Asia-Pacific

China's rare ballistic missile launch into the Pacific is expected to strengthen defense cooperation among regional powers in the Asia-Pacific. Analysts suggest this move will push wary countries to deepen their security ties in response.

The article examines whether Australia can establish itself as a central hub for artificial intelligence in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights the potential for Australia to leverage its strategic location and resources to lead AI development in the area.

The Global Finals of the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge, organized by HSBC and The Hongkong Bank Foundation, featured 24 four-member university undergraduate teams from 20 countries across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East tackling real-time business problems. In its 19th year, the competition tests students' financial literacy and teamwork in a simulated executive environment.

The Asia-Pacific is undergoing a significant transformation in ocean governance, with governments expanding marine protected areas, investing in blue carbon initiatives, deploying digital fisheries monitoring systems, and emphasizing the ocean's role in climate resilience and economic growth. The 2026 Our Ocean Conference highlighted this momentum.

A UN report highlights an $800 billion climate fund gap in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing the need for integrated, systemic, and transformative action. It also underscores conserving biodiversity through nature-positive pathways in the region.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he would most likely hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8. The summit will include 32 NATO leaders and officials from Gulf and Asia-Pacific partners amid tensions over burden-sharing, defense spending, and U.S. complaints regarding allies' involvement in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Iran war.

INTERPOL has reported a 'dramatic increase' in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, driven by digitalization, internet expansion, new technologies, organized criminal networks, and uneven cybersecurity readiness. Phishing is highlighted as the most widespread threat in the region.

Australia is positioned to become an Asia-Pacific energy superpower as global energy security concerns rise due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, clean energy transitions, and increased demand from AI data centers. Asia and the Pacific regions, heavily reliant on imported fuels, are highlighted as key beneficiaries of Australia's potential energy role.

Japan dominates the Asia-Pacific real estate market, accounting for 28% of direct investment in Asia-Pacific commercial real estate last year. Tokyo's grade A office vacancy rate was 0.7% in Q1 2024, with rents rising for nine consecutive quarters, up 13.2%.

Asia-Pacific cities account for 39% of top global financial services companies and 36% of leading financial centres, according to Colliers. Cities like Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are highlighted as top talent hubs, while New York leads the report with a score of 4.6.

Asia-Pacific cities account for 39% of top global financial services companies and 36% of leading financial centres, according to Colliers. Cities like Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are highlighted as key talent hubs, while New York leads with a score of 4.6 followed by London at 3.9.

Visa's CFO Chris Suh downplays the significance of stablecoin and agentic commerce to the company's short-term growth, attributing recent revenue gains to traditional fiat transactions. While Visa has expanded stablecoin-linked card programs and tested AI-driven payments, only $7 billion of its $14 trillion annual settlements involve cryptocurrencies. CEO Ryan McInerney and Asia-Pacific head Stephen Karpin express more optimism about these innovations, highlighting potential in emerging markets and Web3.

US fintech firm iCapital has doubled its office space in Hong Kong, leasing a 9,000 sq ft space in One International Finance Centre's Central district to meet rising demand for wealth-management services in Asia. The company, which previously operated from St George’s Building, is preparing for growth under head of Asia-Pacific Tuan Lam.

A survey by Aon found that 74% of 504 Asia-Pacific companies use AI for tasks, but many are adding AI-related roles without laying off workers, contradicting concerns about job cuts in industries like finance.

Asia-Pacific is expected to drive global retail sales over the next five years despite the Middle East conflict dampening consumer confidence. Deloitte Asia-Pacific’s Anand Ramanathan noted that the war is causing higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions, which could weigh on consumer and business sentiment.

IREN is establishing its first data center campus in Australia to meet Asia-Pacific AI demand. The company recently secured $3.65 billion in financing to support its Microsoft AI contract.

Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed on Tuesday as investors weighed renewed uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. The uncertainty dented investor sentiment, affecting regional stock prices.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised defense allies in Asia and highlighted stable ties with China at an Asia security forum in Singapore. Key US allies discussed the security impact of geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

The Shangri-La conference in Singapore highlighted the Asia-Pacific region's focus on rearmament as military budgets rise globally. Discussions centered on enhancing security through increased weapon procurement, driven by the intensifying US-China rivalry.

