TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

Indonesia Lowers Paid-Up Capital for Foreign Investors to IDR 2.5 Billion 

Amid intensifying competition for foreign investment across ASEAN, Indonesia has moved to ease one of its most persistent entry barriers. The government has reduced the paid-up capital requirement for foreign-owned limited liability companies, known as PT PMAs, from IDR 10 billion (US $640,000) to IDR 2.5 billion (US $160,000).

Malaysia’s EPF Mandate for Foreign Employees: What Investors Must Reassess

Malaysia has officially extended the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution requirement to all foreign employees, effective October 1, 2025. The reform ends the long-standing exemption that allowed expatriate staff to opt out of the national retirement system.

What the AANZFTA Second Protocol Means for ASEAN Trade

The ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) has long been one of the region’s most comprehensive trade frameworks. With the Second Protocol entering into force in April 2025, the agreement has been modernized to reflect the realities of contemporary trade.

How Multinationals Should Manage Tax Filing and Compliance in Vietnam

Tax filing in Vietnam is an executive responsibility because timing, system accuracy, and documentation quality determine cash flow, audit exposure, and the pace of profit repatriation.

Payroll Compliance in the Philippines: What CFOs Must Know

Philippine employers must meet four key legal obligations: contribute to social security, provide health insurance, support employee savings, and withhold income tax. Each duty involves specific contribution rates, caps, and penalties that require regular monitoring. Because contribution rules are typically updated in January, CFOs need to review and implement annual changes promptly to maintain compliance and avoid costly lapses.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

Vietnam’s Evolving Tax Regime: Compliance with New CIT, VAT, and Invoicing Rules

Vietnam is fast-tracking major tax reforms to align with global standards and adapt to rapid market shifts. Key changes in 2025 include a new Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Law, amended Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations, and updated invoicing rules – each reshaping the country’s compliance landscape. Vietnam’s Evolving Tax Regime: Compliance with New CIT, VAT, and Invoicing Rules provides practical guidance for CFOs, tax leaders, and foreign investors navigating these reforms.

Customs and Trade Strategy in Indonesia: An Investor's Guide

This magazine provides a strategic outlook on turning Indonesia’s import and export systems into competitive tools - reducing costs, unlocking preferential rates, and positioning Indonesia as a launchpad for ASEAN growth.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ASIA:

Unlocking ASEAN Advantage: Growth Strategies for Australian Businesses

Webinar | Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 3:00 PM Sydney / 12:00 PM Singapore / 11:00 AM Vietnam

Timor-Leste: Unlocking Opportunities in Asia’s Youngest Nation

Webinar | Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM Singapore / 2:00 PM ICT / 5:00 PM Sydney / 9:00 AM CET

Vietnam Industrial Zone Benchmarking 2025: Choosing the Right Location for FDI Success

Wednesday, 22 October, 2025 | 3:00 PM Vietnam / 4:00 PM Singapore / 9:00 AM CET