Latest news with #Asia-wide
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
India's trade pact with Asean is becoming a casualty of Trump's tariffs
Next Story Mihir Sharma As Chinese overcapacity, trans-shipment and dumping become an Asia-wide problem in the context of US tariffs, it speaks volumes that New Delhi views the 10-member Asean as 'China's B-team.' India seems likelier to look West than East for trade. Trump's trade policy reset is driving India and Asean further apart. Gift this article It's still far from clear what US President Donald Trump's tariffs will eventually look like. But the pressures they will put on stable trading relationships—even those that don't directly involve the US—are already visible. It's still far from clear what US President Donald Trump's tariffs will eventually look like. But the pressures they will put on stable trading relationships—even those that don't directly involve the US—are already visible. Ties between India and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are already fraying: The two partners are being pushed into different camps and the free-trade agreement they signed in 2010 could become an unexpected victim of the turmoil. Trump's policies might be the immediate cause of this rift, but, as always, China's massive manufacturing overcapacity is at the heart of the problem. Even if no country knows what US rates they or others will face, everyone can be reasonably sure that tariffs on imports from the People's Republic will be among the highest. Unfortunately, this also means that there's a big incentive to help Beijing game the system enough that we all trust each other less. Also Read: Asean's second renaissance is now Many Asian countries are reasonably pleased at the thought that duties on their exports will be lower than on those out of China: They've all been searching for a way to regain a sliver of competitiveness and this might help. But the same nations are also a little scared. They fear a flood of underpriced Chinese goods, once meant for the US, will inundate their fledgling manufacturing sectors. In fact, that's already happening to an extent, and policymakers are responding. Vietnam has introduced anti-dumping tariffs on certain kinds of Chinese steel; Indonesia has banned direct-shipping e-commerce apps like Temu. But, for some, there's also the tempting possibility that China's overcapacity can be turned from an enemy into an ally. Any country that remains integrated both with China and those that are putting up tariff walls could, if it wanted, become a location for the trans-shipment of goods. Instead of paying the higher China levies, importers would pay lower ones imposed on the third country—and share a bit of the take with local partners. Tariff arbitrage could become as profitable in the future as interest rate arbitrage is today. The more countries that impose anti-dumping duties on China, the more money a successful trans-shipper would make. The US, for one, is already very concerned that parts of Asean might take this route—which is why Trump's trade deal with Vietnam included a clause that any goods suspected of being trans-shipped would pay double tariffs. Also Read: China plus one: It's a moving target that India can still strike For countries like India, it's an even greater fear. India's commerce minister caused a bit of a stir recently when he described Asean as 'China's B-team." That may have been impolitic but perhaps not entirely unjustified. New Delhi has been trying to update its free trade agreement (FTA) with Asean for a while. Its particular focus has been to tighten rules-of-origin requirements—the way in which you ensure that a free trade agreement only benefits local producers in both countries, not those shipping goods that originate elsewhere. Indian officials feel that Asean has been going slow on these discussions. Meanwhile, news broke in May that the bloc had expanded the scope of its parallel FTA with China. They achieved that in double-quick time—negotiations only started in November 2022—which raised a few eyebrows in New Delhi. Some in India, possibly including its commerce ministry, now seem to think that tariff-free trade with Southeast Asia is the same as opening your market to China. That isn't true—or, at any rate, not yet. But the fact is that member states simply aren't doing enough to reassure their other trading partners, including India. It would be a nightmare for most countries, including India, if closed-off blocs were to replace today's open trading system. Yet Trump's trade policy actions, when combined with China's overcapacity, are taking us there. Any country that wants to trade with both sides of the divide—which, clearly, many in Southeast Asia would prefer—will also need to be very transparent about the goods it is exporting and how much value has been added domestically. In other words, it's Asean's move. Its members will have to step up and give most of their trade partners, not just India and the US, a clearer view into their supply chains. The US is clearly worried that some countries will evade its tariffs. Those concerns will be shared, especially by India. New Delhi seems to believe that, if world trade blocs form, then Asean has already chosen its side—and it won't be the one that India picks. Trade is impossible without trust and these two partners will have to work to rebuild it. ©Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. 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The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dazzling nights of music and fashion captivate KL crowds
