Category: Business

Business

11-Year-Old Thai Boy Loses Over ฿1 Million in Pokémon Card Scam — Collector Community Shocked as Alleged Fraud Victims Pile Up

An 11-year-old boy’s dream of owning a rare Pokémon card turned into a devastating financial loss after he allegedly became one of more than two dozen victims in a multi-million-baht trading card scam in Thailand. The young collector reportedly lost more than 1 million baht (around US$30,000) after paying for a highly valuable Pokémon card that was never delivered, according to reports from the Bangkok Post and other regional media outlets. The case has sparked concern among Thailand’s growing

August 24, 2026

Business

Singapore Is Bringing Driverless Vehicles to Its Roads — But the Real Battle Is What Happens to Thousands of Drivers Next

Singapore is preparing for a major transformation of its transport system as the government looks toward autonomous vehicles (AVs) to tackle a growing manpower challenge — but the technology shift is also raising questions about the future of thousands of drivers who depend on the industry for their livelihoods. During the National Day Rally 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore intends to expand the use of autonomous vehicles once the technology proves reliable, highlighting AVs as

August 24, 2026

Business

Emperador Is Back on the Global Investor Map — But the Real Question Is Whether This FTSE Return Can Trigger Its Biggest Growth Move Yet

Emperador Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest beverage companies, is making a comeback on the global investment radar after being included again in the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (FTSE GEIS) as a Small Cap constituent. The move marks a renewed recognition of the company’s market standing and could open the door to increased visibility among international investors tracking global equity benchmarks. FTSE GEIS, managed by FTSE Russell under the London Stock Exchange Group, is one of the w

August 24, 2026

Business

Vietnam Is Cracking Down on Counterfeit Goods—And Cross-Border Sellers May Be Next in the Spotlight

Vietnam is moving to give customs officials stronger tools to stop counterfeit and intellectual-property-infringing goods at the border—a move that could have major implications for international brands, online sellers and cross-border trade. Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the country’s Customs Law that will expand the authority of customs officials to intercept goods suspected of violating intellectual property rights. The legislation, approved on August 23, 2026, stre

August 24, 2026

Business

Alibaba Just Raised $10 Billion for AI — But Investors Are Asking One Dangerous Question: What Happens Next?

Alibaba has made one of its boldest moves yet in the global artificial intelligence race, raising approximately HK$80 billion (US$10.2 billion) through a massive Hong Kong share placement. But instead of celebrating the fundraising victory, investors pushed the company’s stock sharply lower, sending Alibaba shares down about 8% in early trading. The market reaction highlights a growing concern among investors: Can Alibaba’s enormous AI spending generate returns fast enough to justify the billio

August 24, 2026

Business

Samsung Just Announced an $80 Billion Investor Windfall — So Why Did Its Stock Suddenly Drop?

Samsung Electronics shocked markets with one of the largest shareholder return programs in South Korean corporate history — but instead of celebrating, investors pushed the stock lower. Shares of the technology giant dropped more than 5% in early trading after Samsung revealed plans that could return as much as 110 trillion won (around US$79 billion) to shareholders this year through dividends, share buybacks, and other capital-return measures. The market reaction raised a bigger question: Why

August 24, 2026

Business

Japan Is Bracing for a 3.8% Bond Shock — But the Real Cost Could Be Much Bigger

TOKYO — Japan’s Finance Ministry is considering raising the assumed interest rate used to calculate government debt-servicing costs to 3.8% for its fiscal 2027 budget request, a sharp increase from the 3.0% assumption used in the fiscal 2026 budget. The proposed figure would be the highest in roughly three decades and reflects a dramatic shift in Japan’s financial landscape as long-term bond yields climb and the era of ultra-cheap government borrowing fades. But the 3.8% figure does not mean J

August 23, 2026

Business

Taiwan Just Changed Its Stock Market Rules — But What Happens Next Could Surprise Millions of Investors

Taiwan is preparing for a major adjustment to its stock market operations, with a new trading schedule designed to make it easier for smaller investors to participate. Starting December 7, 2026, the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) will move the execution time for intraday odd-lot trading to 9:00 a.m., bringing it 10 minutes earlier than the current schedule. Brokerage firms will also begin accepting odd-lot orders from investors at 8:30 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than before. The TWSE said the chan

August 23, 2026

Business

Everyone Thought AI Would Destroy Jobs — But What Companies Are Doing Instead Is Changing the Future of Work

For years, the biggest fear surrounding artificial intelligence was simple: AI would take millions of jobs and leave workers behind. But a new regional workplace report suggests the future may be far more complicated. Instead of cutting employees because of AI adoption, many companies are preparing for a different workplace revolution — one where humans and artificial intelligence work side by side. The report found that 61% of senior executives across the region expect employee numbers to co

August 23, 2026

Business

Thailand’s “Rent an Uncle” Trend Is Taking Off — But What’s Really Driving People to Hire Older Companions?

BANGKOK — A surprising new trend in Thailand is putting older adults in the spotlight: people are increasingly paying for the company, conversation and experience of older men through so-called “rent an uncle” services. The phenomenon, highlighted by the Bangkok Post on Aug. 23, 2026, reflects a broader change in how companionship, ageing and social connection are being viewed in Thailand. The concept is not simply about hiring someone to perform a task. For some participants, it offers somethi

August 23, 2026