Asia In Focus

Thailand will be holding its elections on 14 May. This election shaping up to be the most competitive one since 2011. Now, Thaksin is now back in the spotlight as Pheu Thai tries to repeat its electoral feats of the past. We discuss if this election produce political stability and free up the government to focus on economic transformation, or if there will be a return of large-scale demonstrations in Bangkok.

China’s reopening has been one of the most discussed topics for international companies recently. In this podcast, our experts discuss the most recent developments in China after an about-turn in its zero-COVID policy, the outlook for the country in 2023, the key issues at the top of the agenda for many of our clients, and how businesses should correctly calibrate their risk vs. opportunity lens to derive the maximum value from China’s opening up.

Few National Congresses of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in history seem to have generated as much global media attention and market response as this year’s, underscoring how business is increasingly driven by politics. With all eyes on China's future political trajectory and business environment, have the fundamentals of its long-term growth changed?

The Pacific Islands are caught in the midst of great power competition, but they are also taking it as an opportunity to promote their own agenda, which may lead to new interest from businesses.

Global attention remains on Sri Lanka. Economies with the potential for similar issues see its plans to manage debt with international creditors and set for IMF bailout to be replicable, and – despite the challenges – there are still opportunities in Sri Lanka for international businesses.

The imprisonment of former PM Najib Razak will have impacts on Malaysia's political stability, a perennial issue in the country. However, it remains a well-placed investment destination for companies looking for opportunities, especially in the sectors that are on the rise.

Pelosi's trip may have ushered in a new normal of increased US-China tensions, growing actions and countermeasures around Taiwan and more broadly, and a deepening dilemma for businesses. From security to supply chain, the risk exposure is greater than what companies may have expected.

In this podcast, our experts discuss the challenges that foreign companies face in the country, what they should be doing to mitigate those risks, the opportunities and growth sectors that lie ahead, and finally, can Vietnam really replace China in global supply chains?

Despite the numerous headlines and discussions about diversification, many businesses underestimate not only how reliant on China their supply chains are, but also the operational challenges in South-East Asia, a region known for its diversity.

Our Control Risks experts discuss the lessons that should be learnt from the Shanghai lockdown, the prospects of China’s next zero-COVID chapter, and what organisations should focus on and prepare for right now.

Our Control Risks experts discuss the big-picture significance of Biden’s inaugural trip to Asia, the future of the flashpoints in the region, and what business should do to strengthen resilience against the potential risks.

Our Control Risks experts discuss the impact of this polarising election outcome, the concerns of businesses and investors on the ground, and what businesses should consider doing right now.

Climate action, technology regulations and supply chain disruptions are three seismic shifts that we’ve seen in business risks in Asia, and which will continue to impact businesses in 2022. However, opportunities abound for companies that understand their nuances and have the skills to navigate them. In this podcast, we discuss the key risks to businesses in Asia Pacific in 2022, as well as the opportunities for growth.

How will Asia’s geopolitical dynamics shape the business landscape in Asia in 2022? Andrew Gilholm and Angela Mancini discuss some of the key themes and long-term trends that will loom large for business in 2022.

Against the backdrop of all that’s happening in Myanmar, exiting the country is definitely an option. But should international companies make the harder choice to stay? We discuss the alternative strategy of “responsible resilience” – combining tough short-term decisions with a long-term commitment to the country.