Asia Pacific

Moody’s Ratings predicts a slowdown in private credit growth within the Asia Pacific region. The forecast highlights a potential shift in the region's credit market dynamics.

Shares in chipmakers supporting the AI boom surged in the first half of 2026, with some manufacturers' values tripling and driving Asia Pacific stock markets higher. Semiconductor and memory chip producers saw profits soar, while large software companies fell out of favor.

PepsiCo's APAC CEO Anne Tse prioritizes curiosity, adaptability, and learning agility in entry-level hires over traditional experience. She emphasizes evaluating candidates through their past decisions and behaviors rather than credentials, as AI reshapes workplace demands.

Fit-out costs in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore have exceeded US$270 per square foot, while Grade A rents rise in Asia Pacific markets outside mainland China due to tight supply. Competition for skilled talent remains intense with regional unemployment at 4.7%.

AWS has launched Amazon Redshift RG instances powered by Graviton processors, claiming up to 7x faster query performance for data warehouses and improved cost efficiency. The new instances support AI agent workloads and integrate with data lakes, offering enhanced performance for Apache Iceberg and Parquet formats.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to lead global business-travel spending by 2026. This prediction is based on current trends and growth in the region's travel industry. The region's major airports, such as Beijing Daxing International Airport, are witnessing increased traveler traffic.

Kraken and MoneyGram have partnered to enable users to turn crypto into cash at a global scale, reaching nearly 500,000 locations globally. The service aims to improve access to cash off-ramps, especially in areas with limited bank rails or bitcoin ATM restrictions. This partnership is being rolled out in phases across multiple continents.

Japan's Prime Minister states that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is having a significant impact on the Asia Pacific region. This closure is affecting the region's stability and economy. The Prime Minister emphasizes the enormity of this impact.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented on the enormous impact of the Iran war oil crisis in the Asia Pacific region during a visit to Australia. She signed agreements on energy supplies with Australia. The crisis is affecting the region significantly.

The Department of War released a video showing US forces boarding a sanctioned tanker in the Asia Pacific. The incident highlights military activity in the region involving a vessel under sanctions.