In a striking sign of renewed investor confidence in Asia, Malaysia attracted record foreign inflows into its bond market—nearly $3.15 billion—in May 2025, the highest monthly total since 2014  . This surge stems from multiple factors: a weaker U.S. dollar, expectations of interest rate cuts, stable regional currencies, and more attractive yields compared to Western markets  . Across Asia, May marked the strongest month for bond inflows in nearly a decade, totaling $15.29 billion, with Malaysia capturing a significant portion of that investment  . Malaysia’s appeal to investors is further enhanced by Bank Negara Malaysia’s cautious approach to rate cuts, alongside the robust ringgit and favorable economic outlook  . Meanwhile, regional data reveals more than $34 billion injected into Asian debt markets in the first five months of 2025—the most since at least 2016  . While liquidity concerns remain in some emerging markets, low inflation and modest foreign ownership are helping to cushion volatility  . Malaysia’s market now sees non-resident holdings reach about 22% of total government bonds, reflecting growing long-term foreign investor confidence  . Analysts believe that this trend—spurred by potential U.S. rate cuts and favorable Asian economic fundamentals—could reshape global bond portfolios, diversifying investment away from U.S. Treasuries toward Asian fixed-income assets. _Daily Growth Insights

In a sobering assessment, WPP Media has revised its 2025 global advertising growth forecast downward—from 7.7% to 6%—citing trade instability and geopolitical tensions that are prompting advertisers to pull back on commitments  . This adjustment reflects wider industry caution as brands navigate rising tariffs and fragmented supply chains. Despite the slowdown, digital ad spend continues to flourish. WPP forecasts that digital ads will account for an impressive 73.2% of the projected $1.08 trillion global ad spend in 2025  . Even more striking, user-generated content (UGC) is expected to outpace professionally produced media, following trends across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram  . 📈 Why Growth Is Slowing Trade Climate Uncertainty: Ongoing U.S. trade actions and tariff risks are discouraging long-term ad investments  . Deglobalization Pressures: Fragmented markets are pushing clients toward shorter-term, flexible ad plans that can be adjusted quickly  . What’s Driving the Future? AI-Powered Ads: From generative copy and visuals to predictive targeting, AI tools are now central to ad creation. Brands like Meta aim to fully automate ad crafting by 2026  . UGC Ascends: Creator content is not just popular—it’s lucrative. In 2025, UGC ad revenue is forecast to eclipse traditional media, with creator revenues expected to reach $376 billion by 2030  . Print Decline & Search Growth: Print ad revenue is predicted to slide by 3.1%, while search continues to grow steadily at 7.3%  . What It Means for Advertisers Double Down on Digital: Brands should lean into high-performing channels like AI-driven display and creator partnerships. Agile Budgeting is Key: With trade-related volatility, flexible ad strategies and shorter contracts are essential  . Align with UGC Ecosystems: Collaborate with everyday creators, build community-driven content, and inject authenticity through real voices over polished ads. While the global ad growth may dip, the digital transformation of ads remains unstoppable. AI and UGC are no longer experimental—they’re foundational. In a world defined by fluctuating economics, brands that embrace automated creativity and creator-led storytelling stand to lead the next wave of global advertising. _Daily Growth Insights

worldwide—particularly across Asia, where economies are deeply interconnected with global trade, energy imports, and financial For countries with high external debt, this creates additional financial strain. 3.

European nations remain key partners for ASEAN in areas including trade, green finance, infrastructure For businesses and financial institutions, ASEAN’s active global presence signals policy stability and