The Iran war is causing an unexpected increase in travel to secondary cities in the Asia-Pacific region as travelers opt for closer destinations. This shift is boosting trips to smaller cities during the summer season.

Asia-Pacific markets opened lower on Thursday as investors monitored ongoing Iran-U.S. negotiations. The geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States are influencing market sentiment in the region.

Dr. Evan Medeiros, a former top U.S. government advisor on Asia-Pacific affairs and current Georgetown University professor, predicts that the current stability in U.S.-China relations will not endure. He highlights his extensive experience in U.S. national security and policy roles to underscore his assessment.

A US diplomat has stated that APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is an important component of the United States' trade agenda. The statement underscores the significance of the multilateral organization in shaping regional economic policy and trade relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.

Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open higher as investors monitor U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations. However, Iran's intention to maintain its enriched uranium stockpile domestically is creating obstacles in peace deal talks, while oil prices declined during U.S. trading.

Asia-Pacific data centres received a record US$11.6 billion in investment in 2025, driven by the AI boom. Hong Kong is positioning itself as a niche player in the data centre market, supported by demand from hyperscale cloud service providers, mainland Chinese technology companies, and financial institutions, though technical limitations may restrict AI-specific applications.

Asia-Pacific data centres attracted a record US$11.6 billion in investment during 2025, driven by the AI boom. Hong Kong's data centre market is supported by hyperscale cloud service providers, mainland Chinese tech and e-commerce companies, and financial institutions, though AI-related demand faces technical limitations in the region.

The International Energy Agency forecasts that electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for nearly 30% of global car sales in 2026, driven by falling battery prices. Despite an 8% drop in Q1 EV sales due to policy changes in China and the US, growth remains strong in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, with China continuing to dominate production and exports.

Ekimetrics and The Marketing Society released The CMO Tension Report, examining challenges faced by 14 Chief Marketing Officers across Asia-Pacific. The research identifies multiple competing dimensions including AI, creativity, measurement, and short-term versus long-term strategy priorities.

Asia-Pacific markets fell on Wednesday due to elevated bond yields and renewed geopolitical tensions, specifically with Iran. Treasury yields climbed, contributing to the market decline. Investors weighed these factors, leading to a lower opening in Asia markets.

Asia-Pacific markets are expected to rise due to lower oil prices after President Donald Trump delayed a planned attack on Iran. The postponement of the strike has eased concerns in the market. This development comes after Trump announced the delay, impacting oil prices and market sentiment.

BNP clients are focusing more on AI beneficiaries in the APAC region, indicating a shift in investment priorities. This change reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the Asia-Pacific region. BNP is adapting to this trend by adjusting its client services.

Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open mixed due to renewed geopolitical tensions after Donald Trump's warning to Iran. The warning has sparked fresh oil supply fears, leading to investor caution. Trump told Iran to 'get moving, FAST' amid ongoing tensions.

South Korea's Kospi reached a record high of 8,000 as talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping entered their second day. Investors tracked the high-stakes discussions, resulting in mixed trading in Asia-Pacific markets. The ongoing negotiations have significant implications for global trade and economics.

Asia-Pacific stocks traded mixed ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, which will discuss trade, tariffs, and technology restrictions. The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is closely watched. The summit may have significant implications for global trade and economy.

Asia-Pacific markets rose despite fresh doubts over the U.S.-Iran ceasefire after a warning from Donald Trump. Investors shrugged off the concerns, leading to a rise in the markets. The fragile ceasefire remains a concern for investors.

Asia-Pacific markets opened lower on Friday due to renewed tensions between Iran and the U.S. following clashes, amid a fragile ceasefire. The concerns over hostilities have led to a decline in market performance. This development indicates a potentially volatile situation in the region.

Asia-Pacific markets jumped despite renewed tensions in the Middle East, with Japan's Nikkei 225 topping 61,000 for the first time. The market surge came as investors looked past US President Trump's Iran threats. This uptrend indicates a positive outlook for the region's economy.

BlackBerry has selected Malaysia as a strategic hub to expand its cybersecurity operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The move aims to strengthen the company's presence in cybersecurity markets across Asia.