ASEAN Investing in Southeast Asia (2021)

Investing in ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations

asean
2021|2022
• one vision • one identity • one community •
| Brunei Darussalam | Cambodia | Indonesia | Lao PDR | Malaysia |
| Myanmar | Philippines | Singapore | Thailand | Vietnam |

Helping you succeed in Asia
Southeast Asian N ations
Contents
Introduction
Southeast Asia is increasingly attractive to foreign investors 5
Messages
US-ASEAN Business Council 7
UK-ASEAN Business Council 8
of
EU-ASEAN Business Council 9
A ssociation
Business - Finance - Advisory
Seeking the light: ASEAN 2021|2022 – HSBC 12
How to (not) fail in ASEAN – ASEAN Business Partners 15
Global Upside makes expansion easier for growing businesses – Global Upside Corporation 20
Reframing for growth and building a better working world post-pandemic – EY 22
Maximising opportunities in ASEAN in post pandemic world – EY 25
Financial technology is rapidly changing banking in the region 28
Future-proofing ASEAN’s financial services industry - SWIFT 32
Recruiting the best talent to help your ASEAN business grow – Globalization Partners 35
Supporting UK companies in ASEAN – British Chamber of Commerce Singapore 39
Supporting business expansion across the ASEAN region – Mauve Group 42
Healthcare - Life Sciences - Pharmaceuticals
Pandemic hastens adoption of digital technologies for healthcare provision 45
The hidden pandemic in ASEAN – Novo Nordisk 49
Life sciences set to be fastest growing manufacturing sector 52
Manufacturing
Manufacturing advances technology for global role 55
Robert Bosch: “Like a Bosch”
Sustainable “Like a Bosch” – Robert Bosch 59
Infrastructure
Transport upgrades accelerate 62
Logistics
GEODIS offers comprehensive logistics solutions across the ASEAN region – GEODIS 68
Innovative technology to enhance logistics 71
Agriculture
Future of agriculture will depend on new IT solutions 73
BASF: We create chemistry
Sustainability is at the heart of chemical giant’s strategy growth – BASF Southeast Asia 77
Renewables
Renewables take centre stage in energy strategy 80
3
A ssociation of Southeast Asian Nations
Water
ASEAN embraces innovation to tackle water challenges 83
Diageo: The spirit of progress
The spirit of progress: Doing business the right way – Diageo 86
Tourism
Striving to rebuild tourism industry on sustainable basis 90
Retail & Consumer
Lifestyle changes propel consumer markets 93
Education
Opportunities grow for foreign investment in education sector 96
Defence & Security
Risks to business in the ASEAN region – Hill & Associates 100
Region continues to enhance defence capabilities 102
Useful contacts 106
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4
I ntroduction
Southeast Asia is increasingly
attractive to foreign investors
Mitigating the social and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has decline of 14% on the previous year it represented the largest FDI inflow
been the principal focus since the beginning of 2020. ASEAN’s experience of any emerging market region, according to UNCTAD’s 2020 Investment
with past pandemics including SARS, Avian and Swine influenzas, have Trends Monitor.
led them to activate earlier planned preparedness protocols.
A key reason is that a combination of rising labour costs, supply chain
At the beginning of January 2020, four days after China’s notification concerns and geopolitical tensions are driving multinational companies
to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ASEAN’s Secretariat alerted to relocate a growing proportion of their manufacturing from China to
senior health officials to the unfolding emergency. ASEAN countries.
Governments have therefore been able to work collectively to strengthen FDI growth has been driven by strong investment mainly in Singapore,
their pandemic response plans and address the dual challenges of Indonesia and Vietnam, with these three countries receiving more than
resuming business activity while keeping people safe. 80% of inflows in 2019, according to UNCTAD. Vietnam while recording
a 10% fall still received some US$20 billion of investment.
Vietnam, for example, is one of the very few countries worldwide to
have recorded positive economic results over 2020 with predicted GDP ASEAN offers many long term incentives to investors, not least since it is
growth of 2.3%. The Philippines, though normally one of the smaller recognised as an area of increasing geostrategic importance as political,
recipients of FDI, witnessed a near 30% rise in investment by a diverse military and economic power shifts steadily towards the region.
range of Japanese, Dutch, American and Singaporean firms.
All countries are deploying the Association’s Single Window, where
The dilemma for all governments is keeping further waves of infections trade and cargo flows can be hugely accelerated as trade information
at bay while bringing both economic and social activities back to a high is processed by computer linked systems. Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam,
degree of normality. Southeast Asia is poised for economic recovery Malaysia, Cambodia and Lao PDR are also using the ASEAN online
in 2021 with the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines and gradual opening up Customs Transit System to track goods.
of global economies. The Asian Development Bank has estimated that
The economic prospects have been further enhanced following the
Southeast Asia’s GDP will expand 5.2% against a contraction of 4.4%
Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) agreement signed in Hanoi
in 2020.
in November 2020.
Therefore, ASEAN is again on course to become the world’s largest
Once it is ratified, the landmark agreement will link ASEAN with China,
single market by 2030. This is reflected in the investment flows that have
South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, a group of countries
continued at a high level.
with a combined population of 2.3 billion, into the world’s largest free-
In 2020, despite the severe effects on the global economy, ASEAN trade agreement. The trade deal covers 30% of global GDP and 28% of
received US$70 billion in new investments. Even though this was a the world’s trade. ASEAN countries are expected to benefit significantly
5
from RCEP, potentially by up to US$19 billion per year by 2030,

according to the Brookings Institution.
