Key Asia Events: ASEAN Talks in Manila, Bank Indonesia Rate Call, and South Korea Q2 GDP

Welcome to Your Week in Asia.

ASEAN foreign ministers will convene in Manila on Tuesday, with counterparts from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom expected to join. The continuing civil war in Myanmar is anticipated to be a central topic, following an informal engagement between Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe and ASEAN ministers in Bangkok on July 12.

Attention is turning to the fragility of Indonesia’s economy and the depreciation of the rupiah ahead of Bank Indonesia’s forthcoming interest rate decision. The central bank has signaled a possible continuation of rate increases. Foreign capital outflows from domestic equities and unstable energy prices have contributed to the currency’s decline.

MONDAY

AirBorneo’s inaugural flight

Malaysia’s new regional carrier, AirBorneo, will operate its first flight from Kuching in Borneo to Kuala Lumpur. Previously known as MASwings, the airline will launch with two leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft and aims to grow its fleet to 17 jets by 2030.

Data: Malaysia trade

TUESDAY

ASEAN foreign ministers meeting

Senior diplomats travel to Manila for a sequence of meetings addressing ASEAN’s response to the energy crisis, Myanmar, the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, and the South China Sea code of conduct.

WEDNESDAY

Indonesia rates decision

Bank Indonesia has maintained its tightening cycle, including an unscheduled hike last month, as the rupiah weakened to multiple record lows in recent months. Governor Perry Warjiyo said earlier this month that the bank will persist in currency stabilization efforts after S&P affirmed Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating.

Monetary policy: Sri Lanka

Data: Japan trade

THURSDAY

Hong Kong crypto and fintech event

The Wiki Finance Expo, described as one of Asia’s largest fintech gatherings, opens in Hong Kong. The two-day program is expected to draw more than 12,000 participants to discussions and exhibitions on cryptocurrencies and financial innovation.

South Korea GDP

South Korea will publish second-quarter GDP figures after raising its full-year growth forecast on the back of an AI-driven semiconductor surge. The economy rebounded in the prior quarter, supported in part by chip exports.

Data: Singapore inflation

FRIDAY

Anniversary of Thai-Cambodia conflict

Thailand and Cambodia mark the clash that triggered hostilities on July 24, 2025. The confrontation ended after both governments accepted an unconditional ceasefire on July 28, 2025.

Data: Japan inflation, India purchasing managers index, Thailand trade

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