The year 2025 marks a turning point in global relations. Nations are no longer aligned solely by geography or ideology — they’re bound by technology, resources, and strategic necessity. From Asia’s economic rise to Western political recalibrations, geopolitics in 2025  is a complex dance of competition and cooperation. As global crises — from climate change to digital warfare — blur traditional borders, new alliances are forming to meet the moment. The post-pandemic era has revealed not just vulnerabilities but also possibilities for new power structures that redefine what global leadership means. The Rise of Strategic Regionalism While globalization continues to connect economies, regional alliances are becoming increasingly influential. In Asia, frameworks like ASEAN Plus  and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)  are solidifying the region’s position as a global economic powerhouse. Meanwhile, in Europe, the EU’s renewed defense cooperation  under the Strategic Compass initiative is reshaping its security narrative in response to new global threats. Across Africa and the Middle East, nations are banding together to build economic resilience and energy independence — signaling a shift from dependency to empowerment. These regional coalitions represent a pragmatic adaptation: smaller, focused alliances that act faster and serve mutual interests beyond traditional ideological lines. The U.S.–China Rivalry: A Defining Force in Geopolitics 2025 No discussion of geopolitics 2025  is complete without addressing the evolving dynamic between the United States and China. What was once a trade dispute has expanded into a full-spectrum rivalry — encompassing technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and even global influence through media and culture. Both powers are investing heavily in global partnerships. China continues its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)  with renewed focus on digital infrastructure, while the U.S. strengthens alliances in the Indo-Pacific through partnerships like AUKUS  and the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) . Rather than a single “Cold War 2.0,” the world is witnessing a series of strategic recalibrations — where middle powers like India, South Korea, and Indonesia are emerging as crucial balancing forces. The Role of Technology and Energy Technology is now the new currency of power. Nations leading in AI, quantum computing, and clean energy innovation  are setting the tone for the next decade. Data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and green transitions have become as important as military strength. In 2025, the global energy map is being rewritten. As the world accelerates toward carbon neutrality, resource-rich nations — from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to Indonesia’s nickel-based green economy — are gaining strategic relevance. The race for energy security  and technological supremacy  defines the essence of modern geopolitics. The Human Element: Diplomacy in a Divided World Amid growing polarization, diplomacy remains a critical bridge. Countries are learning that influence now depends less on hard power and more on soft power  — culture, communication, and cooperation. From climate negotiations to humanitarian efforts, global leaders are realizing that collaboration, not isolation, ensures long-term security. New global players — think Singapore’s mediation diplomacy or the UAE’s innovation-driven outreach — are showing that agility can often outweigh size in modern geopolitics. Beyond Power: The Call for Shared Responsibility Geopolitics 2025  isn’t just about power plays — it’s about priorities. Nations are increasingly judged not only by their strength but by their stewardship. How they respond to crises like climate change, digital ethics, and social inequality will determine their legitimacy on the world stage. The post-pandemic world demands not just dominance, but responsibility — a willingness to cooperate, innovate, and protect shared humanity in an era of uncertainty. As we move deeper into 2025, one truth stands out: global power is no longer centralized. It’s distributed, dynamic, and deeply interconnected. The alliances shaping our world today are not fixed — they are fluid, evolving in response to global challenges that transcend borders. In this landscape, success belongs to the nations — and the leaders — who can balance ambition with empathy, strategy with sustainability, and influence with integrity. Because in the new world order of geopolitics 2025 , power isn’t just about control — it’s about connection. #Geopolitics2025 _ Daily Growth Insights

support future production opportunities while contributing to the company's long-term growth strategy and financial

exposure may therefore continue monitoring GBP/USD closely and managing currency risk as part of their financial

For generations, the UK Fish and Chip  shop has been more than just a place to eat—it’s been a cultural staple, a taste of comfort, and a symbol of community. But today, this long-standing tradition is in jeopardy. According to industry reports, nearly half of Britain’s fish and chip shops are at risk of closure in the coming years. The reasons are layered Rising energy costs have eaten into profits, with some small shops seeing bills increase by more than double since 2022. On top of that, the price of imported white fish, especially cod and haddock, has surged due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Even cooking oil, another essential, has faced price volatility linked to global shortages. Beyond costs, consumer behavior has shifted. Health-conscious eating trends and increased competition from fast-casual and delivery dining options have also contributed to declining sales. Industry leaders warn that without government intervention or relief on energy and import tariffs, the UK could lose a huge portion of its fish and chip heritage. Communities would not only lose local businesses but also part of their cultural fabric. For now, many shop owners are innovating—introducing new menu items, adopting sustainable fish sourcing, and using digital tools to attract younger customers. Whether these efforts will be enough to save Britain’s most iconic meal remains to be seen. #UKFishAndChip _ Daily Growth Insights

Bali, long known as a tropical paradise for travelers, is now facing a growing economic dilemma: the island is becoming too expensive —not only for tourists but also for the locals who live there. While luxury resorts and cafes keep booming, the minimum salary in Bali remains very low , creating a widening gap between wages and the cost of living. For locals, daily expenses such as housing, food, and transportation are rising much faster than their salaries. Many Balinese workers in tourism earn the equivalent of only a few hundred dollars per month, while prices in restaurants, beach clubs, and supermarkets keep climbing. This mismatch has left many residents struggling, forcing them into long working hours or side jobs just to get by. On the other side, tourists are starting to notice  the shift. What was once considered a budget-friendly destination now feels overpriced in certain areas , with food, entertainment, and transportation costs rivaling those of major cities. Some visitors have expressed frustration online, saying that Bali no longer feels like the affordable paradise it used to be. Critics argue that this rising cost of living is not a natural occurrence but a result of economic mismanagement . Many point out that the government’s focus on attracting high-spending tourists and luxury development has indirectly inflated prices, leaving locals and budget travelers behind. The key question now is: " What will the government do about it?"   Will Bali adjust its minimum wage to match the cost of living, or will regulations be put in place to control rapid price inflation? Without action, Bali risks damaging its reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination. As the situation unfolds, both locals and travelers are watching closely to see whether Bali can strike a balance between tourism growth and economic fairness. #BaliTooExpensive _ Daily Growth Insights

