authentic cultural experiences, the region’s investment in creative industries and cultural diplomacy is positioning

Ukraine have demonstrated the effectiveness of loitering munitions, prompting Germany to reassess its position

Semiconductors: The New Strategic Asset Semiconductors are no longer just a tech component—they’re a strategic resource. Control over their production and innovation means economic power, national security, and technological dominance. This is why the geopolitics to lead the future is increasingly tied to chips. The U.S. vs. Asia: A Battle for Dominance United States: With major players like Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, the U.S. retains leadership in chip design and advanced R&D. Recent policies, like the CHIPS Act, aim to bring manufacturing back onshore. China: Determined to reduce dependency on foreign technology, China is investing billions in its domestic semiconductor industry. Its push for self-sufficiency is reshaping global supply chains. Taiwan & South Korea: Home to giants like TSMC and Samsung, these nations currently dominate global chip manufacturing. Their central role places them at the heart of global geopolitical tensions. Europe & Japan: These regions are ramping up investments to secure supply chain stability and reduce reliance on Asia. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed how fragile semiconductor supply chains are. Shortages stalled industries worldwide, making governments realize that control over chips is critical for economic resilience. Why Semiconductors Define the Future Semiconductors power: Artificial Intelligence 5G Networks Electric Vehicles & Green Tech Military & Defense Systems Whoever secures leadership in semiconductor technology will not just dominate markets, but also define the geopolitics to lead the future. The battle semiconductor supremacy is shaping global alliances, trade policies, and security strategies. Whether it’s the U.S., China, or a coalition of Asian powerhouses, the race is on to decide who will truly lead the future. #GeopoliticsForBusiness. _ MAY GlobalSolutions

Indonesia’s mining industry is closely watching the recovery of Freeport’s Grasberg copper mill following a devastating mudslide that disrupted operations at one of the world’s most significant copper mining complexes. The mill has reportedly reached 67% of its targeted operating capacity, marking an important milestone in the effort to restore production and stabilize operations. The progress highlights the scale of the recovery challenge facing Freeport-McMoRan and its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Freeport Indonesia. Beyond restoring mining activities, the recovery is important for copper supply, Indonesia’s mineral industry and the broader economic contribution of the Grasberg operation. As demand for copper remains closely linked to infrastructure, electrification and industrial development, the restoration of the Grasberg copper mill is an important development for Indonesia and the global mining sector. Freeport-McMoRan has made significant progress in restoring operations at its Grasberg copper-gold complex in Central Papua, Indonesia, following a fatal mudslide in September 2025. During the third quarter of 2026, the Grasberg copper mill averaged approximately 140,000 tonnes of ore processing per day, equivalent to 67% of its normal milling rate. This was slightly higher than the 65% recovery level anticipated by analysts. The milestone represents an important step in the recovery of one of the world's largest copper and gold mining operations. However, the mill is still operating below its normal capacity, and Freeport is continuing its phased recovery plan to restore production safely and sustainably. 1. A Major Recovery Following the 2025 Mudslide On September 8, 2025, a major mudslide, also described as a wet material slide or mud rush, struck the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine. The incident involved approximately 800,000 tonnes of wet material entering the underground mining area, resulting in the deaths of seven workers and the suspension of affected operations. The disruption created significant operational challenges for Freeport, requiring extensive remediation, infrastructure restoration and safety improvements before mining activities could resume. Following the incident, PT Freeport Indonesia began a phased restart process, prioritizing the restoration of unaffected mining areas and the gradual recovery of the Grasberg Block Cave. By the third quarter of 2026, the mill had reached an average processing rate of around 140,000 tonnes per day. This progress demonstrates the scale of the work undertaken to restore operations, although further recovery remains necessary before the complex returns to full capacity. 2. Grasberg Targets 80% Capacity by Mid-2027 Freeport is continuing to focus on restoring the Grasberg copper mill through a structured ramp-up plan. The company expects the operation to reach approximately 80% of normal capacity by mid-2027, with near-full production targeted by the end of 2027. The recovery plan includes restarting additional underground production areas, upgrading material-handling infrastructure and strengthening risk-mitigation systems. The Grasberg Block Cave supplied approximately 70,000 tonnes of ore per day to the mill during the third quarter of 2026. Upgrades to the underground material-handling system remain scheduled for completion in early 2027, while the restart of Production Block 1S is targeted for mid-2027. These developments are expected to support higher ore throughput and improve the stability of mining operations as Freeport progresses toward its production targets. 3. Impact on Global Copper Supply The recovery of Grasberg is significant not only for Indonesia but also for the international copper market. Grasberg is one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits, and its production contributes to global supplies of metals used in construction, power infrastructure, electronics, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The 2025 disruption was estimated to have removed approximately 278,000 tonnes of copper from global mine supply that year, equivalent to around 1.2% of global mine output, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, as reported by The Northern Miner. With global industries continuing to invest in electrification, data infrastructure and energy transition projects, reliable copper supply remains an important economic consideration. The gradual restoration of Grasberg's processing capacity could help improve supply availability over time. Nevertheless, the actual impact on the copper market will also depend on production levels at other mines, global demand, inventories and wider market conditions. 4. Copper and Gold Production Show Signs of Progress Freeport's third-quarter results also indicate progress across its wider operations. The company reported approximately 830 million pounds of copper and 230,000 ounces of gold produced during the quarter, broadly in line with its expectations. However, milling rates should not be interpreted as an identical percentage of copper or gold production. Actual metal output also depends on ore grades, recovery rates and the mix of material processed. Freeport continues to manage the financial impact of the Grasberg recovery, including costs associated with idle facilities and restoration work. The timing of refined gold sales and changes in by-product credits can also influence reported financial performance. As production capacity improves, the company's ability to stabilize output and manage operating costs will remain important indicators of the recovery's success. 5. Indonesia's Domestic Processing Industry Also Benefits The recovery of Grasberg is closely connected to Indonesia's broader ambition to strengthen its domestic mineral processing industry. PT Freeport Indonesia's smelter in East Java restarted operations in late August 2026 after a temporary suspension. Freeport reported that its ramp-up was progressing in line with expectations. Together with the separately operated PT Smelting facility, the two smelters have the capacity to produce up to 800,000 tonnes of copper cathode annually. The restoration of mining and smelting operations is important for maintaining the flow of copper materials through Indonesia's domestic industrial supply chain. By processing copper within the country, Indonesia can support downstream manufacturing activities and retain more value from its mineral resources. The pace of this progress, however, depends on stable concentrate supply, reliable infrastructure and consistent plant operations. Freeport's Grasberg copper mill reaching 67% of normal milling rates marks an important milestone following the devastating mudslide in 2025. The recovery demonstrates meaningful progress in restoring a major mining operation, while the company's targets of 80% capacity by mid-2027 and near-full production by year-end provide a clear direction for the next phase. As global copper demand continues to be shaped by infrastructure development, electrification and industrial expansion, the performance of major mining operations such as Grasberg will remain important to the wider market. For Indonesia, the continued recovery of Grasberg represents an opportunity to strengthen its mining industry and domestic processing capabilities. Ultimately, the most important measure of success will be whether Freeport can restore production while maintaining safe, stable and sustainable operations. Sources: The Northern Miner, October 2, 2026; Freeport-McMoRan operational updates; PT Freeport Indonesia. Figures and recovery targets reflect information available as of October 2026. #FreeportIndonesia _ Trendspire In Asia

