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Time for ASEAN to rethink a single currency amid global trade tensions

Dr Uma Murthy Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das As global economic uncertainties continue to mount, Southeast Asia stands at a strategic crossroads. The recent surge in trade tensions, particularly those stemming from the United States’ (U.S.) tariff policies and restrictive trade measures, has reignited discussions across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about the need for greater financial and monetary integration. One idea, long debated but never realised, has resurfaced with renewed urgency – the adoption of a single ASEAN currency. The U.S. has increasingly adopted protectionist trade practices, disrupted global supply chains and raised the cost of doing business. The ongoing U.S.–China tariff war, for example, continues to unsettle ASEAN exporters, particularly in electronics, palm oil, and rubber. According to the World Bank, the Southeast Asian region could lose an estimated US$13 billion annually due to ripple effects from trade fragmentation and tariff hikes.[1] Currency volatility adds another layer of unpredictability. The Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit, and Indonesian rupiah have all experienced significant depreciation against the U.S. dollar over the past year, making imports more expensive and external debt burdens heavier. A single regional currency could act as a buffer, shielding ASEAN economies from external shocks and speculative currency attacks. The European Union’s adoption of the euro has created one of the largest and most stable currency unions in the world, bringing 19 countries under a unified monetary policy. While challenges remain — as seen during the Greek debt crisis — the benefits of the euro in promoting price stability, enhancing trade, and reducing transaction costs are undeniable. Eurozone trade within member states rose by over 50% in the first decade of the euro’s introduction, according to data from the European Central Bank.[2] ASEAN already has some groundwork laid. The Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), […]

Asia Industrial Online Exhibition 2025

The Asian Industrial Online Exhibition 2025 (AIOE 2025) is from March 31 to July 31, 2025, offering international buyers an exclusive opportunity to explore Asia’s top industrial manufacturers—all in one place, without the constraints of geography or time. This four-month hybrid exhibition, co-organised by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), is designed specifically to meet the growing needs of global buyers seeking reliable suppliers, advanced technologies, and efficient sourcing solutions from across Asia. Since its successful debut in 2022, AIOE has continued to deliver outstanding results for both buyers and exhibitors. For 2025, the exhibition will expand its reach with a four-month duration, strategically aligned with major global industrial events such as Hannover Messe, Global Industrie, Automate 2025, and Manufacturing World Tokyo. This synchronised timing allows buyers to explore and compare solutions from multiple regions in one procurement cycle—maximizing efficiency and market visibility. AIOE 2025 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as ASCCO INTERNATIONAL, ZITAI PRECISION MACHINERY, TW GRANDEUR MACHINERY, SAN SHING MACHINERY, U-CAN DYNATEX, KINGDOM ABRASIVE, JESPER PET, OAV EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, UNITRONIC AUTOMATION, CHU-SHIANG INDUSTRIAL, SHANG-YUH MACHINE, KINGDOM MACHINERY, CHUEN CHARNG, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest industrial products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production. Buyers can explore everything from bearings, castings, and mold-making components to general industrial equipment and mechanical parts. The exhibition also includes cutting-edge solutions in machine tools, metalworking systems, and mining and metallurgy machinery. In addition, it showcases advanced testing instruments, precision measurement devices, automation technologies, and essential industrial electronics such as power supply units, electromechanical components, and industrial computers. Packaging machinery and supporting equipment are also well represented, ensuring buyers have access to complete sourcing solutions across the entire industrial supply chain. […]