_with legal checklist & estimated minimum investment in Manila Quick overview — the 8 core steps to start your business in Manila Validate idea & build a short business plan  (market, costs, revenue model, breakeven). Choose a business structure  — sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, branch/representative office, or register in a special economic zone. Register your business name  (DTI for sole proprietorship; SEC for corporations). ( BNRS , Philippines Business Registration ) Secure local permits  — barangay clearance, Mayor’s permit / Business Permit (City of Manila), fire & sanitary permits, occupancy/lease documentation. ( Emerhub ) Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)  — get a TIN, register books of accounts, and authority to print official receipts/invoices. ( Philippines Business Registration ) Register employees & contributions  — SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG employer accounts and withholdings. ( RESPICIO & CO. ) Industry-specific licenses  — FDA (food/health), DOT (tourism), Bureau of Customs (imports), environmental permits, BOI/PEZA registration if seeking incentives. ( Philippines Business Registration , Wikipedia ) Open a business bank account, set up accounting, and launch. Detailed step-by-step Step A — Plan & choose structure Sole proprietorship  (DTI) — easiest & fastest for micro/small retail or e-commerce. Corporation (stock)  (SEC) — recommended for growth, multiple shareholders, or foreign investors. Corporations give limited liability and easier access to capital. Branch / Representative Office  — for foreign parents that want presence without a local corporation (these have specific capital rules). ** Register with the right agency: DTI  for sole proprietorship business names; SEC  for partnerships & corporations; CDA  for cooperatives. ( BNRS , Philippines Business Registration ) Step B — Reserve & register the business name Use the DTI Business Name Registry (BNRS) for sole proprietorships; SEC name reservation for corporations. You can do many of these steps online. ( BNRS ) Step C — Barangay clearance & Mayor’s permit (City of Manila) After name & national registration, apply for barangay clearance  (local barangay office) and Mayor’s permit (business permit)  from the City of Manila Business Permits & Licensing Office. You will usually need: lease contract / proof of address, identity documents, SEC/DTI papers, and barangay clearance. Processing times have improved under the Ease of Doing Business law but requirements vary by LGU. ( Emerhub , RESPICIO & CO. ) Step D — BIR registration (tax) Register your business with BIR  for TIN, register books of accounts, obtain authority to print official receipts, and learn whether you must register as VAT or non-VAT (thresholds apply). There’s an annual registration fee and specific documentary requirements. ( Philippines Business Registration ) Step E — Social & payroll registrations SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG  registrations as employer — enroll employees and set up contribution remittances. These are mandatory once you start hiring. ( RESPICIO & CO. ) Step F — Industry permits & compliance Food / Health / Cosmetics  → Philippine FDA licensing (product registration, sanitary permits). Import/Export  → Bureau of Customs registration, and consider PEZA/BOI  if you seek tax incentives or are export-oriented. ( Philippines Business Registration , Wikipedia ) Legal considerations (must-know) Licensing & sector limits Some sectors are restricted or require Filipino ownership  (e.g., certain utilities, land, mass media). Check the latest Negative List and sectoral rules before structuring ownership. ( ASEAN Briefing ) Foreign ownership & minimum-capital rules (important) Domestic Filipino corporations:  statutory minimum paid-up capital is very low (₱5,000) on paper, but real capital needed depends on the business. ( incorporation.ph ) Foreign-owned companies : typical  rule of thumb: a minimum paid-up capital ≈ US$200,000  for companies serving the domestic market. This can be reduced to US$100,000  if the business employs at least 50 Filipinos or involves advanced technology, or if registered in certain economic zones or as an export enterprise. Export-oriented firms that meet export thresholds may be allowed 100% foreign ownership with much lower paid-up capital (even PHP 5,000) but will need extra documentation and approvals. Always confirm the precise classification and documentary requirements with SEC/BOI. ( RESPICIO & CO. , Emerhub , FilePino ) Tip:  "If you’re a foreign entrepreneur, discuss entity type (local corp vs branch vs PEZA) with a lawyer — structuring determines capital rules, tax incentives, and allowed activities". Tax & incentives The Philippines introduced major tax incentive reforms to attract investment (new corporate tax rates and longer incentives for registered projects). Businesses that register with the BOI  or locate in PEZA  zones can access fiscal incentives (tax holidays, duty-free importation of capital equipment) — useful when planning investment sizing. ( Reuters , Philippines Business Registration ) Minimum investment — realistic numbers & examples Short answer:  "It depends strongly on the structure and sector. below are typical  ranges and factual thresholds to guide planning". A. Micro / Sole proprietorship (local founder) Legal minimum:  DTI registration and statutory minimum capital can be very low — effectively you can start a micro retail or online service business with under ₱50,000–₱200,000  for basic setup (business registration fees, signage, small inventory, web presence). (This is a practical startup estimate — exact needs vary.)  ( BNRS ) B. Domestic corporation (Filipino-owned) Statutory paid-up capital:  ₱5,000 minimum on paper, but practical initial capital should be higher depending on operations (rent, staff, inventory, equipment). ( incorporation.ph ) C. Foreign-owned domestic market company Common rule of thumb:   US$200,000 paid-up capital  for typical domestic business. Exemptions/reductions:   US$100,000  if the company uses advanced technology or employs at least 50 people; lower  if export-oriented or inside PEZA/SEZ. Confirm with SEC/BOI/practitioner. ( RESPICIO & CO. , Emerhub ) D. Retail foreign investors Certain retail activities have separate minimum investment thresholds (example: historically large minimums like US$2.5M for some foreign retail setups) — check the Retail Trade Liberalization and current implementing rules. ( HKTDC Research ) Reality check:  even if the statutory minimum is low, realistic startup capital should cover at least 6 months of operating costs (rent, payroll, utilities, marketing, inventory). For Manila, factor in higher rents than secondary cities. Practical timeline & costs (typical) Name reservation & DTI/SEC filing:  1–7 days (online options speed this up). ( BNRS ) Barangay & Mayor’s permit:  a few days to 2 weeks depending on LGU inspections and completeness of documents. ( Emerhub ) BIR registration:  usually within days if docs are correct. ( Philippines Business Registration ) Industry licensing (FDA / environmental):  can take weeks to months depending on product approvals. Compliance checklist (what to prepare & keep handy) Valid IDs (passport for foreigners), TIN (once registered), lease contract or land title, DTI/SEC certificate, barangay clearance, Mayor’s permit, BIR registration & receipts, Social Security/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG employer accounts, fire safety clearance, sanitary permit, industry-specific approvals (FDA, DOT, etc.), BOI/PEZA paperwork (if applicable). Useful contacts & help DTI BNRS  (business name registration portal). ( BNRS ) SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)  — for incorporations & foreign company filings. ( Philippines Business Registration ) City of Manila Business Permits & Licensing Office  (for Mayor’s permit and local requirements). ( Emerhub ) BIR  (tax registration). ( Philippines Business Registration ) BOI / PEZA  — for incentives if you’re planning export, manufacturing or strategic investments. ( Philippines Business Registration , Wikipedia ) Final tips — do this before you start Speak to a local CPA and lawyer  — tax structure, foreign-ownership rules and incentives are area-specific and can materially affect your capital needs. Visit the DTI Negosyo Center  in Manila — they offer guidance for MSMEs and can help with initial registrations. ( BNRS ) Consider a phased launch : start small (sole proprietorship or branch for non-revenue activities) while you validate demand; then scale into a corporation once revenue is stable. Explore incentives  (BOI/PEZA) — they can reduce your effective investment and operating costs but come with compliance strings attached. ( Reuters , Philippines Business Registration ) Sources / further reading (key official & practical references) DTI Business Name Registry (BNRS) — business name registration & resources. ( BNRS ) Philippines business registration steps & BIR guide. ( Philippines Business Registration ) Mayor’s permit & barangay clearance process overview (Emerhub on Philippines). ( Emerhub ) Paid-up capital rules & foreign investor practical guidance ( incorporation.ph / respicio). ( incorporation.ph , RESPICIO & CO. ) BOI incentives & registration overview. ( Philippines Business Registration ) Recent tax reform & incentive changes (Reuters summary of Corporate tax reform to attract investment). ( Reuters ) _ Daily Growth Insights

