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
Ctrip Fined RMB 10 Million for Illegally Exporting Personal Data – Lessons for Foreign Companies
The fine marks the largest penalty for illegal export of personal information issued to date. We break down what happened, why the fine was so severe, and how foreign companies can avoid making the same mistake.
5 Common Mistakes Foreign SMEs Make When Entering the Chinese Market
From choosing the wrong corporate structure to underestimating IP risks, we outline five common mistakes foreign SMEs make when entering the Chinese market – and how to avoid them.
China Clarifies Medical Device Classification for Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Guide for Foreign Investors
NMPA's new guideline sorts BCI devices into concrete risk classes and registration pathways, turning what used to be a regulatory guessing game into a roadmap foreign investors can actually plan around. Find out which devices get the fast-track Class II route, which face the full Class III gauntlet, and what it all means for your China market entry strategy.
SAMR's Extraterritorial M&A Review: Five Enforcement Trends Foreign Deal Teams Must Prepare For
Major conditional M&A approvals granted by China's antitrust regulator in 2025 signal a more assertive era of antitrust enforcement that extends beyond the country's own borders. Here are five trends deal teams must consider when carrying out global M&As.
India Briefing
Employee State Insurance Compliance for Foreign Companies and Indian Subsidiaries
Employee State Insurance (ESI) compliance applies to foreign companies establishing a presence in India. Employers must comply with ESI registration, employee coverage, employer contributions, and statutory obligations.
A Guide to Minimum Wage in India in 2026
We address frequently asked questions that foreign hiring managers may have about minimum wages in India. In 2026, several states and jurisdictions have revised their rates, with Uttar Pradesh among the latest to increase its minimum wage ceiling.
Setting Up a Representative Office in India: RBI Approval, Eligibility & Compliance
Foreign companies can use a representative office to explore India's market before investing. Learn the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) setup process, eligibility, permitted activities, and compliance requirements.
India Gratuity Rules 2026-27: Calculation, Tax Treatment, Employer Compliance
Understand gratuity in India for FY 2026–27, including eligibility, calculation under the Code on Wages, and tax treatment under the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Rules, 2026, with exemptions and relief provisions.
Vietnam Briefing
Vietnam Economy H1 2026: GDP, FDI, Trade and Manufacturing Review
Explore Vietnam's H1 2026 economic performance, including GDP growth, FDI, manufacturing, trade, labour market trends, and the outlook for foreign investors.
Representative Office Compliance in Vietnam: Operations, Tax, and PIT Risks
Representative offices enable foreign companies to establish a presence in Vietnam, but ongoing compliance and personal income tax (PIT) risks require careful management.
From Outsourcing to Ownership: Using the BOT Model to Build a Software Team in Vietnam
Explore Vietnam’s expanding software outsourcing market and how Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models enable firms to establish scalable offshore centers.
US Section 301 Forced Labor Investigation: New Trade Compliance Risks for Vietnam Exporters
Learn which industries may be affected and how businesses should prepare following the US proposed new Section 301 tariffs on imports from Vietnam and other economies.
ASEAN Briefing
When Is a Bumiputera Partner Required in Malaysia?
Find out when foreign investors need a Bumiputera partner in Malaysia, including licensing, procurement, distributive trade, and IPO participation requirements.
Structuring a Tax-Efficient Operating Model in Malaysia
Structuring a tax-efficient operating model in Malaysia requires careful planning of business functions, intercompany transactions, and tax obligations. Find out what foreign investors should consider before commencing operations.
Transfer Pricing Red Flags That Lead to Tax Audits in Vietnam
Identify the transfer pricing red flags that can attract tax audits in Vietnam, including persistent losses, related-party payments, profit allocation, and business restructurings.
Managing Intercompany Transactions in Indonesia: Key Accounting Considerations
Managing intercompany transactions in Indonesia requires careful accounting treatment, PSAK compliance, statutory financial reporting, and related-party disclosures.