Asia Briefing’s ASEAN Focused Regulatory and Operational Business Updates

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May 21, 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:

Malaysian Bonds Gain Appeal as Investors Seek Stability Amid Global Uncertainty

Foreign investors are increasing exposure to Malaysian bonds as stable inflation, stronger external balances, and ringgit resilience strengthen Malaysia’s position within Asian debt markets.

Singapore’s IFRS-Aligned Reporting Framework: What Foreign Investors Need to Know

Companies establishing operations in Singapore must build accounting, audit, tax, and reporting systems that support compliance, financing readiness, and regional expansion.

Vietnam Tax Compliance: Why Some Business Expenses Become Non-Deductible

Foreign-invested companies in Vietnam can face corporate income tax risks when everyday operating costs are not properly supported. Issues such as non-compliant invoices, weak payroll records, unclear intercompany charges, improper payment methods, or poorly structured financing arrangements may cause otherwise valid business expenses to be disallowed for tax deduction purposes.

Indonesia Bookkeeping Rules: Why Chart of Accounts Matters for PT PMAs

For PT PMAs in Indonesia, chart of accounts design and bookkeeping structure directly affect tax compliance, VAT reporting, payroll administration, and financial reporting accuracy.

Thailand Minimum Capital Requirements: What Determines Your Investment Threshold?

Foreign investors entering Thailand may face different minimum capital requirements depending on ownership structure, work permits, BOI promotion, and regulated business activities.

Thailand Eases Foreign Business Licensing Rules for Selected Sectors

Thailand’s Foreign Business Act reform removes licensing requirements for selected regulated sectors, potentially reducing market entry delays and compliance complexity for foreign investors.

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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.