As most of the Southeast Asian equity markets ended lower, Malaysia gained as investors took positions amid the earnings season. Malaysian index gained 0.8% to a three-month closing high on the back of materials and utilities.

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd rose 3.9% ahead of its fourth quarter result announcement.

Shares of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd strengthened more than one percent, after posting a jump in quarterly net profit.

The Philippine index dropped about 1% to its lowest level since Jan 8, dragged by losses in real estate and financial stocks. While in Vietnam, real estate stocks drove the Vietnam index marginally higher, with Vinhomes JSC and Vingroup JSC rising 6.1% and 2%, respectively.

Singapore and Indonesia indexes traded relatively lower, while the Thai market was closed for a holiday.