CeMAT Southeast Asia returns to Singapore

CeMAT Southeast Asia, the leading logistics and supply chain innovation trade event, is set to return to Singapore from 19 to 21 May 2025 at Singapore EXPO. Bringing together leading technology and service providers, CeMAT Southeast Asia will offer a one-stop hub for the latest in intralogistics, robotics and automation, warehousing, supply chain management, and materials handling. Attendees can expect cutting-edge product demonstrations, industry-leading solutions, and deep dives into best practices across key sectors, including e-commerce, manufacturing, food industry, pharmaceutical, FMCG, supply chain management and retail. Organised by Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, the event is the premier platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations shaping the warehouse of the future. With over 60 exhibitors, attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with key industry leaders. Notable world class exhibitors include SSI Schaefer, Daifuku, Honeywell, Körber Supply Chain, Interroll, Geek+, AutoStore, GreyOrange, Hikrobot and many more. The growing demand for advanced intralogistics technologies, along with the increasing adoption of supply chain storage in Southeast Asia, is driving market demand. A 2024 Gartner survey indicated that nearly 57% of organizations plan to increase their budgets in at least one of the four supply chain functions by more than 10% over the next three years. With Malaysia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and automation hub under its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, CeMAT Southeast Asia presents a valuable opportunity for Malaysian businesses to explore cutting-edge technologies, forge cross-border partnerships, and scale innovations regionally. The event is expected to see growing participation from Malaysian manufacturers, retailers, and supply chain leaders seeking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving trade environment. The global supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly in the face of rising tariff pressures, trade realignments and growing complexity. Events like CeMAT Southeast […]

inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 sets a new benchmark for attendance

This year’s edition welcomed 3,621 trade professionals from all aspects of the airport industry to explore the future of airport operations driven by innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. The 8th edition of inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) was held in Singapore from 25-27 March 2025. Spanning across 6,259 sqm of exhibition space, the airport exhibition and conference brought together 3,621 industry trade professionals from 53 countries and regions, and featured 134 exhibiting companies including pavilions representing Germany, Italy, Japan and Singapore. The event saw a 43% increase in exhibitor size and a 15.6% rise in attendee numbers, underscoring the rising significance of IASEA as a platform for productive discussions. The event’s achievement is also attributed to the increasing demands of operators and the rapid development and expansion of airports in Asia. The landmark event in Asia featuring the latest innovations and solutions for airports IASEA serves as the dedicated event for airports, airlines, aviation authorities, ground handlers and related business executives in Asia to learn about and experience the latest products, services and technologies, for the future development of Asia’s airports. One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the presence of a delegation of leaders from major international airports in Vietnam, including Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world’s most expensive greenfield airport projects—Noi Bai Airport, Danang Airport, Cat Bi Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, and Cam Ranh International Terminal. One of Airports Corporation of Vietnam’s (ACV) primary objectives in the coming years is the successful completion and operation of Long Thanh International Airport. Under the direction of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the presence of ACV’s delegation at IASEA 2025 was to seek high-quality solutions and potential partners for this airport. Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director, Airports Corporation […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand returns this November

After a hugely successful 2024 edition last November, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2025 – The Southeast Asian “Digital Solutions for Business” exhibition and networking platform for the global tech and digital markets – is set to return bigger and better in Bangkok, Thailand at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre from 19th to 21st November 2025. The recently concluded 2024 edition attracted over 8,600 trade visitors from 44 countries, with over 350 technology exhibitors and brands from 10 countries showcasing their cutting-edge solutions. There were over 1,500 business-matching meetings held between trade buyers and sellers. The event also saw the conduct of over 70 well- attended conference sessions conducted by over 90 industry gurus. This year, DigiTech ASEAN & AI Connect 2025 will continue to serve as a key industry gathering and market platform to present the latest digital and AI solutions for businesses across ASEAN. This event provides digital and technology vendors with an effective “face-to-face” opportunity to engage with their targeted markets across 6 key sectors, namely, Business Software, Cybersecurity, E–Commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions and IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Peerayaphan Pongsanam, Assistant Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the organiser said, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2025 is about facilitating business deals, partnerships, collaborations, and networking for the global tech and digital industry. This 3-day event also provides the platform for the industry to exchange views and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities.” Thailand offers robust growth in digital and AI sectors, supported by government initiatives and a tech-savvy population. The country’s digital economy is projected to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformations, emergence of new technologies, and growing demands for digital tools and solutions. The current value of Thailand’s […]

