AEC Feed

The Indonesian government plans to announce its 10th economic policy package next week, before President Joko Widodo heads to the US to an Asean-US Summit from February 15-16.
Over the past two months, Indonesians have expressed concern over the risk of rising unemployment, as some big corporations have announced plans to cut jobs, including Chevron Pacific Indonesia, Ford Indonesia, Panasonic Lighting and Toshiba Indonesia.
“Before the president departs for the US, we will announce the 10th economic policy package,” cabinet secretary Pramono Anung said on Thursday. – The Jakarta Post

Sharp hints bailout talks focus on Hon Hai

Sharp Corp’s president Kozo Takahashi stressed on Thursday that the company would continue negotiations with both Hon Hai Precision Industry Co and the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) over their bailout plans, but with a focus on Hon Hai.
Takahashi said Sharp is putting more “resources” into talks with the Taiwanese tech giant.
“It’s [the talks with] Hon Hai that we are currently putting more resources into,” Takahashi said, adding that the company aims to conclude a final contract on its bailout in about a month.
Sharp is currently undergoing corporate restructuring. It discussed bailout offers presented by the INCJ and Hon Hai earlier in the day. – The Japan News

Malaysia ‘to concentrate on diversifying economy’
Malaysia remains focused on improving the fundamentals of its economy and diversifying, said Abdul Wahid Omar, minister in the PM’s Department.
Wahid had met more than 80 fund managers, all with emerging-market and Asia mandates, representing total assets under management of US$15 trillion, in Hong Kong and Singapore on the growth and competitiveness of Malaysia’s marketplace as a run-up to the 12th instalment of Bursa Malaysia’s annual capital-market platform.
The Malaysian bourse was a partner with Maybank Kim Eng in engaging stakeholders regarding the growth and competitiveness of the country’s market.
Under the theme “Malaysia: Sustainable at the Core”, Wahid discussed the measures the government had taken as outlined in the revised 2016 budget. – The Star

Bali hotels among most romantic in Asia
Two Bali properties have been recognised as among Asia’s most romantic hotels by travel site TripAdvisor.
The Kayon Resort and Viceroy Bali, both in Ubud, are listed as sixth and ninth respectively, alongside other resorts across the continent including in Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Available at an average rate of US$244 (Bt8,660) per night, The Kayon Resort features a spa and wellness centre as well as a yoga pavilion perched in the middle of a tropical rainforest and rice fields.
Meanwhile, Viceroy Bali offers private villas and fun activities such as sunrise trekking and Balinese dance lessons.
The list of romantic hotels is based on millions of reviews and aellers around the world. – The Jakarta Post