Alongside the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-
Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), these agreements will ensure substantial
growth. They promise to achieve a positive evolution in global and
regional economic progress and underpin the resumption of strong
long term economic growth in ASEAN countries.
ASEAN continues to enhance its credentials in the global economy.
The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting to be held in Singapore
in August 2021, will bring together leaders from around the world
meeting in person for the first time since the pandemic. ASEAN
countries will have the platform to present the unique investment
opportunities offered in a multitude of sectors set to drive trade and
investment over the next decade and beyond.
The Covid-19 crisis has served to further push many of the technological
shifts that were already apparent prior to the pandemic, particularly in
terms of digital transformation ranging from the provision of healthcare
services to online purchases and payments. Malaysia has secured orders from AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and
the global COVAX Facility backed by the WHO, and is negotiating with
In 2020, Thailand announced its plan to promote itself as the region’s
other potential suppliers as it plans to inoculate 80% of its population.
electric vehicle hub, by manufacturing 250,000 electrically powered
vehicles by 2025 and increasing to 750,000 units by 2030, representing Elsewhere the Philippines has allocated US$1.72 billion to purchase
30% of total vehicle production in the country. Singapore has already 148 million doses of vaccines from pharma companies including
become a leading technology hub and its sector is set to grow further AstraZeneca, Sinovac and from India’s Serium Institute of India.
with more than 270 venture capital funds and 4,000 start-up tech Vietnam has ordered 30 million vaccine doses from AstraZeneca and is
companies located there. also developing its own vaccine.
Although health security remains a huge challenge, the region is A huge boost has come with the decision by the Quadrilateral Security
stepping up its efforts to meet this. Singapore became the first country Dialogue (QSD), a strategic forum which groups the US, Australia,
in Asia to receive a Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech in India and Japan, to deliver one billion doses of the vaccine to ASEAN
December 2020. Indonesia has partnered with China’s Sinovac Biotech countries by the end of 2022. The vaccine, expected to be Johnson &
to produce Corona Vac vaccine and is also developing its own, while Johnson’s single jab, is due to be manufactured by India’s Biological
acquiring further supplies from Novavax and AstraZeneca, with the aim E company. The QSD initiative will help to accelerate the economic
of vaccinating more than 60% of the entire population by 2022. recovery programmes of all countries in the region.
6
M essages
US-ASEAN Business Council
Alexandar C. Feldman, Chairman, President & CEO, US-ABC
For more than 35 years, the US-ASEAN Business At the individual country level, inflows in the Philippines
Council has been a leader in strengthening economic rose by 29% to US$6.4 billion, exemplifying the
and diplomatic ties between the United States and resilience of ASEAN’s economy.
Southeast Asia. Year after year, we continue to witness
Despite the current challenges global investors face,
the incredible growth and development of the region.
there are several factors that paint a positive portrait
In the last decade, ASEAN member states increased their of US-ASEAN investment in the years ahead. ASEAN
investment into the United States by over 250%, from currently has the world’s third largest labor force, and
US$7.3 billion to over US$27 billion. US direct investment its middle class is expected to more than double in
Alexandar C. Feldman in ASEAN increased by an average annual rate of 10% in size from 135 million to 334 million by 2030, making
the same period, making ASEAN the largest destination ASEAN a powerful engine for long-term economic
for US direct investment into the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN is growth. The proliferation of smart trade policies that
the fourth largest market for US exports, and the United benefit US investors into ASEAN couples well with the
States is the fourth largest trading partner of ASEAN. This region’s demographic profile. Singapore has already
mutually beneficial relationship matters for the United concluded two digital economy agreements, including
States, supporting almost 42,000 American companies one with Australia and another with New Zealand
and about 590,000 US jobs. and Chile. Also, the sweeping RCEP and CPTPP free
trade agreements greatly benefit American companies
Though the US-ASEAN trade and investment
operating in ASEAN.
relationship remains long standing and beneficial for all
parties, the global impact of Covid-19 has substantially Favorable demography, new trade agreements, and a
undermined short term investment channels. Although forward-looking economy are all factors that facilitate
FDI in Southeast Asia shrunk by 31% to US$107 billion greater US-ASEAN investment. I encourage you to visit
in 2020, the region beat the global FDI decline of 45%. our website at www.usasean.org to learn more.
7
UK-ASEAN Business Council

Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Chair, UKABC
Southeast Asia continues to offer tremendous Brunei is Chair of ASEAN in 2021 and has – as its main
opportunities for UK companies looking to grow their priorities – Recovery, Digitalisation and Sustainability.
businesses. The fourth largest population in the world UKABC will work in partnership with Brunei to achieve
is young, increasingly online and in search of innovative its stated aims and goals. This collaboration offers
goods and services that the UK can offer. The UK-ASEAN UK companies the opportunity to engage in regional
Business Council (UKABC) is the leading organisation trade policy discussions that shape the future of the
that offers awareness and connections for UK companies region. Given the importance of COP26 we are
looking to invest in Southeast Asia’s bright future. collaborating with the UK and ASEAN governments to
raise awareness of the challenges of climate change and
Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG The region is demonstrating its resilience and spirit of
how, in particular, UK innovation and technology can
collaboration in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
provide solutions.
