Industry News

Federal Express Corporation, a leading express transportation company, has expanded its intra-Asia network to meet the rising trade demand in Southeast Asia. This strategic move enhances connectivity, capacity, and agility for businesses across the region.

FedEx has introduced nonstop cargo flights connecting its Asia Pacific hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with Penang International Airport. Operating five times a week, these Boeing B767 freighters provide dedicated inbound capacity to Penang, enabling importers to benefit from deliveries that are one hour earlier, thus improving supply chain efficiency.

In addition, FedEx has extended the pick-up cut-off time in Malaysia’s Klang Valley by one hour for Asia-bound shipments departing Kuala Lumpur, offering greater flexibility to local businesses. This is part of FedEx’s broader commitment to strengthening logistics capabilities in Southeast Asia.

The company has also increased its cargo capacity in Thailand by adding five weekly Boeing 767 freighter flights between Guangzhou and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This expansion facilitates reliable access to markets across the Asia Pacific and beyond, via the South Pacific Hub in Singapore.

Salil Chari, senior vice president of Marketing and Customer Experience at FedEx, stated, “Asia Pacific is emerging as the powerhouse of global trade growth, with Southeast Asia fuelling some of the world’s most dynamic trade corridors.”

These enhancements come as ASEAN’s total merchandise trade reached $3.8t in 2024, with exports from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and South Korea growing by 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. As Southeast Asia solidifies its role as a global manufacturing hub, FedEx’s network improvements are crucial in supporting the region’s trade momentum.

HSBC and Google Cloud have unveiled the Digital Frontiers 2030 report, forecasting that Southeast Asia’s digital economy could reach US$1t by 2030, potentially doubling to US$2t. This growth is expected to be driven by regional integration and the adoption of real-time payments. The report, developed in collaboration with Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI), highlights the transformative impact of programmable money, embedded credit, and AI-driven automation on the region’s financial landscape.

The study identifies four major trends reshaping the digital economy in Southeast Asia. Firstly, digital seller platforms are expanding, with 75 million digital entrepreneurs already contributing US$175b in gross transaction volume, projected to reach US$580b by 2030. Secondly, there is a rising demand for embedded, personalised credit, with 77% of ASEAN consumers using embedded finance solutions like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), which is expected to account for 25% of online transactions by 2027.

Additionally, speed and security are crucial for consumer payment choices, with 67% of ASEAN consumers prioritising speed and 57% prioritising security. The report predicts that regional cross-border payment volumes will double by 2030, facilitated by instant payment networks and stablecoin adoption. Lastly, agentic commerce and programmable money are on the horizon, with AI agents poised to manage payments and transactions autonomously.

The report underscores Singapore’s leadership as a financial and innovation hub, ranking first globally in the International Institute for Management Development World Digital Competitiveness Index 2024 and attracting significant foreign direct investment. As ASEAN economies further integrate, the digitalisation of commerce and finance is set to redefine business models and partnerships across the region.

Ant International has announced a collaboration with TNG Digital, operator of TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan’s first digital bank, to enhance customer experiences using its AI-as-a-Service platform. The partnership leverages the Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI innovation platform designed to help financial services businesses build generative AI-driven applications. This initiative aims to improve customer service efficiency and streamline user interactions.

The Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit supports the development of generative AI-powered agents that autonomously handle tasks common in financial services, such as customer service and fraud detection. Farhan Hassan, Chief Digital Officer at easypaisa Digital Bank, highlighted the collaboration’s impact, stating that it “democratises access to easy and convenient digital financial services for millions nationwide,” offering hyper-personalised financial experiences and enhanced security.

Launched in June 2025, the AI platform is built on Ant International’s expertise in financial services, focusing on security and compliance. Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer at Ant International, expressed enthusiasm for the platform’s potential, noting that it empowers fintechs to automate decisions and deliver smarter financial solutions.

The platform integrates over 20 leading large language models, including Ant International’s Falcon TST AI Model, to build specialised fintech agents. Additionally, Ant International’s AI SHIELD toolkit ensures security and compliance, reducing AI service risks by 90% through continuous monitoring and testing. This collaboration marks a significant step in making digital financial services more accessible and secure.

LynkiD has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines, allowing its users to convert their reward points into KrisFlyer miles. This collaboration, revealed on 14 November 2025, aims to enhance the travel experiences of LynkiD’s 8 million users by providing access to international travel services and experiences.