VCI Global secures distributorship for military-grade AI-Powered cybersecurity solutions

VCI Global Limited has exclusive distributorship of Secure Encryption Storage Limited (“SES”) for Data Security Solutions (“SES Solutions”) in Malaysia. Powered by AI, SES Solutions provide advanced features such as real-time threat detection, virus defense, data encryption, and multi-channel backup. Trusted by over 300 clients, including Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, SES is a leading choice for safeguarding enterprise data and combating cyber threats. According to Check Point Research, the urgency of addressing cybersecurity risks is highlighted by a 30% year-over-year increase in global cyberattacks, with organisations facing an average of 1,636 cyberattacks per week. In response to the rising threat landscape, leading technology players have taken significant steps to enhance data protection. Inetum has partnered with Rubrik, Inc. to improve data protection and recovery, while IBM Corporation launched the Guardium Data Security Center, offering AI and quantum-safe features for unified data protection. At the same time, Salesforce, Inc. has completed its US$1.9 billion acquisition of Own Company, leveraging the latter’s data protection and management solutions to enhance the security and compliance of customer data across the Salesforce platform. These strategic initiatives reflect the increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions. According to Statista, the global cybersecurity market is projected to reach around US$280 billion by 2029, fueled by advancements in AI and the growing need for enhanced security. In Malaysia, the cybersecurity market is expected to grow from around US$500 million in 2025 to approximately US$800 million by 2029. In response to this growth, VCI Global is positioning itself to capture 3% of the Malaysian market, with expected revenues surpassing US$15 million within the first two years of its partnership.

Founder Group to construct floating solar farm in Malaysia

Founder Group Limited, an engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, has secured a Letter of Award (LOA) worth RM20 million (approximately US$4.5 million) for the construction of a floating solar farm in Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Spanning approximately 24 acres, this project, utilising floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology, is designed to generate 9.99MWac/15.033625MWp of solar power. This cutting-edge FPV technology, which involves solar panels mounted on floating platforms in bodies of water, helps reduce land usage while maximising energy generation. The project is expected to significantly contribute to land conservation, preserve natural habitats, and reinforce Founder Group’s mission of delivering innovative, eco-friendly energy solutions. It further underscores the Company’s commitment to advancing carbon neutrality. Founder Group will serve as a sub-contractor, responsible for supplying labour, hand tools, materials, and necessary machinery and equipment to support the execution of General Conditions Preliminaries & Consultation. The floating solar farm is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Founder Group Limited is a pure-play, end-to-end EPCC solutions provider for solar PV facilities in Malaysia. The company’s primary focus is on two key segments: large-scale solar projects and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects. The company’s mission is to provide customers with innovative solar installation services, promote eco-friendly resources and achieve carbon-neutrality. https://www.founderenergy.com.my/.

Operationalising AI for manufacturing in ASEAN

Karen Kim, CEO Human Managed While the hype around Gen-AI will shift to the buzz around agentic-AI in 2025, traditional sectors such as manufacturing will still be coming to terms on deploying AI strategies to become participants of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the next phase where disruptive trends including data, connectivity, analytics, robotics and human-machine interaction is said to transform manufacturing significantly. According to a Kearney study[1], while over 70% of ASEAN manufacturers polled claimed to be “non-leaders/followers” of AI adoption, 47% believe investment in AI is “very critical” for their business. Gartner’s[2] Prism use case of GenAI in Manufacturing encourages leaders to evaluate AI use cases on a strategy that addresses both value generation and feasibility . Value parameters include increased revenue, increased efficiency, managed risk and non-financial gain. Feasibility parameters include technical feasibility, internal readiness, external readiness. So how can leaders operationalise AI, keeping value and feasibility in mind? At Human Managed, we believe it begins with an understanding of data. A framework to understand the highest impact for manufacturing businesses in the age of AI, would be to understand “3 Ops”-DataOps (Feeding AI), MLOps (Tuning AI), IntelOps (Applying AI). Data Ops (Feeding AI) In the manufacturing sector, data can be provided through assets in an interconnected ecosystem. From a range of sensors, machine data on temperature, vibrations, pressure, power consumption, operating hours etc are collected. Industrial machines, robotic arms and assembly lines can provide process data includes information on production rates, cycle times, error rates, material usage. Image and video data from cameras capture data for product dimensions and defect detection. ERP systems provide information on inventory levels, order information, transportation data. Given the vast array of data, manufacturing enterprises have to first solve for the issues around understanding the data itself. […]

