Asia Briefing’s ASEAN Focused Regulatory and Operational Business Updates

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May 14, 2026

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Weekly business and foreign investment news roundup in Asia

by Asia Briefing and Dezan Shira & Associates (An Ascentium Company).

ASEAN EDITION

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

Malaysia Branch Offices: Managing Tax Exposure as Operations Scale

Learn how expanding operations can increase tax exposure, withholding obligations, transfer pricing scrutiny, and reporting complexity for foreign branch offices in Malaysia.

Vietnam VAT Refunds for Exporters: Eligibility, Documentation, and Recovery Risks

Export businesses in Vietnam can recover input VAT on qualifying exports, but refund timing, supplier verification, and documentation consistency can materially affect liquidity and manufacturing operations.

Chart of Accounts and Bookkeeping Standards for PT PMAs in Indonesia

Chart of accounts and bookkeeping structure directly affect tax compliance, VAT reporting, payroll administration, and financial reporting for PT PMAs operating in Indonesia.

Malaysia HR Compliance Audits: What Foreign-Owned Companies Should Expect

Foreign-owned companies in Malaysia face increasing HR compliance audits as regulators intensify scrutiny of payroll structures, expatriate employment, statutory contributions, and outsourced labor arrangements.

Singapore Statutory Audit Requirements for Foreign-Owned Companies

Statutory audits are becoming increasingly important for foreign-owned companies in Singapore as financing activities, investor reporting, and group governance requirements shape transaction readiness, regulatory exposure, and business credibility.

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COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2026

This publication, designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, was compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice providing corporate establishment, audit, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence, and financial review services to multinationals and small- and medium-sized enterprises investing in emerging Asia.

Manufacturing in Vietnam: Regional Clusters and Site Selection for Production Expansion

Aimed at manufacturers, supply chain planners, and foreign investors, Manufacturing in Vietnam: Regional Clusters and Site Selection for Production Expansion offers a clear overview of Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape and how businesses can assess the country as a production hub in Asia.