Carsome Group consolidates cloud infrastructure, shifts data and AI-driven innovation into high gear with Google Cloud and Searce

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  • Together with Searce, Carsome may work to integrate its cloud infrastructure.
  • Walk to Google Cloud: Better insights, &nbsp, and personalized wedding

From left: Kjetil Rohde Jakobsen, group chief technology officer, Carsome Group, Serene Sia, country director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud and Yash Thakker, director, Solutions Consulting, Asia Pacific, Searce

Google Cloud, Searce, and Carsome Group Inc. have announced a multi-year partnership to help propel Carsome’s growth across its markets. The association will make use of Google Cloud’s cutting-edge system, security, data analytics, and conceptual AI to enhance the practice for consumers and used car dealers when used, strengthening Carsome’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading included car e-commerce platform.

Kjetil Rohde Jakobsen, Carsome Group’s party chief technology officer, stated:” Carsome has been digitizing the used vehicle market using advanced technology since 2015. As our company grows, we saw an opportunity to improve our modern foundation to support expanding operations and increase efficiency.

” Consolidating our fog facilities with Google Cloud provides safe, full-stack abilities in data analysis and AI, as well as cost savings through better price-performance.” From car finding and funding to after-sales assistance, he continued,” This makes us create more dynamic and distinguished options for Carsome customers and partners.”

In 2024, Carsome claimed it surpassed 500, 000 cars sold since founding, with 150, 000 profits in 2023 only. In order to help its growth, the business can leverage Searce’s knowledge to transition to a unified fog model, moving core applications and databases to Google Cloud’s workload-optimized facilities for deeper integration and ongoing software improvements.

Moving to a cutting-edge cloud infrastructure will make it easier for Carsome to offer new services through its digital platforms ( such as the Carsome consumer app, Carsome CARagent, and Carsome CARdealer ), as well as through repair facilities and inspection centers. Carsome is likewise implementing Google Cloud’s built-in information settings and Security Command Center for sophisticated threat recognition to increase security and compliance.

Searce’s director, options consulting, Asia Pacific, Yash Thakker, stated:” We’re happy to assist Carsome’s sky combination, optimizing its sky spend by up to 30 %. These benefits can be reinvested in new ideas, such as AI-based customer support options that make it easier to handle queries while allowing support teams to focus on more challenging issues.

Searce said,” With a team of qualified in-house experts, Searce is well-positioned to help full-scale system movement to Google Cloud and the application of cutting-edge Artificial solutions.”

Moving to Google Cloud will enable granular insights for better decision-making and personalized customer engagement, in addition to cost savings and quicker software development cycles. The company’s first-party data will be incorporated with Looker for business intelligence and Google Marketing Platform and stored on Google Cloud’s BigQuery.

Carsome can process and stream structured and unstructured data using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and BigQuery’s native integration to enhance its AI applications, including:

  • A proprietary pricing system that determines a car’s optimal value based on model, age, mileage, and other variables to offer the best deals to both buyers and sellers.
  • A photo analysis tool that streamlines vehicle inspections while automatically masking car plate numbers to protect customer privacy.
  • A generative AI-powered contact center solution that evaluates customer interactions and makes recommendations to enhance agent performance.

Semantic search capabilities are being incorporated into Carsome’s internal tools through the use of BigQuery and Vertex AI Agent Builder. Employees can now intuitively extract pertinent information from the expanding enterprise knowledge base, reducing the amount of research needed, and enabling teams to come up with more efficient solutions for car buyers and sellers.

” Carsome can confidently expand its operations, scale its pre-owned vehicle inventory, and streamline vehicle movements between inspection centers, refurbishment facilities, and customers,” said Serene Sia, country director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud.

We look forward to completing Carsome’s cloud consolidation and advancing its innovation roadmap together, according to Searce. This includes utilizing generative and agentic AI to improve the user experience for car ownership and transaction, as well as generating new growth opportunities,” she continued.

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Why are Trump’s tariffs in Southeast Asia highest among Indochina countries?

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HOW SHOULD ASEAN COUNTRIES REACT? &nbsp,

Malaysia, which will see its imports to the US get hit by a 24 per cent charge, appears to be holding fire on any backlash for now and is” certainly considering hostile taxes”. &nbsp,

It will instead” seek solutions that will uphold the spirit of free and fair trade”, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry ( MITI). &nbsp,

” To lessen the tax effect, Malaysia is expanding our export industry by prioritising high-growth parts and leveraging existing free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership”, the department said. &nbsp,

However over in Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the state had a” strong program” to handle the new 36 per cent tax imposed on its products.

Thailand will deal with the US and did not let the situation to “get to where gross domestic product may miss the target”, she said.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, however, held an immediate cabinet meeting early on Thursday. Local information added that officials of the industry ministry does provide a review on the effects of the tariffs on Vietnam’s exports and its economic growth prospects. &nbsp,

Analysts told CNA that the personal ASEAN states may not have much leverage to react to the US tariffs, but they can- as a collective bloc- move to other trade partners around the globe to counter Washington’s mercantilist measures. &nbsp,

” ASEAN countries should resist the temptation to fight, largely because tariffs hurt the countries imposing them more than anyone else. This is the correct answer from an economic point of view, but the condition may vary politically”, said Menon.

