Featured News
Stay on top of the latest business news from across Asia. Here we bring you a selection of the latest articles on economic, regulatory, tax, HR, and payroll developments published on our respective regional platforms.
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China Briefing
China PIPL: Key Compliance Signals from CAC’s January 2026 Q&A
China’s data protection regime is entering a more operational phase, with regulators placing greater emphasis on definitions, documentation, and accountability. The CAC’s January 2026 Q&A highlights how FIEs should translate legal requirements into practical compliance measures.
The Greater Bay Area IIT Subsidy for 2026 Kickstarts in Shenzhen
Shenzhen has opened applications for the 2026 GBA IIT subsidy program. High-end foreign talent have until March 31 to apply for a rebate on the portion of IIT paid in excess of 15 percent of their taxable income.
China Releases Official 2026 Public Holiday Schedule
In 2026, workers will be entitiled to a total of 13 days off, while the Chinese New Year break will reach a record length of nine days.
US-China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era: A Timeline
On December 31, 2025, Trump signed a proclamation delaying the increase in tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year.
India Briefing
How to Start a Company in India: A Practical, Compliance-First Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide to starting a company in India, covering legal structures, FDI rules, tax registrations, GST, labor laws, and key government approvals.
Corporate Tax Compliance for Foreign Companies in India: A Practical Roadmap for 2026
We explain India’s 2026 corporate tax regime for foreign companies with insights on compliance timelines, DTAA documentation, and regulatory risks.
Virtual PE Risk: The OECD's 2025 Guidance and India's Position
The rise of remote work is challenging traditional PE rules based on physical presence. Businesses assessing potential virtual PE presence in India must consider the OECD’s 2025 guidance, India’s virtual PE debate and key judicial rulings.
Tiger Global-Flipkart Tax Dispute: A Landmark Test of India’s Anti-Avoidance Regime
On January 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the country’s substance-over-form doctrine in the Tiger Global-Flipkart case, confirming that tax authorities may deny treaty benefits under GAAR even where valid TRCs are in place. For foreign investors, the ruling underscores the importance of establishing genuine commercial substance.
Vietnam Briefing
Vietnam Introduces Motorcycle Emission Standards amid Nationwide Air-Quality Reforms
Vietnam introduces national motorcycle emission standards, establishing a first nationwide framework for controlling motorcycle and moped emissions.
Administrative Penalties for Tax and Invoice Violations in Vietnam
Effective from January 16, 2026, Decree 310/2025 significantly overhauls Vietnam's administrative penalties for tax and invoice violations.
New National Center Backs Vietnam’s Semiconductor Push
Vietnam enhances its backing for the semiconductor industry by launching the Vietnam National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Center.
Vietnam Mandates Centralized Electronic Labor Contracts from July 2026: Key Requirements under Decree 337
From July 1, 2026, Vietnam’s government mandates that all electronic labor contracts must be digitally managed on a centralized platform.
ASEAN Briefing
Choosing The Appropriate Legal Entity for Foreign Investors in Thailand
Foreign investors entering Thailand must choose the right legal entity to manage ownership limits, licensing, capital requirements, and long-term exit risk.
Managing Group Reporting and Consolidation from Vietnam
Foreign investors in Vietnam should plan group reporting early, as accounting and reporting risks become group-level issues.
Malaysia Revises Its Expatriate Employment Policy
Malaysia will revise its expatriate employment policy from June 2026, raising salary thresholds and introducing time limits for Employment Pass holders.
Withholding Tax Treatment for Cross-Border Payments in Singapore
Foreign investors should assess how withholding tax applies to cross-border payments in Singapore, including rates, treaty risk, and issues that affect cost and compliance.