ASEAN has faced significant economic disruption as it
relies heavily on tourism, manufacturing and international The region’s digital economy represents 7% of ASEAN’s
trade. The ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework £2 trillion economy and has the potential to be a global
is ensuring that ASEAN will bounce back better and top five digital economy. While technology will upset
build a resilient future. According to the OECD, ASEAN norms, it will offer the region the ability to be future ready
is expected to return to 5.1% GDP growth as vaccines are and enable much greater inclusive growth, particularly in
rolled out and economies re-open. health and education. The UK’s innovative companies,
across all sectors, are introducing digital solutions to
UK-ASEAN bilateral trade is at an all time high of £42 billion.
challenges faced by the region.
Now that the UK can chart its own independent trading
agenda, it is forging ahead with regional initiatives such as ASEAN’s story will continue to be one of opportunity.
the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- It will continue to grow from strength to strength as
Pacific Partnership and bilateral Free Trade Agreements its economies develop and as its societies embrace
signed with Singapore and Vietnam. It is also in formal technological advancement. The UKABC looks forward
trade discussions with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to to partnering ASEAN in its journey towards economic
identify how to improve the trading environment. prosperity and inclusive growth.
www.ukabc.org.uk
8
M essages
EU-ASEAN Business Council
Donald Kanak, Chairman, EU-ABC
ASEAN was not spared the impacts of COVID-19 on lives, the various lockdowns, saw ASEAN as the region of best
livelihoods, and its economy. The governments of the economic opportunity for the next five years; nearly 75%
region responded early, with public health measures and reported that they planned to expand their trade and
economic support packages to maintain jobs and ensure investment in Southeast Asia. That is a strong show of faith
economic stability. By our count, ASEAN governments in ASEAN.
collectively injected around €150 billion into their ASEAN remains a work in progress as an effective
economies as well as working on regional initiatives to cope trading bloc. The signing of RCEP in 2020 was a positive
with the pandemic and set a path for economic recovery as achievement. 2020 saw the coming into force of the
Donald Kanak
set out in the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework EU-Vietnam FTA, further strengthening the trade and
(ACRF) in November 2020. The ACRF covers not just health investment relationship between Europe and ASEAN.
issues but also sustainable economic recovery, enhanced European businesses overwhelmingly favour more focus
trade facilitation and investment regimes, accelerated from the EU on FTAs like those with Vietnam and Singapore.
moves on digitisation and a green growth strategy. EU-Indonesia CEPA negotiations now appear to be back on
Coupled with the ambitious Priority Economic Deliverables track, and the recent ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership should
that Brunei unveiled for its ASEAN Chairmanship, the ACRF point to a closer, more dynamic future for both regions.
and national recovery plans from each ASEAN nation Meeting ASEAN’s long term goals will require more progress
should lead to a significant economic bounce back in 2021 on targets for intra-ASEAN trade by harmonising standards
and 2022. With those measures the region will likely remain across the region, removing non-tariff barriers, and fostering
the fifth largest global economy. Based on favourable more innovation and competition. Making more progress
demographics (the third largest work force globally), high in those areas, which still lags the region’s stated goals,
rates of urbanisation and growing consuming classes, benefits consumers and boosts foreign investment.
the region will remain attractive for investors. ASEAN
The EU-ASEAN Business Council will continue to support
Governments are supportive of long term FDI to help
European business bringing its best efforts to a recovery
ensure continued strong, equitable, and sustainable growth.
from the pandemic, and ASEAN’s long term sustainable
European businesses continue to see ASEAN as a thriving development. European businesses have much to offer
region with plenty of opportunity: more than half of ASEAN in areas such as sustainable finance, digital
European businesses responding to our 2020 Business technologies, energy transition, pharmaceutical and medical
Sentiment Survey, which was undertaken at the height of innovation, to name just a few.
www.eu-asean.eu
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Seeking the light: ASEAN 2021|2022

Stuart Tait, Regional Head of Commercial Banking, Asia-Pacific, HSBC
2020 was disproportionately hard for Southeast Asia; Trade: Regional Comprehensive Economic
with an early start to the pandemic, its economy Partnership (RCEP) opportunity
contracted more than many other emerging markets.1 Nearly a decade and 31 rounds of negotiations in the
Yet the fundamentals of the region remain intact. And making, the RCEP – which was signed in November
despite being clouded by Covid-19, the opportunities to 2020 – is the world’s largest trade deal. Involving
harness growth from trade, digitalisation and sustainable ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New
growth still shine brightly. Zealand, it accounts for 30% of the world’s population
and 29% of global GDP.
The fundamentals
Accounting for over 8% of the world’s population, The pact eliminates tariffs and quotas on 65% of goods
Stuart Tait ASEAN countries combined equate to over 642 million traded within the region - moving to 90% over 20
people.2 Dig a bit deeper and its demographic is one of years. Of course there are some limitations to it, but it
dynamism, with 35% of the population under 25 years is an incredible achievement in aligning a diverse group
old and 65% to be classed as middle income by 2030. of countries.
With expanding digital networks and growing numbers
For Southeast Asia, RCEP opens the trading door
of mobile phone and internet users – ASEAN’s growing
even wider.
population has more people coming online than any
other region in the world, with e-commerce forecasted - Firstly, RCEP further cements ASEAN’s trade
to grow to US$88 billion by 2025. openness; giving further provisions to enable its markets
to continue trading – and at a crucial point in time.
