Turning Tides

Good morning! While Bali's hitting the brakes on concrete jungles, Japan and Thailand are playing musical chairs with PMs faster than you can say "sushi-pad thai fusion." China's economic dragon is sneezing (no, it's not COVID) while its "dupe economy" is booming. From beach laws to billion-dollar pivots, Asia's script is getting a major overhaul. Grab your popcorn – this blockbuster's just getting started!

BUSINESS
What’s baking

🏝️ Bali Says 'No More' to New Hotels

Bali's hitting the brakes on new hotel developments starting October. The island's governor aims to focus on quality over quantity in tourism. Existing projects get a pass, but newcomers? They'll need to look elsewhere for 5 or 10 years – we should know very soon. Bali's message: Let's keep paradise from turning into a concrete jungle! But is it going to actually happen?

🏗️ Hong Kong's New World, Old Problems

New World Development's stock took a nosedive, plunging 14.1% to a 21-year low. The Hong Kong real estate giant warned of hefty losses, highlighting the city's property market woes. Looks like this New World is facing some very old-school challenges.

🌍 Pressure to raise tariffs on Chinese exports spreads beyond the West

China has been targeted with measures on a range of exports, including solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), steel, aluminium, and even low-value retail goods. These mounting tariffs could pressure growth as trade is crucial to the world’s second-largest economy. 🔥

🌿 Thailand's Weed Scene: High Hopes, Hazy Rules

Thailand's cannabis landscape is in flux. Weed shops are still open in Bangkok and beyond, but don't light up just yet. Public smoking or vaping is a no-go, and even the smell could land you a hefty 25,000 baht ($765) fine for 'public nuisance'. The rules are as clear as bong water, leaving room for potential police exploitation. Bottom line? Thailand's not the cannabis free-for-all some imagined.

🛢️ Middle East: From Black Gold to Silicon Dreams

UAE, Saudi Arabia, and pals are pouring petrodollars into AI. These oil titans hope tech will diversify their economies and boost output. Seems like they're betting on bits and bytes to secure their future beyond the oil wells! 🤖💰

📉 Singapore's Stock Market Blues

Singapore's stock market is feeling under the weather, struggling to shake off investor pessimism. Despite efforts to boost liquidity and attract listings, the market's pulse remains weak. The Lion City's roar in the financial jungle? More of a meow lately.

🇦🇺 Aussies Go Gaga for Japanese Stocks

Australian investors are saying "G'day" to Japanese shares, riding the wave of corporate reforms. With the Nikkei 225 up 28% this year, it's not just sushi that's tempting the Aussies. Japan's market makeover is turning heads Down Under.

👜 Luxury Stocks: From Bling to Bargain Bin

LVMH, the luxury titan, has lost its sparkle, dropping 30% to a 2.5-year low. The entire sector's feeling less than fabulous. Seems like even the rich are tightening their Gucci belts! Designer dreams on discount.

POLITICS
A Quick Recap

🗳️ Japan's New PM: Shigeru Ishiba Takes the Helm

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has tapped former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba as the next PM, set to succeed Fumio Kishida on October 1. Known for his military expertise, Ishiba's appointment signals a potential shift in Japan's defense posture. New captain, same ship – but will the course change?

👑 Thailand's Political Dynasty: The Shinawatra Saga Continues

Thailand's new PM, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is carrying on her father Thaksin's legacy. As the third Shinawatra to lead Thailand, she's promising economic reforms and reconciliation. It's a family affair in Thai politics, and it is unpacking in font of our eyes. 🇹🇭

🇲🇾 Malaysia's Balancing Act: Neutrality in a Polarized World

Malaysia's doubling down on its non-aligned stance, pushing for neutrality in an increasingly divided global landscape. Navigating between superpowers, the country's betting on diplomacy to protect its interests. In the high-stakes game of geopolitics, Malaysia's playing it cool. 😎

🇲🇾 Malaysia's Anwar: Corruption Fighter or Vendetta Seeker?