Guests cheering as Nick Chou (Nickthereal) performs on stage at the concert. French beer label 1664's campaign 'Bon Appetit-lah' concluded with a concert and line-up of performances. Artistes and Nick Chou (Nickthereal) frontlined the shows over two days. They treated guests to powerhouse performances as the event transformed TRX's Raintree Plaza in Kuala Lumpur into an extraordinary cultural playground. Electrifying performances by Ashley Lau, Roshan and Bate set the tone for an unforgettable opening night. NYK, Mdm Woo and Dirty Signal also delivered dynamic sets. This year's campaign also marks the first-ever Asia-wide exclusive collaboration with urban fashion label CLOT, founded by Canadian actor Edison Chen, delivering a fusion of French brewing finesse and cutting-edge streetwear. The event attracted almost 6,800 guests who experienced East-meets-French fusion through French-influenced Asian dishes from the city's most celebrated restaurants and food vendors. Carlsberg Malaysia marketing director Olga Pulyaeva said response to the campaign had been phenomenal. 'We witnessed guests embracing our vision of transforming everyday moments into extraordinary celebrations. 'Our collaboration with CLOT brought a fresh dimension to how people experience beer culture in Malaysia, blending French brewing heritage with street-smart edge in ways that resonated deeply with our audience.' The event showcased an exclusive 1664 x CLOT fabric store with limited-edition merchandise, such as T-shirts, tote bags and ceramic tumblers. Beer connoisseurs can still experience 1664's Blue Hour at 30 outlets nationwide throughout this month. Guests also stand a chance to win limited edition 1664 x CLOT merchandise. The 1664 x CLOT exclusive ceramic tumblers remain available with purchases of 1664 beer at participating supermarkets and hypermarkets nationwide and online.
Business Upturn
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Physical: 100 Season 3– Release date rumors, cast updates and what to expect next
Alright, Physical: 100 fans, let's talk about the show that's got us all glued to our screens, cheering for epic battles of strength and heart. Netflix's South Korean reality hit, Physical: 100 , is gearing up for its third season, and the hype is real. After Season 2's jaw-dropping challenges and unforgettable moments, we're all itching to know what's next. So, what's the word on Season 3's release date, cast, and what we can expect? Let's dive into the rumors and updates swirling around. When Is Physical: 100 Season 3 Dropping? Netflix has confirmed that Physical: 100 Season 3 is happening, but they're keeping the release date close to the chest for now. Looking at the show's track record—Season 1 hit screens on January 24, 2023, and Season 2 landed on March 19, 2024—it's a safe bet we'll see Season 3 sometime in early 2025. January or February feels like a strong possibility, given Netflix's love for kicking off the year with a bang. That said, some whispers online suggest a later drop, maybe even late 2025, if they're going all out with a bigger production. Who's in the Cast? One of the most exciting changes for Physical: 100 Season 3 is its expanded casting. Unlike the first two seasons, which primarily featured South Korean contestants, Season 3 will include competitors from across Asia, turning the show into a region-wide showdown. This shift was teased in the Season 2 finale with a title card reading 'Physical: 100 – Asia,' hinting at a broader pool of talent. Notable confirmed cast members include retired boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, announced as part of the Physical: Asia spinoff during Netflix's 'Next on Netflix 2025 Korea' event. Pacquiao's participation is expected to bring star power and draw massive attention to the season. There are also unverified rumors circulating on X about BTS member V potentially joining the cast, though no official confirmation has been made, and such claims should be taken with skepticism until verified by Netflix. The diverse cast will likely include athletes, bodybuilders, martial artists, and other physically elite individuals from countries like Japan, Thailand, and beyond. Show creator Jang Ho-gi has expressed interest in featuring international contestants who may compete in teams based on nationality, adding a new layer of rivalry and pride to the competition. Expect a mix of Olympians, fitness influencers, and unexpected underdogs, continuing the show's tradition of showcasing varied backgrounds and skill sets. What's Coming in Season 3? New Vibes, New Challenges If you thought Season 2's underground arena was wild, Season 3 is about to take it up a notch. Jang Ho-gi teased a 'whole new format,' which could mean anything from team-based showdowns to completely reimagined challenges. The core of Physical: 100 —100 contestants duking it out through brutal tests of strength, speed, and smarts—will stay, but the Asia-wide cast adds a fresh twist. Imagine challenges that play up cultural differences or national pride. Maybe we'll see a Japanese sumo wrestler facing off against a Thai Muay Thai fighter. My heart's racing just thinking about