ASEAN Briefing

ASEAN Briefing provides the latest business news, regulatory changes, and detailed information on free trade agreements, double tax treaties, and foreign direct investment laws across the ASEAN region. It covers all ten member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The goal of ASEAN Briefing is to serve as the top online resource for technical and business insights related to investment and trade with ASEAN nations.

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Key Steps for Foreign Investors

3 weeks ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 4 minutes Expanding into Thailand presents significant opportunities for foreign businesses, but not all companies are ready to establish a fully operational commercial entity. A representative office offers a non-commercial presence in Thailand, allowing foreign companies to explore the market, liaise with local partners, and conduct research without engaging in direct revenue-generating activities.
Laos' Labor Market Challenges and Opportunities for Investors

3 weeks ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes Laos has emerged as an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia, driven by its strategic location, natural resources, and improving business environment. As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a key player in regional trade agreements, Laos has seen steady economic growth, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
Key Investment Insights

4 weeks ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes Thailand has long been regarded as the automotive hub of Southeast Asia, playing a crucial role in the region’s manufacturing and export activities. The industry is valued at US$12.67 billion, with Thailand ranking 10th globally in vehicle production. In 2023, 2.55 million units were manufactured, a figure expected to reach 2.98 million by 2028, reflecting a 2.5 percent annual growth rate.
Understanding Malaysia's Foreign Worker Policies

4 weeks ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes Malaysia’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign labor, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services. As of 2024, there are approximately 2.3 million foreign workers in the country, making up 14.6 percent of the total workforce.
Singapore’s Medical Tourism Industry

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 4 minutes Singapore has established itself as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism, attracting patients from across the world seeking high-quality healthcare. In 2024, Singapore welcomed approximately 646,000 international patients, generating an estimated US$ 270 million in revenue.
Indonesia Requires Exporters to Retain Earnings Onshore

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes On March 1, 2025, Indonesia implemented a major shift in its foreign exchange policy by requiring natural resource exporters to retain all their foreign exchange proceeds within the domestic financial system for at least a year. This policy, introduced through Government Regulation No. 8 of 2025, replaces the previous requirement that only a fraction of export proceeds be retained for a shorter period.
Vietnam Opens Banking Sector to More Foreign Investment

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes Vietnam has taken a significant step in financial liberalization by increasing the foreign ownership cap in certain domestic banks from 30 percent to 49 percent. This policy change, introduced through Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP, aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen the country’s banking system. The decree will take effect on May 19, 2025.
Investment Opportunities in Vietnam’s Agriculture Sector

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 3 minutes Vietnam has long been recognized as a key player in the global agricultural industry, with its vast agricultural land and favorable climate making it a major producer of essential crops and seafood. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 11.77 percent of GDP in the first quarter of 2024.
Filing Personal Income Tax in the Philippines

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 4 minutes Foreign nationals working or earning income in the Philippines must comply with the country’s tax regulations. Whether you are employed, running a business, or earning passive income, understanding your tax obligations is essential to avoid penalties and maximize available deductions. Determining tax residency statusA foreigner’s tax residency status significantly affects tax obligations.
Business Visas in Vietnam

1 month ago | aseanbriefing.com | Ayman Falak Medina

Posted by ASEAN Briefing Written by Reading Time: 4 minutes Vietnam has emerged as a key destination for foreign investment, offering a dynamic market, a growing consumer base, and a strategic location in Southeast Asia. As foreign businesses establish operations in the country, understanding the complexities of Vietnam’s visa regulations is essential to ensure compliance and smooth business activities.