The result is that despite the social and economic
challenges of 2020, the region’s prospects have held - Secondly, it deepens ASEAN’s connectivity with China,
up. Indeed, FDI has remained strong, suggesting that Korea and Japan, who are the global heavyweights for
ASEAN is poised to gain global market share. China, for the electronics, automobiles, textiles and garments
instance, now trades more with ASEAN than it does with industries, which the region is reliant on. Having each of
the EU or US.3 these markets within the trade pact means ASEAN can
retain its supply chain relevance across these sectors.
For firms looking to embark on new opportunities in
the region, or deepen their presence, it’s worth keeping RCEP also has the potential to drive important domestic
an eye on three key themes that are poised to take-off: regulatory reforms in areas like labour laws, investment
trade, digital and sustainability. liberalisation, cybersecurity, cross-border data rules and
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B usiness - F inance - A dvisory
intellectual property protection, and streamlines various overlapping
preferential trading arrangements by establishing common trade rules.
This should help to reduce trade costs for businesses.
As businesses assess the long term implications of RCEP on their path
to recovery, there are some immediate steps that can be taken to get
ahead of the curve. By reviewing their current commercial relationships,
companies can identify gaps and understand where the greatest
potential lies to forge new ties and tap into some of the fastest growing
consumer markets.
They can also look at how their current supply chains – regional or global
– map against the RCEP. Those who work now to understand how the
deal could impact their business model will reap the greatest benefits in
the future. This is not only important to companies based in the member
markets, but to any firms doing business in the region.
Finally, an in-depth understanding of RCEP and its impact on tariffs for For growth to happen, already-agreed frameworks like the ‘ASEAN Digital
each group of goods and services will be critical for firms to reassess their Integration Framework Action Plan’ and the ‘ASEAN Framework on Digital
pricing strategies and maintain their competitive advantage. Data Governance’ need to be fully implemented in order to integrate the
currently disconnected rules and regulations of nations.
Digital: Building stronger digital connectivity
Digital technology has the potential to play a key role in driving the Sustainability: Sustainable infrastructure and greening
development of new industries and new growth in Southeast Asia, but the region
unless the region can agree on a common set of standards for data Covid-19’s impact on societal behaviours, consumption patterns and
handling and digital commerce that encourage businesses to share data, energy usage, has been a turning point in how we move forward: amidst
that potential is likely to remain unrealised. this significant change, ASEAN has the opportunity to redirect public and
private spending on infrastructure and energy investment plans.
The headroom for growth in ASEAN’s digital connectivity is enormous.
A recent report by Bain & Company4 concluded that the ASEAN digital The money needed to flow into almost every economic sector
economy accounts for 7% of its total GDP. In China it is 16%. In the United to create substantial change is vast, especially sectors that would
States, 35%. Harnessing the digital economy to power and accelerate enable or contribute to mitigating climate change. The Organisation
intra-regional trade and growth could, the report concluded, lead to an for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates
uplift in GDP of US$1 trillion by 2025, with particular benefits for SMEs. US$6-8 trillion of infrastructure investment is required globally
13
ASEAN is on the move; businesses must keep

their fingers on the pulse when it comes to trade,
sustainability and digitalisation.
Stuart Tait, Regional Head of Commercial Banking, Asia-Pacific, HSBC
per year by 2030. However, HSBC estimates current total investment to Forum (ACMF) is working to harmonise standards and regulations
be only US$1 trillion per year at the very best. around green finance, providing a complete suite5 of standards in
line with international ones in order to accelerate development across
Linked to this, this challenge is compounded by the environmental
Southeast Asia.
threat facing the region. HSBC Global Research recently reported that
of the 20 global cities most vulnerable to rising sea levels, 15 are in Asia With all the change around us, expect to see a continued push
including five in ASEAN. to redirect dollars towards public and private sustainable
infrastructure investment.
Rapid action is needed across all areas: energy, transport, urban
buildings, industrial and land. As with markets worldwide, Southeast Asia saw a torrid 2020. But as
they look to reopen, member countries cannot approach economic
These are formidable difficulties, but success is within grasp. Outside
recovery in isolation. Hope for the region’s future lies in its nations
of the bloc, Japan, the US and China continue to invest in Southeast
playing their strongest hand; acting as a collective rather than the sum
Asian infrastructure.
of its parts. Trade, sustainability and digitalisation will be amongst
Inside, the nations are continuing to work together. In addition to the key priorities to advance as we head into a post-Covid world;
broader private investment, sustainable and green financing is getting businesses must keep a finger on the pulse to reap the benefits that
an uplift across Southeast Asia. For instance, the ASEAN Capital Markets will emerge from ASEAN’s deeper integration.