Sumitomo Rubber Industries selects Rockwell Automation to standardise global plant operations

Rockwell Automation, Inc.the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has been selected by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a leading global tire and rubber manufacturer, to support the company’s digital transformation efforts across plant floors globally. Sumitomo Rubber, known for its Dunlop and Falken brands, will deploy Rockwell’s FactoryTalk® ProductionCentre®, a manufacturing execution system (MES) platform, as part of its strategy to integrate and standardise business and production data. Deployment will begin at the company’s Shirakawa plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and expand to other plants worldwide following evaluation. Sumitomo Rubber is addressing growing business challenges, including material cost increase and labour shortages, by implementing highly efficient production systems through digital technology. The company aims to standardise production across its global sites, which handle high-mix, low-volume production. To enhance integration with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Sumitomo Rubber chose Rockwell’s FactoryTalk ProductionCentre for its seamless compatibility with existing systems and its specialised knowledge in tire manufacturing. “We believe leveraging Rockwell Automation’s expertise will enable us to standardise manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally, driving our growth,” said Kenji Saito, executive officer and general manager of the tire manufacturing headquarters at Sumitomo Rubber Industries. “Based on our mid-term management vision, we intend to deploy the new system beginning with the domestic plant. We will continue to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in manufacturing, and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI.” “We are pleased to support Sumitomo Rubber by integrating our tire MES solution, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, into their existing systems,” said James Glasson, vice president, global Industry auto, tire and advanced mobility. “This initiative will enhance operating efficiency, minimise manufacturing risks, reduce implementation costs and significantly accelerate speed to market.” Sumitomo Rubber aims to strengthen its organisational structure through […]

SANY Empowers Intelligent Port Construction to Achieve Major Breakthrough

SHANGHAI – Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., the port machinery subsidiary of SANY Group, has achieved a significant breakthrough with its H-Move2.0 intelligent system in the tire crane automation project at the Port of Tianjin. The system has improved the operational efficiency of tire cranes to 20 moves per hour, setting a new standard in the development of green, digital, and intelligent ports. With the upcoming COP29 and the manufacturing industries calling for net-zero development, SANY is firmly taking the path of industrial transformation with concrete actions to reach the carbon goals. SANY Marine is committed to becoming the technology leader of logistics equipment, providing electric, intelligent, unmanned and integrated solutions for intelligent ports and supporting the green transformation of the global port machinery industry. Faced with challenges such as energy saving carbon reduction, and intelligent development, the need for anti-shaking and anti-twisting capabilities, and labor shortages, SANY Marine’s intelligent port solutions have provided significant advancements. These include real-time anti-shaking and anti-twisting technologies to ensure automated and safe operations, pushing operational efficiency beyond traditional manual methods. Leveraging digital twin technologies, the team can predict and simulate the trajectory and position of the containers and adding the spreader lowering action to essential technical functions to achieve exceptional results. The automation efficiency of a traditional tire crane is about 15 to 16 cycles per hour, while the new version integrating GPS, AI visualisation, and 3D scanning imaging technologies can significantly improve the signal’s reliability. After four months of test trials, the No.45 machine has improved the automated working efficiency to 20 cycles per hour, surpassing manual labor for the first time in the industry. By predicting and simulating the trajectory and position of the landing box, the action of lowering the spreader is added to the technical essentials of manual work, […]

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