A Glimpse into the Upcoming Events
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella embarks on a Southeast Asian tour, kicking off with an AI conference in Jakarta. He will then travel to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, sharing insights on the potential of AI with local developers and businesses.
China's factory activity index for April will be closely watched. The March reading signaled expansion for the first time in six months, and April's figure will indicate whether the world's second-largest economy continues to recover.
Samsung Electronics announces first-quarter earnings. The memory chip giant is expected to benefit from the growing demand for high bandwidth memory chips used in AI computing.
The Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show in Jakarta will showcase over 80 brands, including electric vehicle manufacturers and related businesses. Chinese brands BYD and Chery, along with South Korean rival Hyundai, will be among the exhibitors.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will announce the creation of an international framework for generative AI at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris. He will also visit Brazil and Paraguay to show support for emerging countries' moves to join the OECD.
Major Japanese trading houses Mitsubishi Corp., Sumitomo Corp., and Marubeni post earnings for the fiscal year ended March 2024. Their performance will be closely watched following Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway's investments in these companies.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will visit Indonesian President Joko Widodo. This is likely one of Lee's final meetings with a foreign leader before he transfers power to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in mid-May.
These are just some of the events that will shape the week ahead in Asia. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis.