International News
Banyan Group Unveils Ambitious US$2bn Luxury Residential Project in Phuket Amid Real Estate Resurgence
In a strategic move to capitalize on the resurging demand in the post-COVID-19 real estate landscape, Singapore-based Banyan Group has declared plans to construct the largest luxury residential venture on the pristine shores of Phuket, Thailand. As reported by Asia Nikkei on 1 February 2024, the US$2 billion Laguna Lakelands project is poised to set […]
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Vietnam’s Central Bank Affirms No Interest Rate Hike in 2024
In a pivotal announcement, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) declared its stance on interest rates for the year 2024, affirming a commitment to maintain current policy rates. SBV Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu addressed the Vietnam Plus during a press conference on 3 January, outlining the central bank’s strategic approach to economic support. Deputy […]
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Asia House Forecasts: Vietnam to Outshine its Asian regional Counterparts Throughout 2024
In the realm of thriving Asian economies, Vietnam emerges as a standout performer, poised to outshine its regional counterparts throughout 2024, according to the Asia House Annual Outlook released on 23 January in London. The report anticipates approximately 5% overall growth across eight key Asian economies, with Vietnam and the Philippines leading the charge. Focused […]
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Hong Kong Court Orders Liquidation of China Evergrande Amidst Ongoing Financial Turmoil
In a significant development, the Hong Kong Supreme Court issued a verdict mandating the liquidation of China Evergrande, the embattled real estate giant, on 29 January. This decision follows a prolonged period of financial distress, spanning over a year, during which the company struggled to meet its debt obligations. Despite granting more than 18 months […]
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UN Predicts Global Economy Down to 2.4% in 2024, Inflation Rises to Above 10% for Developing Countries
In a pivotal economic report, the United Nations projects a slowdown in global economic growth to 2.4% by 2024, down from the estimated 2.7% in 2023, underscoring challenges surpassing earlier expectations. Both figures remain below the pre-pandemic 3% growth rate prevalent before the 19-year epidemic in 2020, according to VOA on 9 January 2024. The […]
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ASEAN Tourism Rankings 2023: Malaysia Takes the Lead, Thailand Secures Second Spot, Followed by Vietnam
Southeast Asia experienced a stellar revival in its tourism sector throughout 2023, with Malaysia emerging as the frontrunner in welcoming international visitors, boasting an impressive 26 million foreign tourist arrivals from January to November. Following closely, Thailand welcomed approximately 24.6 million tourists during the same period, underscoring the robust rebound of its tourism sector. Vietnam […]
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Thai International Hospitality Giants Set to Make Global Impact in 2024
The resurgence of global tourism has propelled Thai hospitality powerhouses to venture beyond domestic boundaries, seizing opportunities in thriving international destinations. The preceding year witnessed robust profitability for many hotel management firms, with several surpassing pre-pandemic average daily room rates, particularly in prime global locations, according to the Bangkok Post on 2 January 2024. Minor […]
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Economists Project China’s Economic Landscape in 2024 to Fall to 4.6%
As China’s economic trajectory undergoes shifts, economists anticipate a moderated growth of 4.6% in 2024, following an anticipated 5.2% expansion this year. This projection comes against the backdrop of a sluggish real estate market and tepid consumption. With 23 experts expecting this year’s growth to align closely with Beijing’s target of approximately 5%. According to […]
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CBRE’s Head of Research Hints Real Estate Market Recovery Time
Investment caution is rippling through the Asia-Pacific real estate market, from Singapore to South Korea, as investors tread carefully amidst concerns over rising interest rates and geopolitical instability. Market data from JLL, a leading commercial real estate and investment management company, reveals a 22% year-on-year decline in commercial real estate investment activity in the Asia-Pacific […]
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Aeon’s Strategic Leap: Revolutionising Logistics with AI Precision
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of Japanese retail logistics, Aeon, the prominent retail group, is embarking on an ambitious overhaul of its logistics operations. The initiative, slated for implementation next spring across approximately 3,300 domestic stores, is a proactive response to the impending legal restrictions on driver overtime, set to take […]
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