
SINGAPORE -- Asian companies increased their global clout this year, especially in the technology arena, triggering mergers and acquisitions while attracting investors from around the world. But some faced major headwinds, thwarted by sparring countries, plunging currencies and -- in one notable case -- a jailed executive. Following are the Nikkei Asian Review's picks for the top business stories in 2018, along with what we see in store for the region in 2019.