” If a reaction is deemed socially needed, then ASEAN should organize that answer. There is fat in statistics”.

The scholar Woo said that ASEAN should regard forging business partnerships with other parties beyond the US, such as with China, Japan, South Korea, the EU and even the Gulf states. &nbsp,

He cited how places like Malaysia which supply semiconductor chips to the US should also look to supplying them to Europe and China, further adding that ASEAN as a bloc may request a free trade agreement with the EU to discover possibilities for business development. &nbsp,

” The Americans are taking the ball home and they are not going to play football with you. So ( ASEAN ) has to come up with our own game”, said Woo. &nbsp,

” And I think the rest of the world is big enough that, after some adjustment, we will be able to restore everything to normal growth ( if we look elsewhere )” .&nbsp, &nbsp,

Lin of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute added that the imposition of tariffs could represent a good opportunity for ASEAN to “enhance regional cohesiveness” through a joint statement or coordinated actions that reinforces trade and investment within member states. &nbsp,

In the meantime, she acknowledged that many ASEAN states may be reluctant to significantly increase their FDIs in the US to circumvent tariffs, as such investments are capital-intensive and take time to establish. &nbsp,

Many people may prefer to wait it out rather than make significant structural adjustments, she said, considering that the Trump administration could only be in power for four years. &nbsp,

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Trump tariffs: Singapore economy could be hit hard by trade slowdown but there may be a silver lining, say analysts

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Singapore is likely to be most susceptible to an outside downturn brought on by the taxes, according to Mr. Suan Teck Kin, head of research at UOB, in comparison to neighboring nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The strong pull on Singapore might be especially severe if the US imposes sector-specific taxes, such as those on semiconductors or medicine, he added.

Earlier in 2025, development has already slowed, with vital industries like manufacturing, trade, and logistics experiencing slowdowns.

The broad-based nature of the taxes, according to Ms. Selina Ling, OCBC’s chief economist, may have an impact on Singapore’s delivery, transportation, and economic hub activities.

Singapore may undergo if China and the Southeast Asian nations experience slower trade and economic growth, she predicted.

She continued, adding that Singapore hosts a significant portion of these nations ‘ supply chain, commerce, and funding activities.

According to Ms. Sheana Yue, an analyst at Oxford Economics, levies may cause a decline in investment in Singapore. &nbsp,

As the demand for goods from nations with high taxes declines, the volume of trade going through Singapore may become decreased. US demand for goods from Singapore had also decline.

POTENTIAL RESULTS

However, researchers cited potential positive outcomes. With Singapore’s products ‘ prices remaining relatively small, US buyers looking for alternatives to greatly taxed suppliers might find it to be a more attractive source of exports.

Singapore’s export to the US may be declining, but it’s likely to be less drastic than those of other Asiatic producers, according to Ms Yue.

Given that a” good share” of Singapore’s exports are exempt from tariffs, this may actually increase the country’s share of US imports.

But, Singapore’s little land area prevents it from easily scaling up output to meet any growing demand, which may limit a potential rise in exports.

According to market strategist at buying program IG Asia, Mr. Yeap Jun Rong, a marketplace strategist, Mr. Its higher operating and labor costs may also affect its attractiveness as a supply chain alternative.

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Asia’s poorest pay as Trump tariffs target China by proxy – Asia Times

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US President Donald Trump’s” Liberation Day” tariffs will punish some of the most fragile economies in Asia as collateral damage in his effort to corner China. It is tactical carelessness presented as nationalist drama.

The most severe tax increases have occurred in Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Yangon, and Hanoi, no Beijing, but in other places. &nbsp,

Myanmar, which is still reeling from a devastating earthquake and years of political unrest, is now subject to a 44 % tariff on exports to the US. Laos, where, in addition, has been slapped with a 49 % rate. Vietnam, which was viewed as a recent example of economic prosperity, has experienced 46 % damage. &nbsp,

China’s supply chain is being targeted by Washington’s industry arms, and Asia’s least developed countries are taking the brunt.

This strategy threatens to sever full regions ‘ economic anchors, as well as defying the spirit of international trade. These nations are constructing fundamental wealth rather than a global system.

Many rely on export-driven development to maintain delicate job markets and prevent hard-won growth gains from waning. It’s like hard motivation to hire them with levies of this size. It stifles local business, discourages advancement, and makes it clear that developing countries are unfit for the political game.

Trump asserts that these taxes are intended to end decades of being” defrauded” by different nations. This be clear, though: this is not about Myanmar, Laos, or Cambodia. &nbsp,

This is a direct effort to demonize China by focusing on the nations it invests in or operates through. These are countries that have firmly woven into local production ecosystems, with many of them hosting Chinese-owned or sponsored operations. &nbsp,

The US is attacking its Eastern footprint more than just retaliating against China.

