Head of Business & Economics

Chinese firms suspend US expansion as business climate worsens

PTI accuses govt of ‘unprecedented economic crisis’, slams claims of stability

ISLAMABAD: PTI accused the government on Monday of driving Pakistan into an “unprecedented economic and governance crisis” that has “crushed the common man”. In a statement, PTI’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas…

Pakistani delegation attends US investment summit to expand global footprint

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of 16 Pakistani entrepreneurs and business leaders is participating in the ‘SelectUSA Investment Summit’ that has opened in National Harbour, Maryland, to establish new connections and…

‘Golden week’: Hong Kong draws more mainland Chinese visitors but spending uneven

Hong Kong recorded a 4.8 per cent increase in mainland Chinese visitors in the first three days of the Labour Day “Golden Week” holiday, but industry players warned that uneven spending and more flexible travel patterns…

South Korean businessman found dead after paddleboarding trip in Ho Chi Minh City

A South Korean businessman was found dead on May 2 after going missing during a stand-up paddleboarding outing in Ho Chi Minh City the previous day, ending an overnight search involving more than 100 rescue personnel.

Hong Kong residential property upturn drives recovery in office, retail: Morgan Stanley

Hong Kong’s property market is poised for a broad-based recovery as a strong upturn in the residential segment spills over to the struggling office and retail sectors, according to analysts. Morgan Stanley upgraded its…

Bedok hawkers get rent and conservancy rebates; TB screening extended to May 8

Some businesses reported seeing up to 70 per cent fewer customers.

Presidential chief of staff orders action on biz abuses by ex-public employees

Kang Hoon-sik, presidential chief of staff, on Monday ordered action on suspected business abuses by retired employees of public institutions and state-run companies. "Illegal and unjust preferential treatment for…

Sabah tourism can weather Middle East crisis, says Hajiji as new hotel investments roll in

KOTA KINABALU, May 4 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor is confident the state’s tourism sector will remain resilient despite challenges posed by the current Middle East conflict. He said that while the…

NUS expands arts education beyond the campus stage through STEER regional exchange programmes

From campus rehearsal rooms to international stages, NUS students are discovering new avenues to elevate their artistic practice beyond Singapore. Through the Study Trips for Engagement & EnRichment (STEER) programme,…

West Asia conflict has no impact on foreign investment in Johor, says MB

ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 4 — The ongoing conflict in West Asia has not affected foreign investor interest in Johor aa a major regional investment destination, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said that…

Iranian ship, crew seized by US transferred to Pakistan: report

An Iranian ship that was seized by the US after it “failed to comply” with the blockade imposed by the country has been transferred to Pakistan for repatriation to Iran, along with its crew, American outlet ABC News…

Malaysia needs stronger green finance, tech ecosystem to stay competitive, says World Bank

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Malaysia must expand green finance, strengthen local tech capacity, as well as broaden participation across sectors and regions to fully leverage the global shift towards sustainability and turn…

Anwar: Price hikes squeezing petty traders to be raised at Cabinet this Wednesday

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue of rising prices faced by petty traders will be brought to the Cabinet meeting this Wednesday to examine measures to ease the burden on the…

Pakistan’s AI reckoning

PAKISTAN is beginning to confront a question it can no longer defer: how to AI-proof its future. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant ambition. It is an immediate necessity. In recent months, Pakistan has…

Public consultation on AV laws open till June 30, seeks views on areas like accident payouts

The proposed laws will provide “legal clarity” in how businesses operate autonomous vehicles.

Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive despite crackdown

Ultra-low-priced Hong Kong tour packages reliant on commissions and pushing mainland Chinese visitors to make additional purchases remain prevalent despite tighter government regulations, the South China Morning Post…

Doubling down on lithium

Huma Khattak, CEO of Atom Power and EV Technologies The future of energy is closely tied to efficient batteries, not only for e-bikes and electric vehicles (EVs) but also for domestic and commercial power banks for…

Minister vows to remove hurdles faced by investors

QUETTA: Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has convened a meeting of the authorities concerned on Monday in Islamabad to review the situation created by a Chinese company’s sudden announcement of…

Procurement policy faces reality

Two years ago, the Punjab government decided, in principle, to discontinue direct wheat procurement from farmers. This decision was driven by the mounting financial burden of outstanding debt — incurred for wheat…