Asia Economist and CEO, Centennial Asia Advisors

Manu Bhaskaran

Asia Economist and CEO

Centennial Asia Advisors

At Centennial Asia Advisors, we tell it like it is. We have no vested interests, no need for a China wall, and no reason to skew our outlook any other way. With over 30 years experience covering Asia’s political economy, you can be sure our conclusions and analyses are based on the unadulterated facts. Through years of fine-tuning our research methodologies, we deliver a quality of macroeconomic analysis few other houses can match.

Centennial Asia Advisors is an independent research and advisory firm that works with governments, multilateral institutions, financial firms and leading MNCs.

Economic Policy and Strategic Advisors

Macroeconomics

<ul>
<li>While global economic conditions have been “so far so good”, there are signs of trouble that, while manageable for now, could darken the outlook if they spiral out of control. </li>
<li>On the upside, conditions in major markets such as the US and China are stabilizing, while global capital spending and technology cycles should be favourable for Asia. </li>
<li>While the risks are growing, resilient domestic demand and appropriate macroeconomic management should shield Asian markets from the worst of the downsides. </li>
</ul>


While global economic conditions have been “so far so good”, there are signs of trouble that, while manageable for now, could darken the outlook if they spiral out of control. 
On the upside, conditions in major markets such as the US and China are stabilizing, while global capital spending and technology cycles should be favourable for Asia. 
While the risks are growing, resilient domestic demand and appropriate macroeconomic management should shield Asian markets from the worst of the downsides. 


Regional Economics: In A Stormier World, Can Asia’s Ship Remain Steady?

<ul>
<li>China’s latest consumer data will do little to convince the leadership to significantly step stimulus in the upcoming Third Plenum as support for advanced sectors remains key.</li>
<li>Beijing's refraining from significant stimulus is deemed a feature, rather than a bug. Policymakers do not yet view the trade-offs as unmanageable. </li>
<li>While some incremental step-up in policy support may be on the cards, do not expect Beijing to rock the boat beyond that. </li>
</ul>


China’s latest consumer data will do little to convince the leadership to significantly step stimulus in the upcoming Third Plenum as support for advanced sectors remains key.
Beijing's refraining from significant stimulus is deemed a feature, rather than a bug. Policymakers do not yet view the trade-offs as unmanageable. 
While some incremental step-up in policy support may be on the cards, do not expect Beijing to rock the boat beyond that. 


China Economics: Expect Few Changes in Third Plenum

<ul>
<li>Reading between the lines, the resignations of two senior officials of the New Capital Authority strikes us as a de facto sacking. </li>
<li>While there may be gripes with the pace of delivery in developing Nusantara, the fundamental problem remains that the economics of the new capital are unfavourable. </li>
<li>Incoming president Prabowo should also not be assumed to continue placing the same priority on Nusantara as his predecessor Widodo currently does. </li>
</ul>


Reading between the lines, the resignations of two senior officials of the New Capital Authority strikes us as a de facto sacking. 
While there may be gripes with the pace of delivery in developing Nusantara, the fundamental problem remains that the economics of the new capital are unfavourable. 
Incoming president Prabowo should also not be assumed to continue placing the same priority on Nusantara as his predecessor Widodo currently does. 


Indonesia Economics: New Capital Faces More Than Just Personnel Woes

<ul>
<li>After a period of economic and political turbulence, Malaysia is now re-entering the spotlight, performing admirably in attracting technology-focused investments.</li>
<li>The success in luring semiconductor and data centre investments is not down to pure luck; policymakers have worked hard to ensure that the country friendly to global tech business.</li>
<li>If momentum on business investments and policy reform can be maintained, the country may be on the verge of a virtuous cycle that helps it escape the middle-income trap.</li>
</ul>


After a period of economic and political turbulence, Malaysia is now re-entering the spotlight, performing admirably in attracting technology-focused investments.
The success in luring semiconductor and data centre investments is not down to pure luck; policymakers have worked hard to ensure that the country friendly to global tech business.
If momentum on business investments and policy reform can be maintained, the country may be on the verge of a virtuous cycle that helps it escape the middle-income trap.


Malaysia Economics: Is “Digital Tiger” Malaysia About to Roar Again?

<ul>
<li>The ruling BJP suffered major losses in the recent elections. It fell short of an overall majority and will have to rely on regional partners to form the next government. </li>
<li>Consolidation of the anti-BJP vote under the aegis of the INDIA coalition delivered dividends, but voters also were not enthused by Modi's economic and social campaign rhetoric. </li>
<li>Expect short-term uncertainty as the major blocs attempt to cobble together parliamentary majorities. But more political checks and balances would be good for India. </li>
</ul>


The ruling BJP suffered major losses in the recent elections. It fell short of an overall majority and will have to rely on regional partners to form the next government. 
Consolidation of the anti-BJP vote under the aegis of the INDIA coalition delivered dividends, but voters also were not enthused by Modi's economic and social campaign rhetoric. 
Expect short-term uncertainty as the major blocs attempt to cobble together parliamentary majorities. But more political checks and balances would be good for India. 


India Politics: Setback for Modi Heralds Era of Uncertain Coalition Politics