Welcome to Your Week in Asia.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces a major electoral test in Sabah, where polls in the state on the northern tip of Borneo feature a record number of candidates, and political dynasties loom large.
India is in the middle of an initial public offering frenzy, minting multiple new billionaires in the process, but the outlook is less rosy for the national economy due to high U.S. tariffs. Gross domestic product data this week will indicate the country's resilience, as reforms intended to shore up domestic consumption are already showing some signs of success.
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MONDAY
South Korea's Lee in Turkey
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits Turkey and meets President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Turkey says the presidents will speak on steps to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, defense industry, transportation, infrastructure, high-tech, culture and tourism.
Data: Singapore inflation
TUESDAY
Alibaba earnings
Alibaba reports earnings for the July-September quarter. Investors will be watching for how the Chinese tech group is performing in key areas including cloud computing and artificial intelligence services at a time when its e-commerce and food delivery units are embroiled in a brutal price war with rivals such as Meituan and JD.com.
Huawei product announcements
Huawei is set to launch various consumer electronics and automotive solutions, including its flagship Mate 80 series smartphones, a new foldable phone, tablets and wearable devices.
IPO: Polymer Link
WEDNESDAY
Data: Singapore manufacturing index
THURSDAY
Bank of Korea monetary policy decision
The Bank of Korea will hold a rate-setting meeting, with experts expecting a cut of 0.25 percentage point to the key rate, which currently stands at 2.50%. Woori Finance Research Institute argues that the South Korean central bank will be keen to trim the rate to boost tepid domestic consumption. The government has calmed economic anxieties by reaching a trade deal with the U.S., but policymakers are still working to tame rising housing prices and prevent further depreciation of the won.
FRIDAY
India GDP
India reports its GDP data for the July-September quarter. This will be the first set of GDP data from the South Asian nation that includes the period since the U.S., which is its largest trading destination, implemented a punishing 50% tariff on imports from India. They also come after the country reported a surprisingly robust 7.8% economic expansion in the April-June quarter.
Digital media listing in Malaysia
Malaysia's Foodie Media will become the first influencer-based business and digital media company to be listed on the Malaysian bourse. The company is aiming to raise 75 million ringgit ($18 million) through an initial public offering that would value the company at 266 million ringgit.
Data: Philippines trade, Taiwan GDP
SATURDAY
Thailand motor expo
The annual Thailand International Motor Expo brings together global automakers including China's BYD, Japan's Toyota Motor and South Korea's Hyundai Motor. The Southeast Asian nation is witnessing a surge in Chinese electric vehicles, which are eating into the market share of Japanese automakers. Participating companies are expected to showcase their latest models, with the event running through Dec. 10.
Sabah election
East Malaysia's Sabah heads into a fiercely contested state election with 73 seats and a record 596 candidates, underscoring the state's deeply fragmented political landscape. The vote will be a critical test of how Malaysia Agreement 1963 -- the document that formed the federation including the Sabah region -- autonomy and resource-sharing demands shape voter sentiment, and is widely seen as a precursor to the next general election, signaling East Malaysia's growing influence over Malaysia's political direction.
Data: Sri Lanka inflation
SUNDAY
Honduras election could settle China-or-Taiwan debate
The Central American country of Honduras goes to the polls in a close race to choose its next president. Two of three key candidates have expressed interest in restoring diplomatic relations with Taiwan, after ties were cut in 2023 in favor of China. A reversal of this move would be a rare win for Taipei, which has lost several of its few remaining allies in recent years.
Data: China purchasing managers' index