The catch is that these nations are not just home to Taiwanese investment. Additionally, they house native businesses, regional manufacturers, and the growing middle groups. They offer opportunities for both themselves and the world economy. &nbsp,

Cutting them off from one of the largest markets in the world doesn’t hurt China. It deteriorates the chances of shared rise and regional security. And it places a propaganda success on a tray for Beijing.

This is the wrong path if the US really wants to dominate business. By focusing on Asia’s poorest countries, it didn’t win the trust of the region. And it definitely doesn’t outperform China by severing American firms ‘ systems.

In Southeast Asia, for example, US companies like Nike and Adidas are intensely produced. May they now face punishment for operating in environments where work is readily available and supply chains are successful?

Overall, Trump’s strategy is self-harming and misplaced. It conveys a message to international businesses that the regulations are no longer foreseeable. It does raise house inflation by raising the price of consumer goods. The US will lose the relationships necessary to provide a significant financial solution to China’s growing supremacy.

Trump’s tax plan also undermines spiritual leadership in Washington. The US has long advocated for a system of open markets, development assistance, and mutually beneficial industry. That was important. It drew nations nearer to each other and America. &nbsp,

That kindness is being shredded in favor of republican posturing now. And in that situation, others will step in, particularly China, whose deep pockets and infrastructure deals immediately seem much more appealing to governments that are on the receiving end of British “reciprocal” tariffs.

The US is reversing its grip on the world economy, and it is rash and foolish criticizing the very places it has been sold on and also believes in the promise of modernization.

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CNA Explains: What are tariffs, and how will Trump’s actions affect Asia?

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What effect will it have?

Economists have predicted that higher tariffs could cause consumer prices to rise and US economic growth to decline since Trump first made his commerce strategy public in February.

Following Wednesday’s news, these instructions continued.

According to Tai Hui, chief market strategist for Asia-Pacific at JP Morgan Asset Management, the taxes raise questions about prices and development challenges.

He claimed that as the US struggles to boost manufacturing capacity and supply stores pass on prices to consumers, prices could be a result.

Businesses may delay investing in capital expenses in anticipation of the levies ‘ full impact and possible retaliation from trade companions, he added.

In a March note from DBS Group top economists Chua Han Teng and Radhika Rao, a second-order effect may be felt in Southeast Asia, aside from the direct hit from higher tariffs, in the region’s essential trading partners, China and the US, according to DBS Group top economists Chua Han Teng and Radhika Rao, who wrote in a March note.

Top foreign exchange strategist for the banking group, Philip Wee, stated in a note on Wednesday that the mutual tariffs were “notingly high” for emerging Asian economies.

This sends the message that the US is directly pursuing China, as well as indirectly halting the” China Plus One” method that many businesses use to expand supply chains in order to avoid US tariffs.

But, Mr. Wee claimed that Trump has also shown his willingness to talk through the introduction of what the president has called “discounted” mutual taxes.

When money deception and trade restrictions are taken into account, he referred to them as such because they are also lower than what the US estimates each buying mate has levied on British goods. &nbsp,

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South China Sea aggression, Trump 2.0 and global scams top geopolitical concerns in Southeast Asia: Survey

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US ENGAGEMENT THEREFORE OR LESSER DURING TRUMP?

In response to the State of Southeast Asia 2025 survey, 2, 023 people were polled, including researchers, business leaders, representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ) and government officials from across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, and the Philippines. &nbsp,

The survey, which measures opinions on geopolitical developments and issues affecting the region for the first time in its seven editions, included viewpoints from Timor-Leste, which is in the process of becoming an observer and is awaiting official acceptance into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ). However, Timor-Leste’s responses did not be used to determine the survey’s Asian regular figures.

Between January 3 and February 15, the survey was conducted both online and offline, with only about half of the messages coming out before Trump took office and the rest later. Results were” no obvious differences” between the two times, according to ISEAS.

Four in ten survey respondents ( 40.7 % ) were asked about the extent to which the US’s involvement in Southeast Asia would increase or grow significantly this year. &nbsp,

More than a third ( 38.7 % ) of those who expressed this opinion believed that Trump’s stance on China would aid in maintaining the region’s power balance. Laos ( 45.8 % ), Singapore ( 43.9 % ), and Myanmar ( 43 % ) share this view most strongly.

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US regains edge over China as preferred partner in Southeast Asia: Survey

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Interviewees from Indonesia found that China’s aid was the strongest, followed by those in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Laos, as a result of “deep economic relationships, business dependencies, as well as growing dissatisfaction with US policies.” &nbsp,

Following the re-election of President Donald Trump, the ISEAS review claimed, trust in Washington had increased further in the area. &nbsp, &nbsp,

However, it cited concerns about President Trump’s unstable nature from more than half of survey respondents, who claimed it had “add confusion to US wedding with the area.” &nbsp,

CHINA IS IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE MOST INFLUENTIAL.