1
HSBC Global Research: ASEAN in 2021, 11 January 2021
2
https://www.business.hsbc.com/asean
3
HSBC Global Research: ASEAN in 2021, 11 January 2021
4
https://www.bain.com/insights/advancing-towards-asean-digital-integration/
5
ASEAN Green Bond Standards (2017), ASEAN Social Bond Standards (2018), ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards (2018)
14
How to (not) fail in ASEAN
Sumit Dutta & Shruti Choudhury, ASEAN Business Partners
Sumit Dutta Shruti Choudhury
Next time when you pick up a breakfast sandwich and chai latte at a While many of the world’s biggest companies may be in the West, the
Starbucks in Indonesia, spare a thought for the vanishing old Subway or biggest markets are increasingly in the East. And this attracts western
the once fiery Nando’s. Western fast-food chains have consistently been executives who have done well at home, to think they will easily succeed
unsuccessful in either changing local taste buds or adapting themselves in ASEAN. Unfortunately, some have learnt the hard way that may not
to local palate in ASEAN. Vietnam has increasingly seen western fast-food be the case. So, what makes some western firms thrive in ASEAN while
chains like McDonalds and Burger King fading into oblivion. Failing to others fail so drastically?
cater to local ideas of “fast” and “flavour,” western retail giants have had The answer is both simple and complex just like the region itself.
to withdraw from ASEAN with a bitter taste in their mouth.
Why does ASEAN matter?
And the story doesn’t end here. Similar narratives can be found in every In 2020, ASEAN, with a land mass covering a larger area than Germany,
sector and industry across all ASEAN countries. Take for example Uber’s France, UK, Switzerland and Spain put together, emerged as the world’s
notorious exits in Asia; General Motors wrapping up of operations from fifth largest economy with an estimated total GDP of over US$3 trillion.
Thailand and Indonesia; eBay’s dismal performance in many Asian ASEAN already is the world’s third most populous region with 650 million
markets; and Walmart bowing out of Indonesia. Most recently in 2020, people, and has the world’s third largest labour force, behind only China
French supermarket chain Auchan retracted from Vietnam and the British and India. Additionally, over the next decade, ASEAN is estimated to
grocery retailer Tesco too pulled back from Thailand and Malaysia. see 140 million new consumers, representing 16% of the world’s new
15
consumer class. Over 60% of the ASEAN population is below the age of
35, internet literate, digitally aware and hungry to consume more.
While the decision to enter ASEAN is a no-brainer, the skeletons of failed
companies can be seen everywhere. So, what must companies do to
succeed in this market?
Be curious
It is essential to understand that the ASEAN customer thinks, behaves
and buys differently from the average western customer. The range of
parameters that they use to evaluate the value of a product is different
from the West. Take the case of Uber. They by-passed the fact that Asian
consumers are not very comfortable with credit card payments, and
the company lost out to local competitors like GoJek and Grab. SaaS
(software-as-a-service) find it hard to work in Asia as subscription models
tend to be unsuccessful with users. A lot of digital insurance firms have
dismal sales in Indonesia, where most people are suspicious of insurance
as a risk mitigator.
C ase S tudy : ASEAN B usiness P artners
Which is why it is important to ask the right questions. What are the different, is well documented and widely accepted. But it is not enough
customer dynamics of the market? What is the competitive landscape to memorise the courtesies and participate in the wining and the dining.
like? Are you a first entrant? What is the attitude of the people and the Softer aspects need to be paid attention to such as – the Asian hesitancy
government to your sector? Investing in extensive consumer research to to say an outright no, understanding that silence in a meeting is not
understand consumer patterns, market insights and trend analysis can go consent, accepting that this is a culture wherein things are usually left
a long way, but some firms are shy of going that extra mile to save cost. to interpretation and adopting a new outlook to the concept of time.
Research and analysis may seem like unnecessary steps to seasoned Patience is a virtue here. Asian businesses do not work towards the next
marketing firms, but they will save you a lot of pitfalls later. quarter, they tend to play the long game.
Understand the culture If you invest at the granular level, respect the culture and are keen to
More often than not, many western managers enter with a rigid mindset learn, you earn the right to be part of the thriving ecosystem. Look
of “this is the right way to do things”. The fact that Asian culture is at Unilever’s story in Indonesia, where they first entered in 1933 and
16
It is essential to understand that the ASEAN
customer thinks, behaves and buys differently from
the average western customer.
remained through political upheavals, policy u-turns and even the Within 60 days of a successfully conducted election in Myanmar, the
financial crisis of 1997-98. While many other multi-nationals were exiting military ousted the democratically elected government and declared a
the country, Unilever adapted its business model to ensure that products one-year state of emergency, a move that came as a shock to the foreign
remained affordable, re-negotiated supply contracts, forged new joint investors in the country. The ever-evolving geopolitical relationships
ventures and developed a strong local talent pool. between Asia and the West and within ASEAN, can leave businesses
facing potential risks, especially in terms of supply chain disruptions and
Remember that ASEAN is not a homogeneous market
governing policies. Diversification of trade partners, routes, supply chain
It is pertinent to accept that there is no “single ASEAN”. Just like the
firms and liaising with trusted intermediaries and partners who can help
diverse European Union, ASEAN countries differ greatly in their views
you navigate troubled waters, can help mitigate risks.
on etiquette, social norms, religion, business ethics and legal framework.