dialogue and cooperation, saying his government is willing to listen to ideas from people across the political The ruling CPP remains the country's dominant political force. A New Generation of Political Cooperation? it as an opportunity for broader engagement and others questioning its political significance. political evolution.

reserves have increasingly attracted major international energy players, and this latest discovery may position

landscapes shift and emerging markets gain momentum, Turkey’s bold pivot to “distant countries” may position

watchdogs warn that unchecked content restrictions  may become more frequent—particularly during times of political

Malagasy people to honor their national heritage while reflecting on the country's social, economic, and political

Indonesia’s Clear Legal Position on Gambling Under Indonesian law, all forms of gambling are illegal Why Bali Is Often at the Center of Such Speculation Bali occupies a unique position: A global tourism

HONG KONG – June 29, 2025  – In a tight race for regional prestige, Hong Kong has officially been ranked Asia’s most international city , narrowly surpassing Singapore in the inaugural Asian Cities Internationality Index 2025 . Compiled by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with global research firm Ipsos, the index assessed 11 leading Asian cities  across 113 indicators grouped into seven categories: business and economy; quality of life; infrastructure and connectivity; innovation and ideas; human capital diversity; cultural interaction; and business-friendly governance. Hong Kong secured 73.7 points , edging Singapore by just 0.2 points  (73.5). The city’s strong performance was driven by its commanding presence in business and economy , reflecting its status as a global financial hub and host of major international events. However, it lagged in innovation and ideas , ranking fourth behind Shanghai, Singapore, and Seoul. Other Notable Rankings: Tokyo  came in third, followed by Seoul  and Shanghai  (5th). Cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur , and Jakarta  also featured in the places 6–10 range, signaling growing diversity in regional global cities. What This Means? Business Advantage : Hong Kong’s lead reflects its strengths in finance, connectivity, and diversity—key drivers in attracting global talent and capital. Areas for Growth : The city needs to boost efforts in innovation and R&D commercialization to maintain its global edge. Regional Dynamics : The close margin with Singapore underscores the competitiveness of Asia’s global hubs and may influence future urban policies and investments. _Daily Growth Insights

Tokyo, June 21, 2025 – Japan is significantly broadening its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program in the 2025 fiscal year, extending defense exports to Thailand and seven other nations including East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tonga, and more . Through its OSA initiative—launched in April 2023 and boosted by an ¥8.1 billion ($56 million) budget—Japan provides non-lethal defense equipment such as drones, radar systems, and maritime-surveillance assets. The goal is to support disaster relief capabilities and secure vital sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific  . During the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1, Defense Minister Nakatani and Thailand’s Deputy PM/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reaffirmed the deepening Japan–Thailand defense partnership, which includes joint exercises like Cobra Gold and growing JSDF presence on Thai soil  . The move also reflects a broader shift in Japan’s post-war defense stance. Since 2014’s relaxation of arms export rules and the 2023 increase in OSA funding, Tokyo has been more assertive in expanding its international defense role. Japan is moving toward becoming a proactive security partner, especially amid rising maritime tensions in the region—particularly concerning China’s strategic posture  . Analysts believe these developments strengthen Indo-Pacific security architectures by enhancing partner countries’ operational capacity, deterring regional threats, and signaling Japan’s commitment to collective defense. The continuous evolution of Japan’s defense-export policy mirrors its ambitions to reinforce global and regional security partnerships. _Daily Growth Insights