A round-up of recent public finance stories from the Asia Pacific you might have missed.

Typhoon may devastate Philippines' economy

Along with killing thousands of people, Typhoon Haiyan may lay waste to one of Asia's more promising economies. (KSDK.com)

IMF says Singapore needs to narrow current surplus

Singapore needs to narrow its huge current account surplus further and the International Monetary Fund supports the government's plans to raise public spending on infrastructure and social services, the IMF said on Thursday. (Reuters)

Japan economic growth halves in Sept quarter

Japan said on Thursday that growth halved in the September quarter as exports slipped and consumer spending slowed, in a worrying sign for Tokyo's bid to kickstart the world's third-largest economy. (Rappler)

Australia delivers sobering news on government finance

Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey delivered a sobering report card on public spending programmes, confirming a top-down review of departments and agencies. Moves are underway to reduce duplication, tackle red tape, and craft a credible, transparent, and financially-responsible budget. (futureGov 

New Zealand public service faces ‘significant changes'

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has warned of “significant changes” to the public sector as the Government increases its focus on better managing economic and financial risk. (stuff.co.nz)