Hence, a consistent strategy across the region may not be the answer. Understanding local regulations and legal framework
What may be the accepted culture in Vietnam may not be reflective of Every ASEAN country plays host to a myriad set of rules and regulations,
those in Cambodia, or the legal landscape in Singapore will be vastly often conflicting and sometimes purposefully opaque. Treading through
different to that in Myanmar. Take for example the huge popularity of this web of regulations can make even the most native of businessmen
7-11 stores in Thailand and its failure in Indonesia. Colgate is popular in timid to proceed.
the Philippines but never took off in Indonesia. This makes it imperative
In ASEAN, many sectors continue to be strictly regulated, negative
to wisely choose the destination country for your investment.
investment lists for many countries run for pages, local shareholding
Choosing the right country requirements are common, even the first step of registering a company
Before western firms jump on the eastern bandwagon, they need to do is often tedious. ASEAN can represent differing financial regulations to
their homework and find answers to questions such as – is the country the West, making legal compliance a very real risk for foreign companies,
welcoming of your sector? Is the political system conducive to building a particularly under the lenses of the UK Bribery Act or the US Foreign
sustainable business over the medium to long term. Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). It is important to understand that Asian
17
central banks may have a different risk appetite compared to the Fed. Experienced local professionals bring with them the crucial know-
Telecom regulators in Indonesia may have varying tolerance to market how of the industry, culture, business practices, network and access
competition than those allowed in the EU. Food and drug standards to resources. Language fluency can also be a huge asset in helping
are vastly different as is the intertwining of religious diktat and to manage teams on the ground and in liaising with partners and
commerce laws in Malaysia and Indonesia. Failing to thoroughly learn government stakeholders. This should extend beyond the immediate
about local regulatory landscape could hamper future prospects and internal organisation. Hiring local legal counsel and external consultants
end up causing not only financial loss but even reputational damage. may also be necessary to help navigate complicated laws.
Vet your partners carefully Focus on local competitors
Partnerships are important in ASEAN because they help you to Dismissing local/regional competition is one of the gravest mistakes
build scale and presence in the market quickly, riding off the backs western companies can make. Price advantage often helps local
of established players. They can understand the legal framework, the competition as ASEAN markets are price conscious. Competition from
sensitive geopolitics and help navigate through the complex regulatory domestic players is often lacking in quality and service standards as
web. Additionally, local regulations sometimes require you to operate compared to international offerings, and just produced at cheaper
with a local partner in terms of ownership and shareholding. This is costs. However, Asian consumers are sometimes happy to accept
sometimes acutely uncomfortable for western firms, who want to low quality at bare minimum prices. Some global companies have
retain autonomy in their business management dealings and decision resorted to innovative methods to combat the price barrier, such
making but yet need to accommodate local partners. as reducing serving sizes or offering steep discounts. Others need
to innovate.
The first step is to identify trustworthy third parties who have the
sectoral experience and who can highlight the realities. An immediate The bright side
C ase S tudy : ASEAN B usiness P artners
second step is to vet them. Many enterprises fail due to the wrong There are many triumphant stories of western firms who have been able
choice of partner and having an insufficient understanding of the to cater to Asian demand, tailor to consumer behaviour and navigate
integrity and reputation of their counterparts. While in Asian countries the regulations successfully. The Coca-Colas, Unilevers and Starbucks
business introduction by mutual acquaintance is important, so is have successfully combined global strategies with local solutions. They
conducting due diligence. have all been able to build huge businesses by winning local hearts,
without losing their international USP.
Invest in the right people
Once you have decided to be here for the long haul and accepted that ASEAN has the potential to become one of the largest and fastest
basic cultural lessons will not suffice, you will need to build a strong growing markets in the world. Every internationally minded company
and professional local management team. Just hiring a translator or looking to build a sustainable business has to find a way to succeed in
flying in expats is not enough. ASEAN. Invest now in the future, before the ship sails.
18
Global expansion is the future. Are you ready to
optimize your expansion plans in the ASEAN region?
Global Upside can help. With 20+ years of experience
providing expansion solutions to companies in 170+
countries, we have the knowledge and expertise to
help you meet your growth objectives. Reach out to
us today to learn more about how you can expand
your global footprint with Global Upside.
PEO/EOR | Entity Incorporation |

Hire-to-Retire Human Resources |
Payroll Support | Accounting and Tax |
Global Compliance
www.GlobalUpside.com
[email protected]
+1 (408) 913-9130
Global Upside makes expansion

easier for growing businesses
Ragu Bhargava, Co-founder & CEO, Global Upside Corporation
Global Upside CEO, Ragu Bhargava, talks about operate in a new country and optimise their growing
why all high-growth companies need to have a global operations.
Southeast Asia strategy and how his company is
We provide full business lifecycle support from
making the road to Asia easier.
incorporation, to hire to retire and payroll support, to
What inspired you to establish Global Upside Global PEO or Employer of Record, and accounting, tax,
Corporation? and global compliance services. Our industry-first global
The inspiration came partly from our backgrounds in human capital management software is designed to cater
financial accounting as well as the need we were seeing to a global workforce. The software helps companies
Ragu Bhargava in those roles from clients who simply did not have the stay compliant with wage/hour/labour regulations in the
resources, knowledge base or expertise to expand globally, countries they operate in while having a robust system to
or manage their growing operations and internal teams. centrally manage employees.
Could you describe the services offered by Global What effect has the global pandemic had on your
C ase S tudy : G lobal U pside
Upside Corporation? business?

We started 22 years ago in the business process We were very fortunate to have grown during the
outsourcing (BPO) world and have evolved into an pandemic. No one had to take a pay cut, nobody
expansive suite of global growth services for companies was terminated, and we were able to support our
looking to go beyond their home country. We now infrastructure growth and our clients without missing
also have HR software products to give our clients a beat. We’ve actually seen an uptick in companies
a truly holistic combination of professional services wanting more access to global talent or wanting to
and technology that can help them setup, hire and enable their workforce to work from remote locations
20
globally. This increase in global talent demand and the work from
anywhere trend has been quite good for us as we are the provider
of choice in helping companies go global. In fact, we have seen
quite an uptick in companies wanting to explore Southeast Asia
and south Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and
the Philippines.
