Dear Friends,
In this edition, we share key updates on competition and consumer protection across Southeast Asia in the first quarter of 2026. The pace of enforcement, regulatory scrutiny and legislative reform across the region continues to intensify, with regulators demonstrating a strong commitment to maintaining competitive markets, protecting consumers and modernising their respective legal frameworks. From landmark cartel fines and abuse-of-dominance rulings to heightened merger control vigilance and wide-ranging legislative proposals, the breadth of activity this quarter underscores the growing strategic importance of competition compliance for businesses operating in the region.
Merger control
Merger control remains a key area of focus across the region. In Singapore, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCS“) cleared a cross-border money transfer acquisition and conducted public consultations on proposed transactions involving marina berths, semiconductor foundry services, electric vehicle charging networks and air cargo transportation services. CCS also finalised revisions to its Guidelines on Merger Procedures, introducing a streamlined merger assessment process. In Indonesia, the Indonesia Competition Commission (“ICC“) has continued to pursue enforcement action against late post-closing merger notifications, including a notable cross-border case involving Japanese companies. In the Philippines, the Philippine Competition Commission (“PCC“) raised its compulsory merger notification thresholds and cleared transactions in the ecozone industrial lots and apparel sectors. In Vietnam, the Vietnam National Competition Commission (“VCC“) issued conditional merger clearances in the maritime, pharmaceutical, agri-food and petrochemicals sectors, imposing tailored behavioural remedies to safeguard competition. In Thailand, the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (“TCCT“) dismissed complaints against the owner of an e-commerce platform despite its market dominance.
Anti-competitive agreements and consumer protection
Enforcement against anti-competitive conduct and unfair consumer practices has been vigorous across the region. In the area of anti-competitive agreements, the long-running Indonesian case against Google LLC for monopolistic practices and abuse of dominant position achieved finality, with the Supreme Court giving permanent legal force to ICC’s decision. ICC also found 97 fintech peer-to-peer lending operators guilty of price-fixing, and pursued cases involving tender collusion, conspiracy to obstruct business, and unfair competition in the air-conditioning distribution sector. In Malaysia, MyCC is proceeding with enforcement efforts against feed millers for cartel activity and against alleged bid-rigging in a highway construction tender.
On the consumer protection front, Indonesian authorities have stepped up oversight of digital trade, and a new mechanism has been introduced to allow the relevant authority to file lawsuits to recover consumer losses in the financial services sector. In Thailand, TCCT issued a set of e-commerce guidelines to regulate the trade conduct of e-commerce business operators. In Singapore, CCS took enforcement action against a business for misusing CCS’s logo and making false verification claims in its marketing materials. In Vietnam, VCC sanctioned a household appliance and electronics distributor for misleading advertising.
Legislation and policy
Legislative and policy reform continued apace across the region, with authorities refining tools to address digital economy challenges and strengthening cross-border cooperation. In Vietnam, comprehensive amendments have been advanced to the competition law framework, with key changes targeting digital platforms, streamlined merger notifications and clearer enforcement procedures. In Singapore, legislative amendments have been effected to clarify the parallel nature of reviews under the Significant Investments Review Act 2024 and the Competition Act 2004. In Indonesia, ICC presented its Competition Outlook 2026, identifying key supervisory priorities. ICC also deepened international cooperation with ASEAN and BRICS in the area of competition enforcement. In Malaysia, MyCC launched its final market review report for the digital economy sector.
Compliance reminder
These developments highlight that businesses operating in Southeast Asia must proactively review and strengthen their competition and consumer protection compliance frameworks. Priority areas include merger filing protocols and timelines, information exchanges and pricing practices, procurement engagement, as well as platform and marketplace conduct.
Our regional team stands ready to assist with advice and practical measures, including auditing online practices and consumer-facing statements, refreshing staff training on competition law dos and don’ts, and validating notification triggers and timelines across each relevant jurisdiction. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Rajah & Tann Asia Competition & Antitrust Team if you wish to discuss any of these developments or how they may affect your business.
For more information, click here to read the full Legal Update.
Disclaimer
Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of member firms with local legal practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Asian network also includes our regional office in China as well as regional desks focused on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local requirements.
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Please note also that whilst the information in this publication is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as legal advice or a substitute for specific professional advice for any particular course of action as such information may not suit your specific business and operational requirements. You should seek legal advice for your specific situation. In addition, the information in this publication does not create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on the information in this publication.
