A record number of merger and acquisition deals were signed in Vietnam last year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers

At $1.7 billion, the total value of the 345 deals is the highest ever recorded in Vietnam, and marks a 65% increase compared to 2009.

Cambodian rubber may receive an international stamp of approval if negotiations with a major Japanese tyre maker lead to a deal

Chub rubber plantation is currently in talks with Bridgestone to agree on quality and stock requirements, as well as smooth out transportation issues.

Cheaters beware: female private detective Aumnaoyporn Maneewan is watching you

Evoking Charlie's Angels, 007 and The Bourne Identity, Thailand's most famous female detective adjusts her spy gadgets while preparing to hunt murderers, thieves, corrupt officials and people who cheat on their lovers.

Fundamental structural problems will continue to hamper economic growth

On the surface, Vietnam's economic rise reads like a rags-to-riches story. From the ashes of nearly a century of colonial rule, followed by civil war and a decade of conflict with America, in just 35 years the country has reached middle-income status, meaning its citizens earn an average of at least $1,000 per year.

Italy-based Piaggio Group is to set up its first two-wheeler R&D centre in Asia

 Located in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, the new centre will work on concept vehicles and new engines to cut fuel consumption and emissions, factors of particular importance for Asian consumers.

With ever-growing global demand for chocolate and political turmoil in Africa affecting cocoa supply, is the time ripe for Southeast Asia to take a bigger bite of the industry?

When the price of cocoa fell to a monthly average of $2,875 per tonne last September, many observers saw it as a setback for Armajaro. In July 2010, this London-based hedge fund had bought 240,000 tonnes of the beans – 7% of the world's annual production, enough to make more than five billion small chocolate bars.

After 10 years of talks, Shanghai government officials and executives from Walt Disney have broken ground on mainland China's first Disneyland amusement park

The $4 billion resort, expected to open in late 2015 or early 2016, is shrouded in secrecy — in part to prevent knockoff rides by rival Asian theme parks, which happened before Hong Kong Disneyland's 2005 opening.