How active is Global Upside in the ASEAN region?
We have offices in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam
and we are continuing to expand, with Thailand being the next country
for us to enter. We are committed to the region and are looking to hire
more staff in Singapore and to grow our presence in the Philippines.
What we are seeing is that some of the negativity surrounding China
and Covid-19 means businesses are looking at other options for What would be your advice to any business looking to
manufacturing, so we are seeing interest in countries like Thailand establish in the ASEAN region?
and Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Factors we advise clients to look at are the availability and cost of talent,
but beyond that is facilities and availability of raw materials – if you
What do you see as the principal attractions of the
want to set up a big office or manufacturing plant what infrastructure
ASEAN region?
will you need, not just today but for some time to come? From a
Most of the region is stable and there is an abundance of labour, from
talent perspective, if you are in the life sciences industry, perhaps you
highly qualified engineers to blue-collar workers. It is a very competitive
should look to Singapore. The cost of labour may not be as low as it
environment and though Singapore is one of the highest cost places in
is in Thailand, but the level of talent is very high. Look also at subsidy
the region, the level of talent is higher than you would find elsewhere
programmes, which could pay some of your costs in the early years of
in the world, for example in the life sciences field. That availability of
a new business.
talent is attracting companies to establish both manufacturing and
non-manufacturing businesses such as R&D in the region, because To learn how Global Upside Corporation could help you in the ASEAN
there is talent available. region, go to www.globalupside.com
21
Reframing for growth and building a better working

world post-pandemic
Liew Nam Soon, Regional Managing Partner, EY ASEAN
The pandemic has affected organisations on Finally, the pandemic has underscored the critical
many fronts. How has it shifted the ASEAN role of environment, social and governance (ESG)
business landscape? considerations. Investments in green infrastructure and
The pandemic is a significant change analyst and a transition to a lower-carbon future will take on greater
has accelerated several trends in ASEAN. Firstly, the prominence. ASEAN countries will have the opportunity
diversification of supply chains from China to ASEAN has to unlock economic growth by doubling down on green
intensified and brings new investments in areas such as infrastructure while addressing infrastructure gaps and
electronics manufacturing in Vietnam, electric vehicles accelerating economic growth in the process.
Liew Nam Soon manufacturing in Thailand and renewable solar energy How are EY teams helping companies differentially in
in Malaysia. navigating the post-pandemic world?
Next, as companies re-evaluate and reimagine their In the early phases of the crisis, we stayed close to
business models considering the changes in geopolitics, clients, advising them on crisis management, recovery
markets, customer expectations and industry convergences, and reinvention. Now, there is a fresh impetus among
success will be a case of building a better ecosystem – and executives to relook at their business models and
not necessarily a bigger business. Key to this is customer- operations to determine how to continue to stay relevant
centricity, enabled by data, bringing partnerships and other through partnership, M&A, and ecosystem and platform
opportunities together as investors seek to extend their play. At the same time, companies are looking at innovation
roles in the ecosystems. and technology to enhance their business and operations.
Thirdly, the focus on reskilling and creating career pathways The pandemic has also made more organisations recognise
will help the workforce combat the impact of automation the broader role they play in society and consider issues
and digital technologies. The pandemic has accelerated such as ESG more keenly in their strategy and operations.
job displacements while creating opportunities in areas like Central to all of this is helping companies stay resilient
e-commerce, healthcare, last-mile delivery and consumer through the unrelenting uncertainties. There are a number
technology. We expect to see investments in skills training of ways that we differentially enable EY clients to stay
in relevant sectors and data and technology skills. ahead. For one, the EY Megatrends framework provides
22
deep insights into the forces of change that are reshaping our world clients, people and society, and to invigorate our purpose of Building a
today, to help businesses prioritise their objectives and create a dynamic better working world. Part of our NextWave strategy was to redefine two
future-back plan. of our service lines, namely Strategy and Transactions, and Consulting,
and this sharpening and deepening of our capabilities will enable us to
We also developed the EY Enterprise Resilience Framework, which is a meet the complex strategy, transformation and technology demands
diagnostic tool that provides a methodical approach to help companies of EY clients in an end-to-end manner.
focus on nine key areas – supply chain and global trade; employee
health and wellbeing; talent and workforce; customer and brand; As an organisation, we too are accelerating our digital transformation.
financial and investor; risk; government and public policy; technology We plan to invest US$1.5 billion in audit quality, technology solutions,
and infosec; and insurance and legal disputes – to keep them resilient people and the wider EY ecosystem of strategic alliances.
across the three time horizons of now, next and beyond. The investments will see a further build-out of EY client technology
platform, which underpins EY services and allows us to drive client
It is important to focus on both the urgent and the important. On the
service innovation and support projects at scale and speed. As well,
latter, we are helping companies drive a greater emphasis on long
already a top global user of cloud technology, we will enhance
term value creation through reframing and transforming their business,
and extend the range of EY digital offerings and services through a
including seizing new growth opportunities, redefining purpose, and diversified, connected and intelligent ecosystem of strategic alliances
transforming into a full digital enterprise. and a global innovation network. Going in hand with technology
As an organisation, how is EY evolving to navigate the fast investment is developing our talent with cutting edge digital skills.