China, however, continues to be the most potent economic and political-strategic force in Southeast Asia despite Washington’s tight lead, “outpacing the US by major margins, albeit with some drop in its total monetary and political-strategic influence.” &nbsp,

According to the ISEAS report,” China continues to be the best choice among respondents across ASEAN, with the exception of the Philippines, where the US is still perceived as the most powerful political and corporate power.”

The nation is also the most powerful financial strength, generating 56.4 percent of elections among those surveyed in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. &nbsp,

According to ISEAS, China’s rating highlights its “deep economic ties with the region,” mainly through industry and infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI), adding that Beijing’s” corporate influence continues to be strongly rooted in the region.”

Despite good views, concerns about Beijing’s political and corporate influence in the region continue to grow, with nearly seven in ten ASEAN respondents saying they are unsure.

According to recent research, Laos, a nation that once regarded China as the region’s dominant economic power, took a” significant hit” -&nbsp, dropping to 49 % from 77.5 % in 2024. &nbsp,

A majority of ASEAN-10 respondents ( 61.9 % ) are concerned about China’s declining regional influence, down from 67.4 % in 2024, according to the report. &nbsp,

Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are most emphatic about this. Cambodia, Brunei, and Malaysia are the most loving nations in terms of China’s economic impact.

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Asia’s Best Companies Poll 2025: Market winners | FinanceAsia

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For a 25th year, FinanceAsia publishes its highly regarded benchmark of Asia’s best companies.

Based on nomination by Asia’s active community of influential investors and financial analysts, the poll evaluates the corporate behaviour and performance of Asian peers over the past 12 months.

The FA team is delighted to announce the 2025 winners below for the market categories.The industry winners can be found here. 

Once again, following positive market participation, we have decided to award up to three medals per category to reflect corporate achievements. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists are detailed where applicable.

Congratulations to all the winners. Read on for the winning companies in the following markets:  

BEST MANAGED COMPANY

China
Gold – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd
Silver – China Telecom
Bronze – China Mobile

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Link REIT

Silver – Sino Land

Bronze – MTR Corporation Limited

 

India

Gold – Tata Motors

Silver – Axis Capital

Bronze – Bajaj Finance

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Silver – Astra International

Silver – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

 

Malaysia

Gold – Maybank

Silver – CIMB Bank Berhad

Bronze – AmFunds Investment Management Berhad

Bronze – YTL Corporation Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Ayala Corporation

Silver – Bank of the Philippine Islands

Silver – Megawide Construction Corporation

Bronze – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

 

Singapore

Gold – DBS Bank

Silver – Singapore Airlines

Bronze – CapitaLand

 

South Korea

Gold – SK Hynix

Silver – Samsung Electronics

Bronze – Hyundai Motor Co Ltd

 

Taiwan

Gold – Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

Silver – CTBC Financial Holding

Silver – MediaTek Inc.

Bronze – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

Bronze – Sercomm Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – B. Grimm Power PCL

Silver – Global Power Synergy PCL

Silver – Thai Oil Public Company Limited 

Bronze – Central Pattana

Bronze – Gulf Energy Development PCL

 

MOST COMMITTED TO ESG

 

China

Gold – Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – China Telecom

Bronze – China Mobile

Bronze – Trip.com

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Link REIT

Bronze – Hengan International Group Company, Ltd.

 

India

Gold – Axis Capital

Silver – Bajaj Finance

Bronze – Tata Consultancy Services Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Silver – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

 

Malaysia

Gold – Yinson Holdings Berhad

Silver – Maybank

Bronze – AmFunds Investment Management Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Ayala Corporation

Silver – Megawide Construction Corporation

Bronze – SM Investments Corporation

 

Singapore

Gold – OCBC Bank

Silver – City Developments Limited

Bronze – Seatrium

 

South Korea

Gold – Samsung Electronics

Silver – Hyundai Motor Co Ltd

Bronze – Hanwha Ocean

 

Taiwan

Gold – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

Silver – CTBC Financial Holding

Bronze – Sercomm Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – Global Power Synergy PCL

Silver – B. Grimm Power PCL

Bronze – Gulf Energy Development PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Masan Group

Bronze – THACO Group

 

BEST INVESTOR RELATIONS

China

Gold – China Telecom

Silver – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Bronze – China Mobile

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Link REIT

Silver – MTR Corporation Limited

Bronze – Midea International Corp Co Ltd

 

India

Gold – ICICI Bank Ltd

Silver – HDFC Bank Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Silver – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

Bronze – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

 

Malaysia

Gold – CIMB Bank Berhad

Silver – Maybank

Bronze – Yinson Holdings Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Silver – Ayala Corporation

Silver – SM Investments Corporation

Bronze – Meralco

 

Singapore

Gold – CapitaLand

Silver – SATS Ltd

Bronze – Mapletree Investments

 

South Korea

Gold – Hanwha Ocean

Silver – LG Electronics

Bronze – SK Hynix

 

Taiwan

Gold – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

Silver – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

Bronze – Sercomm Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – PTT Public Company Limited