For years, loyalty programmes in Vietnam have been limited to domestic rewards. However, LynkiD’s partnership with KrisFlyer, the frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines, marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese loyalty industry. This new alliance enables LynkiD users to redeem their points for a variety of benefits, including international flight tickets, seat upgrades, and duty-free shopping at airports.

Every 550 LynkiD points can now be exchanged for 1 KrisFlyer mile. This opens up a world of possibilities for users, such as redeeming flights or seat upgrades with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Star Alliance member airlines. Additionally, users can book hotel stays at global chains like Marriott and Accor and access exclusive travel deals.

The partnership not only elevates the value of LynkiD points but also positions the Vietnamese loyalty brand on a global stage. By transcending geographic boundaries, LynkiD aims to bring Vietnamese loyalty experiences closer to international standards, offering its users world-class travel opportunities.

Consumers across Asia are becoming increasingly discerning about the ingredients in their food, with a recent study by Cargill revealing that over 70% of them now check labels before making a purchase. The Cargill APAC IngredienTracker™ 2025, which surveyed 2,000 respondents in China, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, highlights a growing trend towards healthier and more familiar ingredients, driven by a 101% increase in immune system-related concerns from 2017 to 2024.

The study underscores a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with more than 58% willing to pay 10% more for premium ingredients such as dark chocolate and sustainably sourced products. Local sourcing and sustainable production are particularly valued in the Chocolate & Cocoa category, where ethical consumption is on the rise. Consumers are also showing a preference for natural sweeteners, with the percentage of drink launches containing additive sweeteners rising from 18% to 29% across the Asia-Pacific region.

Plant-based texturisers, like pectin from fruit peels, are gaining popularity, whilst consumers are increasingly interested in fats and oils that offer functional benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health. Yuchu Zhang, Vice President of R&D at Cargill Food APAC, noted, “Consumer choices today are increasingly shaped not just by taste, but by how ingredients are perceived across categories.”

Cargill has responded to these insights with innovative product offerings, including high cocoa content chocolates and zero-calorie beverages. With 10 innovation centres across Asia-Pacific, Cargill continues to leverage market insights to drive product innovation and meet evolving consumer demands.

GP Industries, the world’s second-largest producer of consumer batteries, is relocating its production capacity to Southeast Asia to better serve the US market amidst rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The company, celebrating its 30th anniversary of incorporation and public listing in Singapore, aims to maintain competitiveness by leveraging its facilities in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

The strategic move will see Southeast Asian plants focusing on the US market, whilst the company’s China facility will cater to Europe and Asia. This shift is designed to streamline supply chains and meet country-of-origin requirements, ensuring cost efficiency. Victor Lo, Chairman and CEO of GP Industries, highlighted the company’s resilience and adaptability over the past three decades, stating, “We are confident that we will continue to demonstrate the same strength, adaptability, and commitment to innovation that have sustained our growth and performance through times of change.”

GP Industries, owned 86.18% by Hong Kong-listed Gold Peak Technology Group, is also planning significant investments in Johor to produce next-generation batteries for data centres. The company has seen its FY2025 gross margin for batteries rise to 25% due to improved utilisation and optimised supply chains.

Looking forward, GP Industries plans to invest in research and development, enhance operational efficiency, and expand its global network of audio experience centres. The company is also focused on nurturing future leaders to sustain its legacy, with Lo emphasising the importance of succession planning.

Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited, a global Web5 wealth technology platform, and 1exchange, a regulated exchange for Real-World Assets (RWA) security tokens, have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to advance the issuance, listing, secondary market trading, and liquidity management of RWA security tokens and private market assets. By integrating Finloop’s tokenisation technology with 1exchange’s expertise in compliant listings, the partnership seeks to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance market access and unlock new liquidity channels.

The partnership addresses the challenges posed by cross-border legal disparities and compliance requirements in the RWA sector. By embedding compliance throughout the RWA lifecycle—from tokenisation to secondary market trading—Finloop and 1exchange aim to set a new industry benchmark. Cai Hua, CEO of Finloop, stated, “We are thrilled to establish this deep collaboration with 1exchange,” highlighting the synergy between Finloop’s blockchain infrastructure and 1exchange’s trading expertise.

