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Asia Pacific news

Trademark protection China: How companies can protect their brands

Companies seeking to protect their trademarks in China can utilise various administrative and judicial methods. The Ecovis experts explain what needs to be considered.

VAT law China: A new era for tax compliance in China

The long-awaited VAT law, which represents a comprehensive modernisation of the Chinese tax system, will come into effect on 1 January 2026. It will align more closely with global standards such as the OECD VAT Guidelines. This will have implications for businesses.

Payment Extensions for Taxes in Vietnam: Which Deadlines Will Apply in the Future?

Companies and business individuals and households are being given more time: The Vietnamese government has extended the deadlines for paying value added tax, corporate and personal income tax, and land rent for 2025. The Ecovis consultants know which deadlines now apply.

China company credit report: No trace left

China will no longer publicly report companies removed from the list of abnormal business relationships. The revised measures already took effect on 1 May 2025. The Ecovis experts explain what this means and who can apply for removal from the “blacklist” under the social credit system.

Expanded Scope of Sales and Service Tax in Malaysia

Effective 1 July 2025, the Malaysian government revised the list of items subject to sales tax and expand the scope of service tax. These measures aim to strengthen the country’s fiscal position by increasing revenue and broadening the tax base. The Ecovis Experts from ECOVIS Malaysia Tax provide an overview of the changes.

Malaysia Stamp Duty: Revised Rules and Self-Assessment System Explained

Under the Self-Assessment System for Stamp Duty, Malaysian taxpayers will assume full responsibility for determining, calculating, and declaring stamp duty obligations. Under this new system, taxpayers must assess whether an instrument is chargeable, calculate the correct duty, and submit the declaration independently via the STAMPS platform, without prior assessment or confirmation from the IRBM.

Vietnam Private Sector: Special Policies Planned for Development

Vietnam has unveiled a series of resolutions aimed at fostering the growth of its private sector, focusing on tax incentives and streamlined administrative processes. The Ecovis Experts from ECOVIS AFA VIETNAM provide an outline, explaining what these changes mean for start-ups and SMEs.

Guiding Businesses Through China’s Legal Landscape: Duke Yu

Duke Yu is a senior partner at K-Insight law firm – Member of ECOVIS International with over 18 years of legal experience. After seven years of legal study, he has developed strong expertise in commercial law, with a focus on contract law, company law, and bankruptcy.

VAT refund China: A paradigm shift for foreign tourists

Foreign tourists in China can receive an instant VAT refund on purchased goods at certain retail stores. With this nationwide real-time VAT refund system, the government aims to increase the attractiveness of the country for international visitors. The Ecovis experts explain the process.

Working in Vietnam as a foreigner: What companies and employees need to know

Foreign workers wanting to work in Vietnam must go through a complex process to obtain a work permit. Companies that want to hire foreign workers also have numerous obligations to fulfil. The Ecovis experts explain exactly what these obligations are.

14th ECOVIS Regional Partner Meeting of the APAC Region in Hong Kong

From 8–10 May, ECOVIS partners from across the Asia-Pacific region – and some from further afield – came together in Hong Kong for the 14th ECOVIS Regional Partner Meeting.

VAT China: New law for a clearer tax system

On 1 January 2026, China will implement its new value-added tax (VAT) law, replacing the interim VAT regulations. The new regulations include the definition of taxable and non-taxable sales, expanded input tax deduction, and the refund of VAT credits. The Ecovis tax advisors explain the details.