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Asean’s quiet upside in the global tech boom

A rising tide lifts all boats that are seaworthy. Asean’s boats are not the largest in AI, but they are well-positioned and increasingly specialised

    • Despite not having home-grown AI giant, Asean stands to benefit meaningfully from the boom, says the writer.
    • Despite not having home-grown AI giant, Asean stands to benefit meaningfully from the boom, says the writer. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Fri, Jan 2, 2026 · 07:00 AM

    TODAY’S artificial intelligence (AI)-driven investment cycle differs from past tech booms, yet still has room to run.

    Concentrated capex by global hyperscalers is reshaping trade flows and hardware demand without clear signs of a bubble.

    Asean stands to benefit meaningfully through supply chain depth, data centre foreign direct investment (FDI), geopolitical diversification and mature node resilience, even without home-grown AI giants.

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