Other BriefingsHow to File Annual Financial Statements in Malaysia
File annual financial statements in Malaysia correctly, including audit requirements, SSM deadlines, MBRS submission, and rules for foreign-owned companies.
Which Licenses Must a Singapore Company Obtain Before Starting Operations?
Which licenses does a Singapore company need before operating? See when foreign investors need sector approvals and how licensing affects market entry.
Hiring Foreign Employees in the Philippines: Work Permits, Restricted Roles, and Employer Obligations
Hiring foreign employees in the Philippines requires work permits, immigration approval, payroll compliance, and social security contributions.
Should Foreign Investors Use Labuan for Holding Structures in Malaysia?
Assess whether a Labuan or ordinary Malaysian holding company offers the stronger structure for your investments, tax position, and regional operations.
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How to File Annual Financial Statements in Malaysia
Tax & Accounting Sep 09 -
Which Licenses Must a Singapore Company Obtain Before Starting Operations?
Legal & Regulatory Sep 08 -
What Should Annual Financial Statements in the Philippines Include?
Tax & Accounting Sep 07 -
Hiring Foreign Employees in the Philippines: Work Permits, Restricted Roles, and Employer Obligations
Human Resources & Payroll Sep 07 -
Virtual CFO vs Full-Time CFO in Singapore: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
Human Resources & Payroll Sep 03
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Economy & Trade
What Does a Virtual CFO Actually Do for a Singapore Company?
Aug 21See how a Virtual CFO supports Singapore companies with financial reporting, cash flow, forecasting, financial controls, and investment decisions.
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Indonesia Representative Offices: What They Can and Cannot Do
Economy & Trade Aug 20Indonesia permits several types of foreign representative offices, each with specific rules on commercial activities, trade representation, and construction services.
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How Location Affects Tax Incentives for Investments in the Philippines
Economy & Trade Aug 19Investment location can affect tax incentives in the Philippines, including income tax holidays, VAT, customs duties, and local tax treatment.
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Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Thailand for Foreign Investors
Economy & Trade Aug 12Registering a company in Thailand requires the right ownership structure, incorporation process, tax registrations, and operating approvals.
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Should Foreign Investors Operate Through One Entity or Multiple Subsidiaries in Indonesia?
Economy & Trade Jul 30Should foreign investors expand through one PT PMA or multiple subsidiaries in Indonesia? Compare the legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations that shape the right corporate structure.
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From Scale to Strategy: India–Singapore Pathways for Growth and Innovation
Published: May 2026
As India–Singapore ties move from strategic intent to execution, businesses need clarity on where ... -
Halal Markets Unveiled: Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s Economic Powerhouses
Published: January 2025This latest issue of ASEAN Briefing magazine provides a detailed exploration of these opportunities ...
Tax & Accounting
How to File Annual Financial Statements in Malaysia
Sep 09File annual financial statements in Malaysia correctly, including audit requirements, SSM deadlines, MBRS submission, and rules for foreign-owned companies.
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What Should Annual Financial Statements in the Philippines Include?
Tax & Accounting Sep 07Annual financial statements in the Philippines cover financial position, performance, cash flows, equity, disclosures, and applicable audit requirements.
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Can Foreign Investors Reduce Capital Gains Tax on Share Transfers in Indonesia?
Tax & Accounting Sep 03Foreign investors can reduce tax on Indonesian share transfers through transaction structuring and applicable tax treaty provisions.
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How Do Companies Register Their Books of Accounts with the BIR in the Philippines?
Tax & Accounting Sep 01Companies in the Philippines must register their books of accounts with the BIR. This article covers manual, loose-leaf, and computerized books.
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How Indonesia’s VAT Reverse-Charge Mechanism Works
Tax & Accounting Aug 31Indonesia’s VAT reverse-charge rules can apply to overseas services and intangible goods used by Indonesian companies, including intra-group transactions.
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An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2026
Published: April 2026This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, was compiled by ... -
An Introduction to Doing Business in Indonesia 2026
Published: February 2026This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Indonesia, was compiled by ...
Legal & Regulatory
Which Licenses Must a Singapore Company Obtain Before Starting Operations?
Sep 08Which licenses does a Singapore company need before operating? See when foreign investors need sector approvals and how licensing affects market entry.
