Asia Briefing’s ASEAN Focused Regulatory and Operational Business Updates

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August 13, 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:

One Entity or Multiple Subsidiaries? Structuring an Investment in Indonesia

Foreign investors expanding across multiple business activities in Indonesia must decide whether to operate through one company or establish separate subsidiaries. Compare the implications for licensing, taxation, governance, risk separation, and future expansion.

Paid-Up Capital Requirements for Foreign-Owned Companies in Malaysia

Malaysia’s paid-up capital requirements vary by industry, business activity, licence, and regulatory authority. Foreign investors should identify the applicable thresholds early, as these can affect company registration, work permits, licensing, and operating plans.

Choosing an Accounting Firm in Malaysia: What Foreign Investors Should Assess

The right accounting firm should support more than bookkeeping and annual filings. Foreign investors should assess its capabilities across tax compliance, financial reporting, payroll, investment incentives, and cross-border operations before appointing an adviser.

Choosing an Accounting Firm in the Philippines: Key Considerations

An accounting provider can influence the quality of a company’s reporting, tax compliance, payroll administration, and management information. This article outlines what foreign investors should evaluate when selecting an accounting adviser in the Philippines.

Structuring Intercompany Service Fees in Singapore

Intercompany service fees must be commercially supportable and consistent with Singapore’s transfer pricing requirements. Learn how charging methodologies, supporting documentation, and arm’s-length pricing can affect tax exposure and cross-border compliance.

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COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

Vietnam's New Personal Data Protection Rules: Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management Guide

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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.