Silver – B. Grimm Power PCL

Bronze – Global Power Synergy PCL

Bronze – Gulf Energy Development PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Masan Group

Bronze – Mobile World Investment Corporation

 

BEST LARGE CAP COMPANY

 

China

Gold – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – China Telecom

Bronze – China Mobile

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Link REIT

Silver – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Bronze – CLP Holdings Ltd

 

India

Gold – Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd

Silver – HDFC Bank Ltd

Bronze – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd

Bronze – Tata Consultancy Services Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Silver – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – Astra International

 

Malaysia

Gold – Maybank

 

Philippines

Gold – SM Investments Corporation

Silver – International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Bronze – SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

 

South Korea

Gold – Hyundai Motor Co Ltd

Silver – Hanwha Ocean

Silver – POSCO

Bronze – Samsung Biologics

 

Taiwan

Gold – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

Silver – MediaTek Inc.

Bronze – EVA Airways Corporation

Bronze – Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL

Silver – PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP)

Bronze – Advanced Info Service PCL

 

BEST MID CAP COMPANY

China

Gold – AsiaInfo Technologies Limited

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd

Silver – Fortune REIT

 

India

Gold – Prestige Estates Projects Ltd

Silver – ICICI Securities Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

 

Malaysia

Gold – Sunway Berhad

Silver – YTL Corporation Berhad

Bronze – Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Manila Water Company, Inc.

Silver – Jollibee Foods Corporation

Bronze – Aboitiz Power

 

South Korea

Gold – LG Electronics

Silver – KIWOOM Securities

 

Taiwan

Gold – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

Silver – Arcadyan Technology Corporation

Bronze – Elite Material Co Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – Minor International PCL

Silver – Global Power Synergy PCL

Bronze – WHA Corporation PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Masan Group

Bronze – Mobile World Investment Corporation

 

BEST SMALL CAP COMPANY

 

China

Gold – Digital China Holdings

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Far East Consortium International Limited

Silver – Vitasoy International Holdings Limited

Bronze – SF REIT

 

India

Gold – Aavas Financiers

Silver – Indian Energy Exchange Ltd

 

Malaysia

Gold – Yinson Holdings Berhad

Silver – Top Glove Corporation Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

Silver – Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Silver – Megawide Construction Corporation

Bronze – D&L Industries Inc.

 

Taiwan

Gold – Sercomm Corporation

Silver – Fositek Corporation

Bronze – Merida Industry Co., Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – Ratch Group PCL

Silver – Bangkok Chain Hospital PCL

Bronze – Central Plaza Hotel PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vinh Hoan Corporation

Silver – CMC Corporation

Silver – International Dairy Products JSC

Bronze – GELEX Group

 

BEST CEO

 

China

Gold – Zhongyue Chen – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – Jie Yang – China Mobile

Bronze – Xiaowei Luan – China Communications Services

Bronze – Biao He – China Mobile

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Raymond Kwok – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – George Hongchoy – Link REIT

Bronze – Shixian Lai  – ANTA Sports Products Ltd

 

India

Gold – Deepak C. Mehta – Deepak Nitrite Ltd

Silver – T.V. Narendran – Tata Steel

 

Indonesia

Gold – Sunarso – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Silver – Darmawan Junaidi – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Silver – Royke Tumilaar  – PT BNI (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – Ali Rukmijah  – Bank Sahabat Sampoerna

 

Malaysia

Gold – Khairussaleh Ramli – Maybank

Silver – Tony Fernandes  – Capital A Berhad

Bronze – Novan, Amirudin – CIMB Bank Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Edgar B. Saavedra – Megawide Construction Corporation

Silver – Teresita Sy-Coson – BDO Unibank

Silver – Oliver Y. Tan – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

Bronze – Jeffrey Lim – SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

 

Singapore

Gold – Piyush Gupta – DBS Bank

Silver – Loh Boon Chye – Singapore Exchange

 

South Korea

Gold – Chey Tae-won – SK Group

Silver – Han Jong-hee – Samsung Electronics

Bronze – Kim Seung-youn – Hanwha Group

 

Taiwan

Gold – C. C. Wei – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

Silver – Suming, Chen – Universal Microwave Technology, Inc.

Bronze – Vivian Ling – Caliway Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd

Bronze – Chee Ching – Far Eastone Telecommunications Co., Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – Dr. Harald Link – B. Grimm Power PCL

Silver – Niwat Adirek – BCPG PCL

Silver – Sarath Ratanavadi – Gulf Energy Development PCL

Bronze – Dr. Chalerm Harnphanich – Bangkok Chain Hospital PCL

Bronze – Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-osoth – Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Danny Le – Masan Group

 

BEST CFO 

China

Gold – Yuzhuo Li – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – Ronghua Li – China Mobile

Bronze – Aqiang Shen – China Communications Services

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Toby Xu – Alibaba Group (HK)

Silver – Alexandre Jean Keisser – CLP Holdings Ltd

 