Sheena Lim, CEO of 1exchange, added, “Partnering with Finloop marks a significant milestone in expanding our tokenised assets offering.” The collaboration will focus on optimising RWA product structures and strengthening cross-border compliance in line with Hong Kong and Singapore’s regulatory frameworks.

As the Web3.0 industry evolves, this partnership is poised to drive the standardised development of a compliant and innovative RWA liquidity ecosystem in Asia, fostering new growth pathways in the digital economy.

Hilton is set to enhance its luxury presence in Asia Pacific with a series of high-profile hotel openings in 2025 and 2026. The hospitality giant will introduce new properties under its Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts brands, alongside the debut of the NoMad brand in the region. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Hilton’s luxury portfolio.

The Waldorf Astoria brand will see new additions in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and Cheng Chung Design, offers 204 rooms with stunning riverfront views. Meanwhile, the Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, opening in late 2026, will feature 272 suites and over 4,250 square metres of event space in the city’s Golden Triangle.

In Bengaluru, The Den Bengaluru, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is set to open in Q2 2026. Located in the city’s tech district, it will provide a blend of heritage and modernity, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts will make its Malaysian debut with Conrad Kuala Lumpur in mid-2026, offering 481 rooms in the Golden Triangle District. Additionally, Conrad Nagoya in Japan will open in 2026, showcasing local artistry and culture in a 170-room hotel.

Hilton will also introduce the NoMad brand to Asia Pacific with NoMad Singapore. Situated on Orchard Road, the 173-room hotel will offer sophisticated design and cultural programming, enhancing Singapore’s luxury hospitality landscape.

These developments underscore Hilton’s commitment to redefining luxury travel in Asia Pacific, providing guests with unparalleled experiences in key cities across the region.

Asia Pacific is leading the charge in global retail innovation, according to Colliers’ latest report, “Global Retail: 2025 Trends & 2026 Outlook”. Despite geopolitical uncertainties and tariff risks, the region is at the forefront of omnichannel, social commerce, and tech-enabled retail, driven by Gen Z and a burgeoning middle class. The report reveals a 5% real retail spending growth in Asia Pacific, outpacing Europe, the US, and Canada, which show gains of 2–3%.

The report underscores the region’s dominance in integrating digital and physical retail, with store-based sales projected to grow by 20.4% and non-store sales by 43.4% by 2028. Kathy Lee, Head of Research and Retail Consultancy, noted, “Hong Kong’s retail market is showing cautious optimism as consumer confidence stabilises and tourism recovers.”

Key findings include the significant influence of Gen Z, which constitutes 47% of the global population in this demographic, driving mobile-first and influencer-led retail. The social commerce boom is particularly notable in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with platforms like TikTok Shop thriving.

The report also highlights the expansion of the middle class, with over 332 million new households added in the past decade and 352 million more expected by 2034. Retail real estate remains stable, attracting renewed investor interest, with retail accounting for 40% of Asia Pacific cross-border capital flows.

Looking ahead, retail sales in Asia Pacific are expected to remain steady into 2026, supported by stimulus measures in China, increased tourist spending in Japan and Singapore, and population growth in Australia. Despite challenges, the region’s retail sector is poised for continued momentum.

Morgan Stanley Research has revealed that South East Asia, which possesses up to 20% of the world’s rare earth reserves, accounted for 3% of global production in 2024. The region’s strategic position in the critical minerals and rare earth value chain is set to be bolstered by recent US trade agreements aimed at reducing bottlenecks in processing infrastructure and lowering natural gas and power costs.

The report highlights that Myanmar and Laos were responsible for 21% of rare earth elements mined in 2024, although their refined market share remains small. Meanwhile, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are seeing increased investments in rare earth production, driven by favourable policies and export restrictions. These nations are tapping into over 20 million tonnes of reserves, with governments encouraging investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and the electric vehicle (EV) value chain.

The US has signed new trade agreements with South East Asian countries to enhance energy supply and rare-earth sourcing. These agreements aim to deepen critical-mineral supply chains to the US and encourage investment in rare-earth-processing capabilities. Notably, Indonesia has agreed to eliminate export restrictions on critical minerals, whilst Malaysia maintains its export ban on raw rare earths, focusing on in-country processing.

The agreements also cover a range of products, including coal and agricultural commodities, potentially leading to trade flows exceeding $10b annually. As Malaysia plans to import LNG equivalent to 14% of its domestic natural gas needs, these developments underscore the region’s growing significance in global energy and materials markets.