How Singapore-global enterprises can seize opportunities in South-east Asia

This is an opportune time for Singapore-global enterprises (SGEs) to deepen their presence in South-east Asia. Over the next couple of years, the region is expected to be a bright spot amid global uncertainties as growth returns close to pre-pandemic trends – unlike other major economies.

Over the longer term, Asean’s prospects are underpinned by the continued rise of the middle class; greater digital adoption; a boost to manufacturing from global supply chain diversification; and stronger intra-Asean economic integration.

The interest in Asean appears to have increased in tandem. In a PwC pulse poll this September that asked enterprises for their key markets of interest, 70 per cent of respondents expressed interest in Asean, up from 55 per cent from a similar poll in March.