India

Gold – Samir Seksaria – Tata Consultancy Services Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – Sigit Prastowo – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Silver – Viviana Dyah Ayu Retno Kumalasari – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – Henky Suryaputra – Bank Sahabat Sampoerna

 

Malaysia

Gold – Malique Firdauz Ahmad Sidique – Maybank

Silver – Joyce Tan  – Sunway Berhad

Bronze – Chek Wu Kong – Duopharma Biotech Berhad

Bronze – Guillaume François Jest – Yinson Holdings Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – John Nai Peng Ong – SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Silver – Jez G. dela Cruz – Megawide Construction Corporation

Bronze – Estella Tuason-Occeña – Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Bronze – Richard Shin – Jollibee Foods Corporation

 

Singapore

Gold – Yuen Kuan Moon – Singtel

Silver – Koo Chung Chang  – AIA Group

Bronze – Lim Hock Chye – Keppel Corporation

 

Taiwan

Gold – Henry Hao Jen Wang – Fubon Bank

Silver – Wendell Huang  – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

Bronze – David (Chien Cheng) Wang  – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – Chanamas Sasnanand – PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP)

Silver – Yupapin Wangviwat – Gulf Energy Development PCL

Bronze – Siriwong Borvornboonrutai – B. Grimm Power PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Max Sunarcia – THACO Group

Silver – Do Thi Quynh Trang  – Masan Group

 

BEST COO

 

China

Gold – Jian Qin – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – Zhanwei Cui – China Communications Services

 

Malaysia

Gold – Ariff Azahar  – Maybank

 

Philippines

Gold – Carlos Cruz – International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

 

South Korea

Bronze – Nam Seok-Woo  – Samsung Electronics

 

Taiwan

Gold – Tungyi Wu – Universal Microwave Technology, Inc.

Silver – Ben Lin – Sercomm Corporation

Bronze – Jeffrey Gau – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

 

Thailand

Bronze – Nopadej Karnasuta – B. Grimm Power PCL

 

Vietnam

Silver – Metha Pingsuthiwong – Tisco Group

 

BEST CTO

China

Gold – Jun Zhi, Wang – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

 

Taiwan

Gold – Jyh-Shing Roger Jang – E-Sun

 

Thailand

Bronze – Woottichai Jarernpol  – Krungthai Card PCL

 

Indonesia

Gold – Arga M. Nugraha  – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

 

Thailand

Gold – Dennis Thorsten Trawnitschek – SCB X PCL

 

Taiwan

Silver – Chris Lin – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

 

Thailand

Silver – Sutthikan Rungsrithong – TMBThanachart Bank Plc.

 

MOST COMMITTED TO DEI

 

China

Gold – China Telecom

Silver – China Mobile

Bronze – China Communications Services

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd

Bronze – Link REIT

 

India

Gold – Travelogy India Pvt Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk

Silver – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

 

Malaysia

Gold – CIMB Bank Berhad

Silver – Maybank

Bronze – Top Glove Corporation Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

Silver – Ayala Corporation

Bronze – International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

 

South Korea

Gold – Hanwha Ocean

Silver – Samsung Electronics

Bronze – SK Hynix

 

Taiwan

Gold – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

Silver – CTBC Financial Holding

Bronze – Sercomm Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – Gulf Energy Development PCL

Silver – Global Power Synergy PCL

Bronze – B. Grimm Power PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Mobile World Investment Corporation

Bronze – Masan Group

 

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

China

Gold – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

Silver – China Telecom

Bronze – China Mobile

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd

Silver – Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Bronze – Swire Properties

 

India

Gold – Dito Telecommunity Corporation

Silver – Sun Telecommunication

 

Indonesia

Gold – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

Silver – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

Bronze – Telkom

 

Malaysia

Gold – KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Silver – Yinson Holdings Berhad

Bronze – Uzma Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Bank of the Philippine Islands

Silver – Union Bank

Bronze – Globe Telecom, Inc.

 

South Korea

Gold – Samsung Biologics

Silver – Hanwha Ocean

Bronze – SK Hynix

 

Taiwan

Gold – Sercomm Corporation

Silver – MediaTek Inc.

Bronze – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – SCB X PCL

Silver – Advanced Info Service PCL

Bronze – TMBThanachart Bank Plc.

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Masan Group

Bronze – FPT Corporation

 


¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Huge debris load cleared on 5th day

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 2 Apr 2025 at 20: 48

Heavy machinery is deployed at the collapse site in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on Wednesday. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
On Wednesday, heavy equipment is deployed at the crumble site in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Chatpattarasill Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

As the search for survivors drags on for the fifth day on Wednesday, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that the rescue operation at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office ( SAO ) building continued.

According to him, rescue go hand in hand with healing in this time, which means the target is also on removing large pieces of debris and removing large practical slaps while looking for signs of life.

According to him, about 100 kilograms of cement had been removed as of Monday evening, making approach for the volunteers to provide even though no more victims had been discovered. 14 body had been identified, but they haven’t been recovered.