it. The sets are bound to be epic, too. Season 2's elaborate designs had us all shook, and Season 3 might go even bigger. There's talk of longer episodes—maybe 10 instead of nine—to give us more time to connect with the contestants and soak in the drama. Whatever they've got planned, expect sweat, tears, and some serious 'did that just happen?' moments. Stories That Hit Deep What makes Physical: 100 stand out isn't just the physical feats—it's the stories. This show doesn't do fake drama; it's all about real people pushing their limits. Season 3 is set to lean into themes like overcoming societal pressure and finding inner strength, which could make it even more of a cultural touchstone. We'll likely get backstories that tug at the heartstrings, from a single mom fighting for her kid to an athlete proving they're more than their past failures. It's the kind of stuff that makes you root for everyone, even when they're competing. The Prize The winner of Season 2, CrossFit enthusiast Amotti, took home approximately $222,990 (₩300 million). Season 3 is expected to maintain a similar cash prize, with the added prestige of being crowned Asia's fittest. The stakes are higher with the international cast, as contestants will compete not only for personal glory but also to represent their countries. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Daily Tribune
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
StanChart Bahrain earns regional recognition
TDT | Manama A global banking giant's Bahrain arm has won Asia-wide honors for its wealth management platform, reflecting the local team's success in delivering high-impact financial solutions. Standard Chartered Bahrain has been named 'Wealth Management Platform of the Year - Bahrain' at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. The accolade highlights how Bahrain's financial sector continues to gain regional recognition for service excellence and digital transformation. Celebrating achievement Dr. Boutros Klink, CEO of Standard Chartered Bahrain, said the award validates the bank's efforts to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions to wealth management clients. 'We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to provide world-class financial services. This award is testament of our team's hard work in ensuring our wealth management clients have access to the best possible digital wealth management solutions,' he said. The award also reflects Standard Chartered's broader strategy of combining global experience with strong local execution. Client-first innovation Standard Chartered Bahrain's platform integrates digital tools with advisory services, offering clients seamless access to options across geographies. The bank's digital wealth proposition is designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking both convenience and expertise. With operations in 53 markets, the bank has continued to invest in sustainability, customer service, and next-generation financial technology. Regional spotlight The Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards are considered a benchmark for excellence across Asia's financial landscape. Standard Chartered Bahrain's recognition places it among the top performers driving change in retail banking in the region.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
East meets west in stylish collaboration
For its first Asia-wide exclusive collaboration, 1664 is teaming up with urban fashion label Clot. A French beer brand has taken a bold new step with its first Asia-wide exclusive collaboration – teaming up with an urban fashion label founded by Canadian-Hong Kong actor-singer Edison Chen. Building on the success of beer label 1664's previous campaign, the collaboration takes casual dining up a notch. 'Through 'Bon Appétit-lah', 1664 brings that spirit to life, turning everyday dining into something more special and extraordinary,' said Carlsberg Malaysia marketing director Olga Pulyaeva. 'This year, we are taking it a step further with Clot, blending style into how we experience beer and culture. 'This is where French good taste meets street-smart edge, setting the scene for moments that are effortlessly cool, unexpectedly bold and true to 1664's signature style,' added Pulyaeva. 'Our aim is to create a product that is not only visually appealing but also tells a story of cultural fusion – bridging the East and French,' said Clot general manager Simon Wat. 'We're thrilled to offer a collection that celebrates the richness of cultural differences while elevating everyday moments.' The collaboration will see a two-evening takeover of TRX's Raintree Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, today and tomorrow to bring in a fusion of food, style and an electrifying lineup of performances by locally and internationally renowned artistes. Guests can savour a curated menu of Asian dishes imbued with French influences from the city's most celebrated restaurants. It will also showcase the limited-edition 1664 x Clot merchandise available for purchase exclusively at the event. The '1664 Blue Hour' takes place at 30 outlets nationwide throughout June and July. Stand a chance to win limited-edition 1664 x Clot merchandise. Fans can also take home a one-of-a-kind 1664 x Clot exclusive ceramic tumbler with 1664 purchases at participating supermarkets, hypermarkets and online stores nationwide.
