Islamic finance covers roughly $2.8 trillion in assets worldwide, yet only a sliver of sustainable loans today are sharia-compliant. But Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin, Maybank’s chief sustainability offic…
The Philippines’ renewable energy drive: Growth, gaps, and a pipeline reset
The Philippines is becoming an attractive destination for the renewable energy industry, largely due to its market policies and structure that have led to sizeable investments. So much so, in fact, th…
Taking Stock of the Economy
Over the past decade, the Nepali economy has faced multiple major shocks, including the devastating 2015 earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political unrests such as last September’s Gen Z moveme…
Tourism boom and improved connectivity help China-Laos Railway achieve key milestone, international rail travel gains momentum
The China Laos Railway has achieved a key milestone in international rail travel, as a tourism boom and improved cross border connectivity continue to drive strong passenger growth between China and L…
Indonesia’s palm-based biodiesel consumption crosses 3.9 million kiloliters as B50 transition nears
Indonesia consumed 3.9 million kiloliters of palm-based biodiesel in the period from January 1 to April 13, 2026, under its mandatory biodiesel blending programme, even as the country prepared to rais…
Beijing’s AI Governance Approach And Its Outreach To Southeast Asia – Analysis
In January 2025, Chinese AI startup DeepSeek launched its R1 model, sparking debate over how open-source, cost-effective models can reshape the global AI landscape. Calling it the “DeepSeek moment,” C…
India is making a big move to outflank China in Sri Lanka
India and China appear to be locked in an escalating energy rivalry in Sri Lanka. India plans a new energy hub at Trincomalee with the UAE, including an oil pipeline. This initiative aims to secure fu…
The Balen government must build Nepal’s IT Highway
As Nepal enters a new phase of governance under the leadership of Balen Shah, the country stands at a critical juncture. Economic transformation can no longer rely solely on traditional sectors. The n…
Malaysia’s palm oil-based biodiesel push to add 300,000 tpy in demand
Malaysia’s palm oil–based biodiesel consumption is set to rise by more than 300,000 metric tons annually, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board said, as the country joins top producer Indonesia in raisin…
Indonesia to stop diesel imports, shift to palm oil fuel
Indonesia will stop importing diesel fuel starting July 1, 2026, in line with the implementation of B50, a biofuel blend consisting of 50 percent diesel and 50 percent crude palm oil (CPO). “We will n…