In a rapidly shifting global landscape, the influence of regions Beyond Asia  is growing more pronounced. While Asia continues to play a central role in trade, technology, and geopolitics, 2025 is witnessing a broader redistribution of power, innovation, and climate leadership across continents. From Africa's rise in renewable energy to Latin America's assertive economic strategies, change is unfolding far beyond traditional power centers. This article provides a timely update on how the world is evolving Beyond Asia , offering key insights into the future of global governance, economy, and diplomacy. "Power Shifts in a Multipolar World" In 2025, the world is no longer dominated by a unipolar or even bipolar system — Beyond Asia , new power centers are emerging in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe. While the U.S. and China remain central actors, countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Turkey are increasingly asserting global influence through trade alliances, green energy investments, and regional security initiatives. Beyond Asia’s traditional focus on East-West dynamics, this broader geopolitical recalibration is creating opportunities—and tensions—across new fault lines. "Global Economic Realignment" Beyond Asia , economic momentum is being rebalanced as inflation eases in the West but surges in resource-rich developing nations. The IMF recently projected that emerging markets outside Asia  will grow at 3.8% in 2025 , compared to 2.5% in developed economies. Meanwhile, Asia remains a key manufacturing and tech hub, but Beyond Asia , reshoring efforts and nearshoring policies are gaining pace in the Americas and Eastern Europe—reshaping global supply chains. Global GDP Growth Forecasts (2025) - Beyond Asia Region Projected Growth Key Driver Southeast Asia 4.7% Tech exports, tourism Sub-Saharan Africa 4.2% Renewable energy Latin America 3.5% Agritech, mining North America 2.4% Manufacturing reshoring Europe 1.9% Green policy transitions "Climate Leadership Beyond Asia" As climate disasters escalate globally , leadership Beyond Asia  is diversifying. While Asian countries like Japan and South Korea invest heavily in carbon capture and green hydrogen, nations beyond Asia , including Chile, Denmark, and Kenya, are becoming climate tech trailblazers. Notably, Denmark now sources 76% of its electricity from renewables , and Kenya has launched Africa's first geothermal-powered data center. These shifts Beyond Asia are creating new models of climate resilience and decentralized clean tech solutions. "Tech and AI Innovation Expanding Globally" Tech advancement isn’t confined to Silicon Valley or Shenzhen anymore. Beyond Asia , AI and biotech ecosystems are rising in cities like Toronto, Tel Aviv, Nairobi, and São Paulo. With regulatory frameworks still catching up, Beyond Asia is seeing experimentation in open-source AI , digital identity , and blockchain voting systems . India remains a tech leader in Asia, but Beyond Asia’s decentralization of innovation is driving unexpected collaborations and cross-border tech diplomacy. "Diplomacy and the Future of Global Governance" In this evolving world, Beyond Asia , diplomacy is shifting toward inclusive multilateralism. Organizations like BRICS+  and the African Union  are increasingly pushing for expanded representation in global institutions like the UN and IMF. Meanwhile, Asia’s voice remains powerful, but the growing activism Beyond Asia—from indigenous leaders in Latin America to women-led policy shifts in Scandinavia—signals a future global order rooted in shared governance and decentralized leadership. _ Daily Growth Insights

