> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # This Week in Asia #43 - URL: https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/this-week-in-asia-28/ - Published: 2026-09-14T04:17:45.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-14T04:17:45.000Z - Description: Major Cineplex + Applied Co + Photosynth - Author: Michael Fritzell - Tags: Weekly Japanese watchmaker [**Casio**](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/update-casio-6952-jp/) declined 14% as the yen strengthened ahead of the 18 September Bank of Japan decision. Thai cinema operator [**Major Cineplex**](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/major-cineplex-update-major-tb/) retired 10% of its share count. And Altay Capital wrote a post on the Japanese IT company [**Applied Co**](https://altaycap.substack.com/p/applied-co-tyo-3020-a-cash-rich-japanese?), which trades at 5.5x P/E and has more than half of its market cap in net cash. --- ## Watchlist update ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/2026/09/image-67.png) The biggest share price movements of the past week in the [watchlist](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/watchlist/). Source: Koyfin - Malaysian glove stocks rebounded last week, led by industry stalwarts [**Top Glove**](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/7113.KL/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com) and [**Hartalega**](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/5168.KL/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com). The main driver was crude oil prices pushing above the US$100 mark, which prompted China's Intco to raise its prices to Malaysian levels. Though I would argue that the price shock will also hit the bottom line through higher input prices. - In Japan, watchmaker [**Casio**](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/update-casio-6952-jp/) fell 14% as the Japanese yen strengthened. Competitors Seiko and Citizen suffered similar fates. All of them have benefited from a translation effect and inbound tourism to Japan, both of which are threatened by a now-stronger yen. - HR-tech company [**Visional**](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/visional-4194-jp/) reported a decent FY2026 result, with revenue up 24% year on year and operating profit up 15%. However, the forward guidance was on the weaker side, with net profit guided flat. In management's own words, *"we plan to continue proactive investments for three years starting FY2027"*. Not ideal. - Thai cinema operator [**Major Cineplex**](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/MAJOR.BK/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com) canceled 76 million shares, equivalent to 10% of shares outstanding. This follows last year's share buyback. And it increases the likelihood that a new share buyback program will be initiated in the next few months. - The insider buying in [**Bangkok Chain Hospital**](https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/BCH.BK/profile/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com) continues. Founding family member and Chief Financial Officer Pornsuda Harnphanich bought US$135,000 worth of shares on 8 September 2026\. Profits improved sequentially in the second quarter of 2026, driven by stronger medical tourism. The stock trades at 20x forward P/E, which doesn't seem low, however. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/2026/09/image-69.png) Insider buying in Bangkok Chain Hospital. Source: [Smart Insider](https://www.smartinsider.com/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com) --- ## Worth your time ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/2026/09/image-70.png) - Macro Hive's [**Bilal Hafeez**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O672uY2LtSo&ref=asiancenturystocks.com) recorded a video describing how he's using generative AI tools. He recommends using prompts that follow the CLEAR (Context-Length-Examples-Ask-Role) framework. He uses Claude skills to streamline repetitive workflows. Once a week, he asks Claude to summarize all interactions and store them in memory. And finally, he uses Claude Cowork to schedule daily tasks. - East72's [**Andrew Brown**](https://andrewbrown174150.substack.com/p/softbank-group-corporation-9984t?utm%5Fsource=%2Finbox&utm%5Fmedium=reader2)argued that [SoftBank](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/9984.T/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com) has become a bellwether AI stock due to its 13% stake in OpenAI, data centers, and ARM. For what it's worth, SoftBank's stock price is now down -36% from its peak on 2 June 2026, partly due to fears that OpenAI will not pursue an IPO this year after all. - [**Mallard's Substack**](https://mallardresearch.substack.com/p/korean-net-net-8-dividend-profitable?) wrote about Korean net-net automotive supplier [Motonic](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/009680.KS/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com), which makes fuel injection systems and LPG components. The stock trades at 8x trailing P/E with an almost 8% dividend yield. The market seems to view the company as a melting ice cube. Mallard argues otherwise, pointing to South Korea's ban on new diesel 1-ton truck registrations as a driver of LPG replacements demand. He also reads the recent leadership change and the +70% dividend hike as signs that the company's governance is now improving. - Finally, [**Altay Capital**](https://altaycap.substack.com/p/applied-co-tyo-3020-a-cash-rich-japanese?) wrote about the Japanese IT company [Applied Co](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/3020.T/?ref=asiancenturystocks.com). The company runs a regional computer retailer called "Applied", but it also has a business providing customized high-performance computers to universities, government agencies, and corporations. The latter business is highly profitable and growing. The stock trades at 5.5x P/E and has more than half of its market cap in net cash. Unfortunately, it's very illiquid. --- ## Photosynth ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/2026/09/image-66.png) Yesterday, I published a deep-dive on Japanese nano-cap smart lock SaaS company [**Photosynth**](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/deep-dive-photosynth-4379-jp/). If you're interested, you can check it out here ($): [Photosynth (4379 JP)Japanese smart-lock SaaS company at 1.3x trailing EV/Sales![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/icon/Bai-2-69b8907e-96ce-463a-87c6-4f2ff6a40873.png)Asian Century StocksMichael Fritzell![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/thumbnail/Social-preview-Large-68675e78-504d-4134-88be-8cad21f37616.jpeg)](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/deep-dive-photosynth-4379-jp/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2c/05/2c053c06-80c0-447b-904b-e324017b1293/content/images/public/images/6f96653e-67cf-48ea-8fa2-6721ec448e28_1100x51.png) *This was a *free-to-read edition* of* [*Asian Century Stocks*](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/) *– a newsletter about Asian value stocks. New to the publication? Sign up* [*here*](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/#/portal/signup/free)*. If you don't want to receive these free weekly updates, you can adjust your e-mail preferences* [*here*](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/#/portal/account/newsletters)*.* Get instant access to 150 deep-dives on Asian value stocks: [Unlock the archive ](https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/#/portal/signup) --- ***Disclaimer** *: This post reflects my personal opinions and is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security, and it does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. I am not a licensed financial adviser in Singapore or anywhere else, and I don't give personalized advice — including in the comments. As of 14 September 2026, I own shares in Casio, Visional and Major Cineplex. I hold no position in any other security mentioned or linked in this post, including in any automatically generated recommendation, "Keep Reading" card, or other content appended to it, whether or not that security is named above. I will not trade in any security discussed in this post for seven days after publication. Outside that window, I may buy or sell any security mentioned at any time, without notice, and I won't update this disclosure. I receive no compensation from any company, fund, platform, publication or individual mentioned or linked in this post. My revenue comes solely from reader subscriptions. People I quote or interview may hold positions in the securities they discuss, may operate paid research products of their own, and I don't independently verify their claims. Where past performance is mentioned, it is not indicative of future results. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial adviser before making any investment decision. Michael Fritzell, published by Delante Media Pte Ltd.*