Seven & i’s CEO Pick Sparks Opposition from Top Investor
Artisan Partners opposes Stephen Dacus as the new CEO of Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven. In a letter, they urged the board to reconsider a $47 billion takeover offer from Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), believing it could maximize shareholder value. Artisan plans to vote against Dacus,
Southeast Asian Shippers Face Freight Rate Challenges
Anticipating potential tariffs and trade restrictions, many companies have expedited shipments—a practice known as front-loading—to avoid increased costs. This surge in early shipments has led to temporary spikes in demand, followed by periods of reduced shipping activity, causing fluctuations in freight rates. For instance, in December 2024, ocean freight rates
Asia FX Rally as Trump’s Tariff Relief Pressures Dollar
Asian currencies strengthened while the U.S. dollar hovered at a four-month low following tariff concessions on Canada and Mexico. However, market sentiment remained fragile as President Donald Trump maintained a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting retaliation from Beijing. Investors assessed China’s pledges for additional stimulus measures announced at a
Southeast Asia’s Largest Bank Adopts AI, Reducing Workforce
The Development Bank of Singapore, DBS, has announced the replacement of 4,000 human roles with artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its digital transformation strategy. The shift represents a major step in integrating AI technology into the banking sector, promising great efficiency and cost-effectiveness. According to the reports, the affected
PSA Tuas Sets New Standards in Automated Operations
Singapore’s Taus port is on the path to becoming the port of the future. By embracing technology, the port has streamlined the supply chain and enhanced support for its PSA-valued customers. Moreover, according to the PSA, they are on a mission to build the world’s largest fully automated port to
GE Joins Forces for a Game-Changing Japan Power Grid Bid
In the latest turn of events, General Electric’s subsidiary plans to join hands with international investors on a project to build one of the largest power grids in Japan. As the global energy landscape is facing a 75% increased power demand, Japan is facing its own set of challenges. For
India, Singapore and France to Share High-Speed Subsea Cable
The SEA-ME-WE 6 (South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6) submarine optical fiber cable, which will stretch 21,700 km and connect India to Singapore and France (Marseille), has moved forward in its implementation as Bharti Airtel has announced that they have landed the subsea cable in Chennai, which will boost connectivity
‘China Plus One’ Drives Japanese Firms Towards India
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese companies are moving forward to adopt the ‘China Plus One’ plan and diversifying their manufacturing and supply chains to reduce dependence on China. For this, they plan to establish production facilities in alternative nations, with India being a major country. Deloitte Japan CEO (Chief Executive
Foxconn Aims for Cooperation with Nissan, Not Control
In the latest turn of events, Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker and Apple’s main iPhone maker, is planning to partner with Nissan to diversify its business in the electric vehicle sector. Nissan, one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, is currently struggling to maintain its hold
Japan’s Current Account Booms While Trump Tensions Loom
Japan’s current account surplus reached an all-time high in 2024, driven largely by the yen’s depreciation, which boosted returns on overseas investments. This surge comes amid growing concerns over the impact of US President Donald Trump’s economic policies. According to data from the Finance Ministry released on Monday, the surplus