At the same time with neutrality pursue, Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim is facing heat over anti-corruption probes. Critics cry political vendetta, while supporters see a cleanup crusade. Is it justice or just settling old scores? Interesting dynamics considering the country’s high ambitions.

TECH
Activity is there

🎭 Neon's Bright IPO Plans

Temasek-backed Neon, the immersive entertainment whiz, is eyeing a dazzling $389 million IPO in Singapore. With its finger on the pulse of digital experiences, Neon's looking to light up the SGX. Stay tuned for this blockbuster listing!

🚗 Geely Gears Up in Vietnam

Chinese auto giant Geely's revving up its game with a $168 million plant in Vietnam. Set to boost annual production, this move signals Geely's ambition to conquer Southeast Asian roads. A good move for Vietnam.

💰 eToro's Aussie Adventure

Social trading platform eToro just snagged an Australian investing app for a cool $55 million. This Down Under deal aims to beef up eToro's offerings and expand its global footprint. 🇦🇺

🌱 Qarbotech's Green Dream

Malaysian agritech startup Qarbotech just harvested $1.5 million in funding. With a focus on sustainable farming solutions, they're planting the seeds for a greener future. Does money grow on trees? We’ll see.

🚫 South Korea's Deepfake Crackdown

South Korea's taking a stand against deepfakes, passing a bill that criminalizes possessing or watching sexually explicit AI-generated content. In the battle against digital deception, the Land of the Morning Calm isn't sleeping on the job!

💾 Supabase's Super Raise

Supabase is almost in every YC tech stack but not everyone knows that they are a Singapore-based company. PostgreSQL platform Supabase just bagged a whopping $80 million to expand its offerings. With this cash injection, they're set to supercharge database development.

SPORTS
Grand Prix Weekend

🏎️ Lando's Landslide in Singapore F1 GP

Lando Norris stormed to victory at the F1 Singapore GP, leaving rivals in his rearview mirror. He led from lights to flag, finishing a jaw-dropping 20 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. Looks like Lando finally mastered the art of getting off to a flying start.

🏍️ Indonesian MotoGP 2024: Martin's Mandalika Masterclass

Jorge Martin blazed to victory at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, finally conquering the Mandalika circuit after past disappointments. 'The Martinator' extended his championship lead to 21 points with a dominant performance. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta impressed with a solid second, while Francesco Bagnaia salvaged third after early struggles. The race saw plenty of drama, with crashes and mechanical issues shaking up the field. Mandalika delivered thrills, spills, and a shake-up in the title race.

🎾 Beijing Open: Alcaraz Aces China Open Debut

Carlos Alcaraz continued his mastery over Daniil Medvedev, clinching a 7-5, 6-3 victory in a high-quality China Open semi-final. The Spanish phenom reached his first Beijing final and fifth of the season, denying Medvedev a chance at back-to-back finals. Despite a topsy-turvy first set with four consecutive service breaks, Alcaraz pulled away in the second. The Diamond Court crowd was treated to an exhibition-like performance filled with highlight-reel worthy shots. Alcaraz now awaits either defending champ Jannik Sinner or wildcard Bu Yunchaokete in the final.

RECS
Q4 Starts Now

🗓️ 92 Days Till 2025: Time to sprint, not stumble! Dust off those 2024 goals and give 'em one last push, it’s not too late to make life-changing moves.

🏝️ 2025 Traveling Checklist Add – Sumba: Just an hour south of Bali, Sumba's serving up a cultural cocktail that'll knock your flip-flops off. It is a very special place in Indonesia, so we recommend to add it to your list by all means.

🍽️ Singapore's Michelin Munchies: Don’t forget to treat your taste buds for all the hard work this year. Hit up Meta for its fresh two-star swagger, or try newbies like Pangium for Straits cuisine that'll make your ancestors proud. Feeling green? Fiz is serving up sustainability with a side of Southeast Asian flair. Add those restaurants to your list for the next visit.