Latest Articles by Ishita Agarwal

blank

Fumio Kishida withdraws from LDP Presidential race; Japan Set to elect new Prime Minister

At 67, Kishida’s decision to forgo re-election comes amid a backdrop of persistently low approval ratings for his Cabinet, which have languished in the low 20% range. The Kishida administration has faced criticism, particularly related to allegations of violations of the Political Funds Control Law by LDP factions, which has fueled calls within the party for new leadership.

blank

Typhoon Ampil threatens major disruption to Shinkansen services in Japan’s Tohoku and Hokuriku regions

The potential service interruptions could affect several key Shinkansen lines, including the Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Akita, and Yamagata routes. With Typhoon Ampil expected to bring severe weather conditions—characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall—JR East is proactively preparing for possible operational challenges. The safety of passengers and the integrity of the rail infrastructure are paramount concerns driving this precautionary measure.

blank

DBS faces new challenges as Piyush Gupta’s era ends and Tan Su Shan prepares to lead

Gupta's impact is evident in DBS’s performance metrics. Under his leadership, the bank’s stock price surged from approximately $12 in 2009 to around $34 today, outpacing local rivals and major financial indices. Despite facing occasional technological setbacks and regulatory issues, Gupta's approach to banking has been widely praised for enhancing DBS’s reputation and financial standing.

blank

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding spurs 0.7% rise in STI as regional markets rally

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding reported a robust 77% increase in profit for the six months ending June 30, reaching 3.1 billion yuan (S$572 million). Revenue for the period also saw a substantial rise of 15%, totaling 13 billion yuan. The company's strong performance was underpinned by a record-high order backlog, which DBS Bank analyst Ho Pei Hwa cites as a key factor for sustained earnings visibility through 2026. Hwa’s research note highlights the shipbuilder’s strategic shift towards cleaner vessel technologies, such as dual-fuel container ships and gas carriers, which now make up approximately 70% of its order book. This pivot is expected to attract further interest from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds,

blank

Sri Mulyani addresses 4.3% drop in state revenue through July, highlights progress in Indonesia’s fiscal policy

The revenue shortfall, which comes amid ongoing economic challenges, reflects a range of factors including fluctuating global commodity prices and domestic economic adjustments. The decrease in state revenue is a critical concern as it impacts the government's ability to fund public services and infrastructure projects crucial for sustained economic growth.

blank

Activists call for KPK selection committee to remove controversial candidates amid governance concerns

The KPK, a cornerstone of Indonesia’s fight against corruption, is in the process of selecting new commissioners to lead its operations. Activists have raised alarms about several candidates, accusing them of having questionable backgrounds or potential conflicts of interest that could undermine the integrity of the commission. Their concerns highlight the critical role that transparent and effective anti-corruption institutions play in maintaining public trust and ensuring fair governance.

blank

Surge in local hotel demand ahead of Independence Day highlights economic resilience in Nusantara

Hotels across Nusantara, the country’s new administrative capital and surrounding areas, are reporting unprecedented occupancy rates as Indonesians prepare to celebrate the nation's 79th Independence Day. The increased demand is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong sense of national pride, easing pandemic restrictions, and a rebound in leisure and travel activities. Local residents are seizing the opportunity to participate in Independence Day festivities, driving up bookings in the region’s hospitality sector.

blank

Overseas investors grow pessimistic on Japanese equities following sharp sell-off: impact on Indonesia’s economy

This development has notable implications for Indonesia’s economic landscape. As a regional economic player, Indonesia's financial markets and investment climate are intertwined with broader Asian market trends, including those in Japan. The retreat of overseas investors from Japanese equities could signal a broader shift in regional investment patterns, potentially affecting Indonesian markets and its attractiveness as an investment destination.

blank

Mizuho Bank with new pair loan insurance product amid Tokyo’s soaring property prices

In July, Mizuho Bank launched a pioneering pair-loan group credit insurance product in collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. This new offering is designed to alleviate the burden of mortgage repayments in the event of a borrower’s death or if they are diagnosed with cancer. Under this insurance scheme, the outstanding mortgage balance is effectively cleared if one of the borrowers passes away, ensuring that the surviving partner is not left with the full debt.

blank

Japan issues special advisory on Nankai Trough megaquake: urgent preparations advised

The Nankai Trough, a significant underwater trench stretching approximately 700 kilometers from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture to the Hyuganada Sea in Miyazaki Prefecture, is a known seismic hotspot due to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath a landward plate. This subduction process, occurring at a rate of 3 to 5 centimeters annually, results in the accumulation of tectonic strain, which typically releases in massive earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years.

Showing 330 of 482 articles