Wall Street opened the new year on uneven ground as energy and technology stocks posted early gains , lifting major US indices. Rising crude oil prices fueled an energy-sector rally, while tech shares provided additional support—offering investors a cautiously optimistic start to 2026. However, beneath the surface, market confidence remains fragile. Energy and Tech Drive Early Momentum Energy stocks led gains after crude prices moved higher, improving earnings outlooks for oil and gas companies. The rally provided a boost to major indices, particularly those with heavy exposure to energy producers. Technology stocks also contributed to early strength, supported by continued optimism around innovation, AI-related investments, and resilient demand for digital services. Despite the positive opening, analysts caution that broader uncertainties continue to weigh on market sentiment. Key concerns include: Inflation trends and interest rate expectations Global economic growth outlook Geopolitical risks and energy supply dynamics These factors have kept investors selective, preventing a broad-based rally across sectors. Investor Caution Shapes Early 2026 Market participants appear focused on balancing opportunity with risk. While select sectors show momentum, others remain under pressure, reflecting uncertainty about corporate earnings growth and policy direction in the months ahead. This cautious tone suggests that volatility may remain a defining feature of early 2026 trading. What to Watch Next? As the year unfolds, investors will closely monitor: Upcoming inflation and employment data Central bank guidance on interest rates Corporate earnings reports for Q1 These indicators are likely to determine whether early gains can be sustained—or if markets face renewed pullbacks. The US stock market’s mixed start to 2026 reflects a familiar theme: optimism in pockets, caution overall. While energy and tech have provided early leadership, broader market strength will depend on clarity around economic conditions and policy direction in the weeks ahead. For now, investors are stepping into 2026 with one eye on opportunity—and the other firmly on risk. #USStocksMarket2026 _ Daily Growth Insights