Amazon has entered Southeast Asia with the launch of its Prime Now in Singapore, joining the fierce ecommerce competition in the region. This move should not only heighten pressure on glitzy malls known as the backbone of Singapore’s economy and tourism, and exacerbate the current double-digit drop of property rents in its shopping belts; but also put further stress on regional bricks-and-mortar stores.

Amazon's Prime Now was launched in Singapore

In the housing sector, location becomes a driving force to maintain an upbeat outlook for projects in Phnom Penh, while Thailand is seeing a growing number of speculators in middle-to-upscale properties in some areas. Meanwhile, Hanoi is expected to welcome over 10,000 apartments in the mid-scale segment by year-end.