation in Johor, has encountered problems.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a variation order for the LRT-1 South Extension Project and three other key initiatives.

Indonesia's president inaugurated an expansion at Priok port in Jakarta, adding 1.5 million TEU to its annual capacity, increasing it to 8.5 million TEU.

Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Nam A Bank) reported a 25% increase in pre-tax profit for the first half of 2026, reaching VND3.159 trillion (US$120 million). The bank's non-performing loan ratio declined to 1.47%.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures reported a 40% year-on-year net income increase in Q2, with stronger Aboitiz Power and UnionBank results offsetting infrastructure losses.

Palm City and Palm River received awards at the Dot Property Vietnam Awards 2026 for their integrated planning, sustainability, and residential design approaches.

Meralco PowerGen Corp. and One Meralco Foundation have committed P20.3 million to support community development programs across Luzon and Visayas.

Thailand's Ministry of Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to build a 27-billion-baht ($750 million) dual-track railway, considered a key piece in its logistics network.

Singapore is rolling out a S$900 million support package for businesses and households in light of the Iran war, including higher government risk-sharing for loans, a one-off SME cash grant, and rental support.

Partial lane closures will be implemented along Jalan Kampung Relau and Jalan Tun Dr. Awang in Penang for 75 days starting August 1 to facilitate LRT works.

Microsoft is seeing gains from its cloud and AI investments, with its AI-powered business productivity tool, Copilot, exceeding 30 million paid users.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat's delegation at the 2026 ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) in Ipoh, Malaysia, as invited by Malaysia's Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

CKPower received two Thailand-Japan Decarbonization Awards 2026, recognising its commitment to green and innovative sustainability and its role as a regional renewable electricity producer.

Accelerating infrastructure projects and limited new apartment supply in central Ho Chi Minh City are highlighted as factors making Gladia Heights' initial sales phase attractive.

Antomation, a Singaporean startup, is developing the Cargo Cobra, an AI-powered automated baggage loading system to increase airplane baggage loading efficiency by 20%.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN delivered pre-recorded remarks at the UK-ASEAN Renewable Energy and Interconnection Symposium in Jakarta, highlighting the ASEAN-UK partnership in supporting ASEAN's energy transition.

Thai energy authorities plan to relaunch and remarket gasohol E20 in the third quarter of this year to reduce reliance on imported oil.

E-wallet GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with cashback promotions for railway commuters on MRT-3 and LRT-2.

Prysmian expects to complete the front-end engineering design study in 2026 for a project to export hydropower from Sarawak to Singapore.

Keppel has achieved its target of $100 billion funds under management (FUM) early, adding $13.5 billion in FUM across its infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity private funds year to date.

An ST Engineering unit has secured an S$840 million contract to build a rail line in Taiwan. The group has delivered over 200 rail projects in 50 cities, including in Taiwan.

This article discusses the long-envisioned ASEAN Power Grid, examining whether the regional project is finally set to move forward.

The Department of Energy is planning to launch a competitive bidding round for renewable power projects in remote, off-grid areas.

Thailand's decision to offer 30-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists is anticipated to boost visitor numbers to a record 2.7 million next year, supported by increased flight connectivity from India.

Recent infrastructure upgrades at International Container Terminal Services Inc.'s (ICTSI) container terminal in Gdynia, Poland, have enabled it to accommodate the largest vessel to call the port.

Manila is hosting the ASEAN Tech Summit 2026, focusing on technology and finance discussions.

A four-nation electricity alliance could accelerate the ASEAN Power Grid, one of Southeast Asia's most ambitious projects, amidst rising energy demand and decarbonization pressures.

Investors and policymakers at the Nusa Dua Forum are optimistic about the ASEAN power grid, citing AI-driven demand boosting cross-border power trade.

The Transport Minister announced to Parliament that mitigation measures by Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd have reduced service disruptions across Malaysia's LRT and MRT networks.

Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd's comprehensive mitigation measures have led to fewer urban rail service disruptions this year on Malaysia's LRT and MRT networks.

Myanmar's energy system is becoming increasingly reliant on Chinese infrastructure, including cross-border electricity imports and grid interconnection projects.

The Philippines has 75 identified flagship infrastructure projects by the NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM) and the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC).

MedcoEnergi CEO Roberto Lorato states that strong regional cooperation is crucial for building the infrastructure and attracting investment needed for the ASEAN power grid.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, witnessed the ministerial-level signing ceremony of the Instruments of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.

The 16th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was convened on 23 July 2026 in Manila, Philippines. H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, chaired the meeting.

Thailand plans to abandon its proposed US$30 billion land bridge megaproject linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea after a government study concluded it is no longer economically viable and poses significant environmental risks.

The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum was held in Manila, Philippines on July 23, 2026, and chaired by H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Changi Airport reported 17.2 million passenger movements in Q2, a 1.5% decrease year-on-year. However, passenger traffic for the first half of 2026 saw a 0.4% increase despite an uncertain operating environment.

A PPP study has been approved for a nearly $1 billion expressway linking Nha Trang and Dalat in Central Vietnam, aiming to boost regional connectivity and growth.

A proposal seeks to classify the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh section of the North-South expressway expansion as an urgent construction project to shorten its timeline.

The Bao Ha-Lai Chau expressway, with a preliminary investment of approximately $2.62 billion, is planned as a significant road infrastructure project in Vietnam's northwestern region with seven mountain tunnels.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) projects should be fast-tracked on land surrounding rail stations, such as along the Shah Alam Line (LRT3) in Klang, with affordable housing being a priority.

Vietnam's revised road network plan through 2050 includes a nationwide expressway system of 46 routes totaling about 10,106 km, with five new routes added.

DHL has started constructing a $71 million logistics campus in Hung Yen, Vietnam. The new facility will link to the Ha Noi-Hai Phong Expressway, providing direct access to Noi Bai International Airport and Hai Phong Port.

Vietnam is expanding its North-South Expressway, which began in phases and prioritises sections based on urgency, demand, and resources to help create a major route, with completion aimed for 2030.

The Philippines has expanded its corruption probe into more infrastructure projects, following allegations from a former official that street lamps, roads, and buildings are overpriced.

Vietnam needs an estimated USD 12.7 billion from the state budget to invest in expressway projects until 2030, covering approximately 82 percent of total investment requirements for 12 key projects.

Final designs for the 29.5km Penang Mutiara Line LRT are nearing approval. The project features 21 stations, including a provisional link to the Penang South Reclamation island.