Large machine” carries threats of collapsing debris,” said Mr. Chadchart. However, we are having conversations with an international team of experts, and I’m willing to take criticism as long as I can make things better.

At a Tuesday conference in Bangkok, Prof. Pennueng Vanichchai, chairman of the Earthquake Research Centre of Thailand, demanded more research into effective problem traces that might lead to new disasters.

There are many of these faults in Southeast Asia, but Myanmar’s are stronger than their neighbors it, he said.

Even though Bangkok is regarded as a low-risk place for temblors, Prof. Pennueng suggested that more emphasis been placed on building earthquake-proof structures.

According to a test used as a high-rise building standard, the collapse final Friday was recorded as occurring at the first of three amounts.

He suggested that money should be allocated to building reinforcement to resist tremors.

He added that this would require 10 % to 20 % of the budget for a new building to be used to strengthen an already-existing one, paying particular attention to the school buildings in Chiang Rai in the North.

According to Prof. Pennueng, vibration receptors have been installed in large buildings, including those at hospitals in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, to gather data for use in real-time control and a collapse call program.

Bangkok’s Klang Hospital will be the first hospital in the city to sign on to the job.

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Asia’s Best Companies Poll 2025: Industry winners | FinanceAsia

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In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

For a 25th year, FinanceAsia has published its highly regarded benchmark of Asia’s best companies.

Based on nomination by Asia’s active community of influential investors and financial analysts, the poll evaluates the corporate behaviour and performance of Asian peers over the past 12 months.

The FA team is delighted to announce the 2025 winners below for the industry categories. The market winners can be found here. 

Following very positive market participation, we have decided to award up to three medals per category to reflect corporate achievements. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallists are detailed where applicable.

Congratulations to all our industry winners: 

AUTOMOTIVE & COMPONENTS

India

Gold – Tata Motors

 

Indonesia

Gold – Astra International

 

Malaysia

Gold – Perodua

 

Philippines

Gold – GT Capital

Silver – NWow 

 

Taiwan

Gold – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

 

Vietnam

Gold – THACO Group

Silver – Vingroup

Bronze – Dat Bike

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS

 

India

Gold – Tata Steel

 

Philippines

Gold – Semirara Mining

Silver – Nickel Asia

Bronze – Apex Mining

 

Vietnam

Gold – GELEX Group

Silver – Stavian Chemical

Bronze – Duc Giang Group

 

CONGLOMERATES

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Jardine Matheson

Bronze – Swire Pacific

 

Malaysia

Gold – YTL Corporation Berhad

Silver – Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad

Bronze – Berjaya Corp

 

Philippines

Gold – Ayala Corporation

Silver – SM Investments Corporation

Bronze – GT Capital

 

South Korea

Gold – Samsung Electronics

 

Taiwan

Gold – Sercomm Corporation

Silver – Yuanta

Bronze – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – STECON TB

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vingroup

Silver – Masan Group

Bronze – THACO Group

 

CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – ANTA Sports Products Ltd

 

Taiwan

Gold – Far Eastern New Century Corporation

 

CONSUMER SERVICES

 

India

Gold – ITC Ltd

 

Philippines

Gold – Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Silver – Jollibee Foods Corporation

Bronze – Max’s Restaurant

 

South Korea

Gold – Lotte Group

Silver – Hanwha Resort

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vinpearl

Silver – Sun Group

Bronze – Golden Gate Group

 

CONSUMER STAPLES

 

Indonesia

Gold – Indofood Sukses Makmur

 

Philippines

Gold – Universal Robina

Silver – Century Pacific

Bronze – Puregold

 

South Korea

Gold – Lotte Wellfood

Silver – Samyang Foods

Bronze – Dongyang Confectionery

 

Taiwan

Gold – Uni-President Enterprises Corp

 

Vietnam

Gold – Masan Consumer

Silver – Nutifood

Bronze – Bach Hoa Xanh (Mobile World)

 

ENERGY

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – CLP Holdings Ltd

 

Malaysia

Gold – Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)

Silver – Yinson Holdings Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Aboitiz Power

Silver – ACEN Corporation

Bronze – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

 

South Korea

Gold – POSCO

Silver – SK Group

Bronze – Hanwha Solutions

 

Thailand

Gold – PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP)

 

FINANCIALS

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – HSBC

Silver – Hang Seng Bank

 

India

Gold – Bajaj Capital

 

Indonesia

Gold – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

 

Malaysia

Gold – CIMB Bank Berhad

Silver – AmFunds Investment Management Berhad

Silver – Maybank

Bronze – Hong Leong Bank Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Bank of the Philippine Islands

Silver – BDO Unibank

Bronze – Security Bank

 

Thailand

Gold – Siam Commercial Bank

Silver – KBANK TB

Bronze – Krung Thai Bank

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vietcombank

Silver – BIDV

 

HEALTHCARE

 

China

Gold – Kelun-Biotech

 

Malaysia

Gold – IHH Healthcare

Silver – KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Bronze – Sunway Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Medilines

 