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How Joint Ventures Are Structured Between Malaysian and Foreign Partners
Legal & Regulatory Sep 02Malaysian-foreign joint ventures can divide ownership, funding, control, and exit rights in different ways depending on the investment structure and sector.
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Should Foreign Investors Use Labuan for Holding Structures in Malaysia?
Legal & Regulatory Aug 26Assess whether a Labuan or ordinary Malaysian holding company offers the stronger structure for your investments, tax position, and regional operations.
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What Does a Virtual CFO Actually Do for a Singapore Company?
Legal & Regulatory Aug 21See how a Virtual CFO supports Singapore companies with financial reporting, cash flow, forecasting, financial controls, and investment decisions.
-
Indonesia Representative Offices: What They Can and Cannot Do
Legal & Regulatory Aug 20Indonesia permits several types of foreign representative offices, each with specific rules on commercial activities, trade representation, and construction services.
-
Halal Markets Unveiled: Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s Economic Powerhouses
Published: January 2025This latest issue of ASEAN Briefing magazine provides a detailed exploration of these opportunities ... -
An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2026
Published: April 2026This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, was compiled by ...
Industries
Investing in Vietnam's Renewable Energy Sector: A Market Entry Guide for Foreign Investors
Aug 13Vietnam's renewable energy market is creating new opportunities for foreign investors across solar, wind, energy storage, infrastructure, and corporate power procurement.
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Investing in Indonesia's Renewable Energy Sector: A Market Entry Guide for Foreign Investors
Industries Jul 26Plan your entry into Indonesia's renewable energy sector with guidance on investment structures, licensing, PLN procurement, and investment incentives.
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Is a Variable Capital Company the Right Fund Structure for Your Singapore Investment Platform?
Industries Jun 25Find out whether a Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) is the right fund structure for your investment platform based on strategy, fundraising, tax, and regulatory considerations.
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Expanding Across ASEAN: Market Entry and Regional Structuring Strategies for Australian Firms
Industries May 07Expanding into ASEAN? This guide explains how Australian firms can structure regional operations, select priority markets, and manage multi-country expansion across Southeast Asia.
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How Foreign Investors Can Capture Value in Malaysia’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Industries Apr 23Discover where foreign investors can generate returns in Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem, from established manufacturing to higher-value segments.
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From Scale to Strategy: India–Singapore Pathways for Growth and Innovation
Published: May 2026As India–Singapore ties move from strategic intent to execution, businesses need clarity on where ... -
Halal Markets Unveiled: Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s Economic Powerhouses
Published: January 2025This latest issue of ASEAN Briefing magazine provides a detailed exploration of these opportunities ...
HR & Payroll
Hiring Foreign Employees in the Philippines: Work Permits, Restricted Roles, and Employer Obligations
Sep 07Hiring foreign employees in the Philippines requires work permits, immigration approval, payroll compliance, and social security contributions.
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Virtual CFO vs Full-Time CFO in Singapore: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
HR & Payroll Sep 03Compare the cost of a virtual CFO and full-time CFO in Singapore, including salaries, employment costs, and when each model makes financial sense.
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Should Investors Use Nominee Structures or Direct Shareholding in the Philippines?
HR & Payroll Aug 26Compare nominee structures and direct shareholding in the Philippines, including foreign ownership limits, Anti-Dummy Law risks, and beneficial ownership rules.
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Hiring Foreign Employees in Thailand: Work Permit Rules
HR & Payroll Jul 15Hiring foreign employees in Thailand requires compliance with work permit rules, employer eligibility requirements, application procedures, and ongoing obligations.
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Fixed-Term vs. Permanent Employment Contracts in Malaysia: Which Is Right for Foreign Firms?
HR & Payroll Jul 08Compare fixed-term and permanent employment contracts in Malaysia and learn which arrangement best suits your workforce strategy, legal obligations, and business needs.
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An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2026
Published: April 2026This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, was compiled by ... -
An Introduction to Doing Business in Indonesia 2026
Published: February 2026This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Indonesia, was compiled by ...
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Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing market entry, legal, accounting, tax, HR, technology and operational advisory to international investors.
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Asia Briefing publishes articles, magazines, and guides on doing business in Asia. Dezan Shira & Associates has produced the publication since 1999.
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