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In Tax

Vietnam and United States: Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade

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On 26 October 2025, the United States and Vietnam concluded a framework agreement aimed at establishing reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade relations. The final commitments are expected to be signed and ratified by both parties before the end of 2025.
This framework introduces comprehensive commitments across digital trade, services and investment, intellectual property, labor, environment, customs and trade facilitation, regulatory practices, and state-owned enterprise conduct. It includes reciprocal tariff arrangements, preferential market access for US exports, and the removal of technical barriers affecting US goods. These developments reflect a strategic effort to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while aligning regulatory standards and market access terms.

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Taiwan: Amendment to Personal Data Protection Act

by and 5 Mins Read

On 17 October 2025, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), establishing the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) as the new supervisory authority for personal data matters.
These changes respond to a 2022 Constitutional Court ruling and aim to strengthen independent oversight while enhancing data protection standards across both public and private sectors.
Key updates include mandatory appointment of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for government agencies, new breach notification and reporting obligations for non-government entities, expanded inspection powers for the PDPC, and a six-year transition period for certain supervisory functions.
The PDPC will also issue baseline security regulations and serve as the appeals body for administrative decisions. The effective date will be set by the Executive Yuan, with implementation expected in 2026.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Vietnam: Releasing draft AI Law for comprehensive AI governance framework

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Vietnam’s draft AI Law, released for public consultation, aims to establish a comprehensive governance framework by January 2026. It introduces phased implementation, risk-based classification, role-driven accountability, and obligations for general-purpose AI. The law promotes innovation through incentives and sandboxes, and enforces strict penalties for violations, including revenue-based fines. Businesses in high-risk sectors like finance and health will face increased scrutiny. Stakeholders are urged to submit feedback before the National Assembly’s session on 20 October 2025.

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Australia: Australian Government moves to regulate digital asset and tokenised custody platforms

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On 25 September 2025, the Australian Government released draft legislation to regulate Digital Asset Platforms (DAPs) and Tokenised Custody Platforms (TCPs). The proposed law requires operators of these platforms to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and comply with tailored disclosure, conduct, and licensing obligations. It aims to close regulatory gaps, enhance investor protection, and position Australia as a credible hub for digital asset innovation. Consultation on the draft closes on 24 October 2025.

In Asia-Pacific

Singapore: Public consultation on approach for resolving workplace fairness disputes and procedures for making workplace fairness claims

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Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower is seeking public feedback on the upcoming Workplace Fairness Bill, which will outline procedures for resolving workplace discrimination claims. Key topics include dispute resolution, tribunal jurisdiction, and union representation. Feedback is due by 19 September 2025.

In Antitrust / Competition

Vietnam: New antidumping investigation against ceramic and porcelain tiles imported from India

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On 16 April 2024, the Trade Remedy Authority (TRA) of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) received a petition for an antidumping investigation (AD) regarding ceramic and porcelain tiles originating from India. The petitioners include nine companies representing domestic manufacturers. On 18 August 2025, the MOIT issued Decision No. 2333/QD-BCT to officially conduct the antidumping investigation with a case code of AD23. After that, on 25 August 2025, the TRA issued Notice No. 131/TB-PVTM regarding the issuance of a questionnaire for sampling foreign manufacturers/exporters in the AD23 case.

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In Corporate Compliance

Singapore: Health Sciences Authority issues update on products found by overseas regulators to contain potent ingredients | June and July 2025

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On 15 August 2025, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an update listing overseas health products found to contain potent, prohibited ingredients. These may cause harmful side effects. The HSA advises consumers to avoid such products and buy only from trusted sources. Sellers in Singapore face severe penalties for supplying adulterated products. The HSA continues monitoring global enforcement to protect local consumers and urges suppliers to assess any overseas regulatory impacts.

In Anti-Corruption

Singapore: CCCS obtains court orders against immigration consultancy businesses for unfair trade practices

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On 11 August 2025, Singapore’s CCCS obtained court orders against immigration consultancy businesses for misleading trade practices. The businesses used deceptive tactics to pressure customers into applying for permanent residency, including false guarantees and scripted sales pitches. The mastermind behind these practices evaded detection by operating through new entities. The court ordered cessation of these practices, public disclosure of the orders, and ongoing reporting to CCCS. This signals CCCS’s strict enforcement stance.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Singapore: Government currently assessing age assurance obligations for social media services

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Singapore is considering age assurance measures for social media platforms to protect younger users online. These may include age verification systems to ensure age-appropriate content. The Online Safety Bill will be tabled soon, and a new commission to support victims of online harm is planned for next year. This aligns with global efforts to enhance digital safety for children.

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