Taiwan

Gold – PharmaEssentia

Silver – Bora Pharmaceuticals

Bronze – Caliway Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd

 

Thailand

Gold – Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL

Silver – Bangkok Chain Hospital PCL

Bronze – Chularat Hospital (CHG)

Bronze – Praram 9 Hospital (PR9)

 

Vietnam

Gold – Hoan My Medical Corp

Silver – Buymed

Bronze – Long Chau (FPT Retail)

 

INDUSTRIALS

Malaysia

Gold – YTL Corporation Berhad

Silver – Malayan Cement

 

Philippines

Gold – Megawide Construction Corporation

Silver – DMCI

Bronze – EEI Corporation

 

South Korea

Gold – Samsung C&T Corporation

Silver – Hyundai Engineering & Construction

 

Thailand

Gold – CH. Karnchang (CK)

 

Vietnam

Gold – Hoa Phat Group

Silver – Hoa Sen Group

 

INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Malaysia

Gold – Yinson Holdings Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Ayala Corporation

Silver – San Miguel

Bronze – DMCI

 

Vietnam

Gold – Deo Ca Group

Silver – Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)

 

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

Malaysia

Gold – Astro

 

Philippines

Gold – ABS-CBN Corporation

Silver – GMA Network

Bronze – The Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC)

 

Thailand

Gold – The One Enterprise (Onee)

 

Vietnam

Gold – Dat Viet Group

 

REAL ESTATE

 

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Silver – Sino Land

Bronze – Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

 

India

Gold – Godrej

 

Indonesia

Gold – Ciputra

Silver – Pakuwon Jati

Bronze – Summarecon

 

Malaysia

Gold – Pavilion REIT

 

Philippines

Gold – Ayala Corporation

Silver – Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Silver – SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Bronze – AREIT Inc.

 

Thailand

Gold – Central Pattana 

Silver – Land and Houses (LH)

Bronze – Pruksa Holding PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Vinhomes

Silver – Sun Group

Bronze – Nam Long

 

RENEWABLE ENERGY

 

Malaysia

Gold – Yinson Holdings Berhad

 

Philippines

Gold – Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation

Silver – ACEN Corporation

Bronze – Aboitiz Power

 

Thailand

Gold – Gulf Energy Development PCL

Silver – Global Power Synergy PCL

Bronze – B. Grimm Power PCL

Bronze – BCPG PCL

 

Vietnam

Gold – Bamboo Capital Group

Silver – Refrigeration Electrical

Bronze – The Green Solutions

 

 

RETAIL

 

Philippines

Gold – Robinson’s

 

South Korea

Gold – NAVER

Silver – Coupang

 

Taiwan

Gold – PCSC

Silver – Poya

Bronze – Great Tree

 

Thailand

Gold – Central Retail Corp (CRC)

Silver – Moshi Moshi Retail Corp

 

Vietnam

Gold – Imex Pan Pacific Group

 

TECHNOLOGY

China

Gold – Alibaba

Silver – Tencent

Bronze – Baidu

Bronze – Trip.com

 

Indonesia

Gold – GoTo Gojek Tokopedia

 

Philippines

Gold – IMI

Silver – NOW

 

Taiwan

Gold – Sercomm Corporation

Silver – Wistron NeWeb Corporation

Bronze – Arcadyan Technology Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – Be8

Silver – Bbik

 

Vietnam

Gold – MoMo

Silver – FPT Corporation

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

 

China

Gold – China Mobile

Silver – China Telecom

Bronze – China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd

 

Indonesia

Gold – Telkom

Silver – Indosat

Bronze – Telkomsel

 

Malaysia

Gold – CelcomDigi

 

Philippines

Gold – Globe Telecom, Inc.

Silver – CNVRG

Bronze – PLDT

 

South Korea

Gold – SK Group

Silver – LG

Bronze – KT

 

Taiwan

Gold – Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd

Silver – Chunghwa Telecom

Silver – Taiwan Mobile

Bronze – Sercomm Corporation

 

Thailand

Gold – TRUE TB

Silver – AIS

 

Vietnam

Gold – Viettel

Silver – VNPT

 

TRANSPORTATION

Hong Kong SAR

Gold – Cathay Pacific Airways

 

Indonesia

Gold – Kereta Api Indonesia

 

Philippines

Gold – International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Silver – Cebu Air

Bronze – Lorenzo

 

South Korea

Gold – Korean Air

 

Thailand

Gold – Bangkok Expressway & Metro (BEM)

Silver – Namyong Terminal (NYT)

Bronze – SJWD

 

Vietnam

Gold – ACV

Silver – Vietjet

 

UTILITY SERVICES

 

Indonesia

Gold – Perusahaan Listrik Negara

 

Philippines

Gold – Manila Water Company, Inc.

Silver – Meralco

Bronze – Aboitiz Power

 

Thailand

Gold – Gulf Energy Development PCL

Silver – Global Power Synergy PCL

Bronze – B. Grimm Power PCL

Bronze – CK Power (CKP)

 


¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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