In the second quarter of 2026, competition and consumer protection regulators across Southeast Asia remained active in merger control, cartels, digital markets, e-commerce and sector reform. For businesses, the key message is practical: filing deadlines, tender conduct, online sales practices and platform rules are now core compliance risks, not back-office legal issues. Whilst businesses are aware of this, not all appreciate the importance of having competition issues front and centre as deals are struck, cooperations are entered into and market intelligence is gathered.
This edition highlights the developments most likely to affect companies operating, investing or selling across Southeast Asia.
Merger control
Merger control remains a regional priority. In Singapore, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCS“) cleared transactions in electric vehicle (“EV“) charging, pharmaceutical products and semiconductor foundry services, while continuing to review marina berth and airline cooperation matters. CCS also revised its merger procedure guidelines, including a 25-working-day streamlined assessment for low-risk cases. In Indonesia, the Indonesia Competition Commission (“ICC“) continued to fine companies for late merger notifications, including cross-border transactions. In the Philippines, the Philippine Competition Commission (“PCC“) revised its schedule of administrative fines. In Vietnam, the National Competition Commission (“NCC“) fined companies for failing to notify a share acquisition.
Anti-competitive agreements and consumer protection
Authorities also remained active on cartel, bid-rigging and unfair conduct issues. In Indonesia, ICC dismissed one tender conspiracy case but saw another bid-rigging decision upheld in court. In Malaysia, the Malaysia Competition Commission (“MyCC“) issued a proposed decision over alleged bid-rigging in a food supply tender. In Thailand, the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (“TCCT“) dismissed complaints involving a parcel-collection agency arrangement and a chicken product distributorship.
Consumer protection enforcement is increasingly focused on online conduct. In Singapore, CCS took action against three online retailers for false urgency tactics and misleading claims. In Vietnam, NCC sanctioned misleading customer information and scrutinised e-commerce platform fees.
Legislation and policy
Legislative and policy reform has also accelerated. Singapore passed amendments to strengthen the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s media-sector competition and consumer protection powers, and CCS issued revised fast track procedure guidelines for competition investigations. Indonesia’s ICC advocated for the enactment of a dedicated Digital Market Law to address growing competition concerns involving digital platforms. Indonesia also overhauled its e-commerce regulations, significantly extending the compliance obligations of e-commerce platforms. Malaysia tabled major amendments to its competition framework. The Philippines deepened energy-sector cooperation, Thailand joined talks to upgrade the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, and Vietnam introduced revised competition sanctions.
Compliance reminder
Businesses should review merger filing processes, tender and competitor-contact controls, digital platform practices, e-commerce pricing and promotions, and consumer-facing claims. These areas are drawing active scrutiny and can create exposure even where conduct is operational rather than strategic.
Our regional team stands ready to assist with risk assessments, filings, investigations and practical compliance measures. Please contact the Rajah & Tann Asia Competition & Antitrust Team if you would like to discuss how these developments 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.
