Economic affairs

To feed or fuel? Economists urge Indonesia to downsize free meals programme as oil prices soar

Protesters hold placards outside the National Nutrition Agency building during a rally demanding an end to the government's free nutritious meal (MBG) program, following cases of food poisoning in schools, in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 15, 2025.

News analysis

Win or lose big? Hong Kong’s hub status a double-edged sword amid Middle East war

The Iran war leaves Hong Kong heavily exposed to risks on several fronts.

Iran announces 60 per cent minimum wage hike: Local media

The monthly minimum wage would increase from 103 million rials (S$99.85) to 166 million in the coming year of the Persian calendar.

Why it’s time to close the female health gap

Women and the elderly crossing Victoria Street towards Bugis Street under a light drizzle on Aug 25, 2024.

News analysis

Hong Kong’s Budget is back in the black – but not without sacrifice

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan has brought the city out of the red three years earlier than expected.

‘Buoyant’ Hong Kong economy spurs fiscal deficit turnaround, budget shows

The buoyant economy will help the city return to a budget surplus after several years of deficits.

What lessons can India take from SE Asian nations in attracting foreign investments?

TOPSHOT - A pedestrian walks past a digital screen displaying a broadcast of the budget speech by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai on February 1, 2026. India will spend a record $133 billion on infrastructure, the finance minister unveiled in her national budget speech, with plans for new high-speed train links and tech investments. The world's most populous country sees massive infrastructure spending as key to sustaining its high growth rate by boosting domestic manufacturing and creating millions of new jobs. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP)

News analysis

Tarique Rahman won big in Bangladesh. Far bigger tests await him

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin signs as he administers the oath‑taking ceremony for Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister in Dhaka on Feb 17, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS

Israel’s economy picks up for the first time since war began

Gross domestic product per capita is now similar to levels seen before the start of the conflict in Gaza.

MM2H programme generated $1.25b for Malaysia’s national economy in 2025

The economic contribution includes participation fees, fixed deposits in local banks and property investments.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.