Filza Syah

Love may be universal, but the decision to build a life together increasingly depends on something far less romantic: housing. Across Asia-Pacific, rising property prices, changing work cultures, and financial uncertainty are transforming when—and even whether—people choose to marry. Behind the region's housing crisis lies a larger story about how economics is reshaping one of life's most personal decisions.

As Jakarta celebrates its 499th anniversary, the city faces one of the biggest turning points in its history. While preparations for Indonesia's new capital continue, Jakarta remains the country's financial heart. The question is no longer whether Jakarta will remain important—but whether it can evolve into a globally competitive business city alongside Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

Amazon's latest US$13 billion investment in India is about much more than expanding cloud services. It signals a larger shift in Asia's digital economy, where India is rapidly emerging as one of the most important destinations for AI infrastructure, data centers, and hyperscale investment.

AirAsia is expanding its long-term fleet strategy while optimizing selected routes to manage rising fuel costs and changing travel demand. The airline's latest moves offer important insights for both passengers planning trips across Asia-Pacific and investors watching the aviation sector.

The new U.S.-Iran agreement is more than a diplomatic breakthrough. For Asia-Pacific economies, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could influence oil prices, inflation, shipping costs, and financial markets over the coming months.

Financial markets across the Asia-Pacific region are experiencing renewed volatility as investors respond to changing global interest rate expectations, energy prices, and capital flows. Analysts say the coming months could define investment trends across the region.