changing business landscape? All of these will no doubt benefit the clients, organisations and talents
Mandatory lockdown measures imposed during the pandemic had that we work with.
meant that we needed to be nimble and agile and pivot our services for
Finally, for CEOs of organisations looking to grow in ASEAN,
business continuity and align with client needs. Over the last decade,
what are the three questions they should ask?
the EY global organisation has been investing heavily in innovation
The three key questions would be:
and digital technology to allow EY people to team better and serve
clients in different geographies. Combined with a strong flexible work 1| How will you build – or acquire – the key competencies needed for
culture, aided by technology and virtual collaboration tools, our people growth in ASEAN?
2| How will you factor in sustainability, ESG and long term value in
adjusted to a remote working arrangement with relative ease.
your business strategy and execution?
It was also timely that we had launched our NextWave strategy in 2019, 3| Do you have the right leadership and culture in place to drive
of which we articulated our ambition to create long-term value for transformational change?
The views reflected in this article are the views of EY people and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organisation or its member firms. 23
© 2021 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. ED None.
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or is the future reframing you?
Together we can see new opportunities and create a new future.
Reframe your future | ey.com/reframeyourfuture
Maximising opportunities in
ASEAN in a post-pandemic world
Liew Nam Soon (LNS), Regional Managing Partner, EY ASEAN
Adrian Ball (AB), Partner, Global Trade – ASEAN, EY Solutions LLP
Vikram Chakravarty (VC), EY Global Strategy Leader
Liew Nam Soon Adrian Ball Vikram Chakravarty
With its 650 million population and fast-growing wealth, Going forward, two imperatives are clear: companies need to accelerate
ASEAN is rapidly becoming an economic superpower. How transformation to meet new and rapidly evolving customer demands.
can businesses and investors leverage ASEAN’s opportunities Additionally, organisations should apply holistic cost transformation and
for growth? find strategic ways to align resources to maximise potential.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the business More than ever, it is vital to build resilience to enable agility across the
landscape in ASEAN? enterprise, expand testing for scenarios around third parties, technology,
LNS: The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the shape of our global operations and regulations, and develop new performance metrics.
economy, supply chains and business models. There is an unprecedented While one cannot predict all risks, organisations should be ready to
opportunity across ASEAN to reimagine business and build a foundation respond with agility and flexibility when crisis occur.
for a sustainable future. Governments and businesses can collaborate to VC: The pandemic highlights several major trends that are already
create more resilient and productive economies, upskill workers, create present. The need to embrace digital technologies to grow is not
jobs using technology, boost productivity, optimise costs while providing new, yet any ASEAN businesses which have lagged in this must now
the opportunity to build long term value. accelerate digital adoption. Should they successfully bring this into their
25
core operating model, there is potential for them to win and leapfrog
the competition.
The pandemic has also brought sustainability and environmental, social
and governance (ESG) concerns to the fore. Companies are looking for
advice to help them navigate ESG issues and options – and understand
the trade-offs.
Companies also increasingly see the need to invest and generate
focus among businesses. ASEAN has too many fragmented sectors
and sprawling conglomerates. We anticipate a major effort among
these corporates to streamline and focus on core and jettison non-
core business, and take the proceeds to invest into digital and AI
for transformation.
Geopolitical tensions will remain – and the upside for ASEAN is that it
is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in supply chain and as a
That said, investors need to better understand joint venture structures,
regional headquarter. All in, there are massive opportunities for ASEAN
acquisition target, execution risks, local market demands and multi-
businesses, but they need to transform and transact their way forward
country operations to secure success in their ASEAN investments.
and not sit on the fence.
How should companies develop a strategy to venture into,
Where are the opportunities for investments in ASEAN?
grow or scale in ASEAN?
VC: ASEAN has geographic and sectoral advantages that offer immense
LNS: When developing an ASEAN growth strategy, it is useful to focus
opportunities. However, there is a need for a multi-country strategy and
on where companies can meet the infrastructural, financial, medical,
partnerships with local firms to drive success. The top sectors that will
logistical and educational needs of these countries. Companies that do
likely see strong investment opportunities include logistics, technology,
so are well-positioned to ride on ASEAN’s growth momentum to expand
manufacturing, real estate, financial services, life sciences, fast-moving
their businesses into the region.
consumer goods, and electronics. Countries that will potentially draw
strong investment interest include Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and In building the strategy, consider the business model and how you
the Philippines. can leverage digital and data and a skilled workforce, and gain a good
26
There is an unprecedented opportunity
across ASEAN to reimagine business and build
a foundation for a sustainable future.
understanding of the local consumer demands, investment access to India and manufacturing in ASEAN is in a prime position to
environment, regulations, and tax and business costs of the different act as a regional source for RCEP member countries and India.
ASEAN markets. It cannot be a “one-size-fix-all” strategy but a holistic
LNS: With RCEP as an enabler, there is scope for RCEP members to
one that caters to cross-border ASEAN customers, trade and business
invest more in one another and ASEAN can play an important role
flow and yet nuanced to local practices, preferences, regulations and
as intra-ASEAN trade and investments pick up. The RCEP is expected
operating conditions.
to drive investments in many developing economies in ASEAN, such
With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, as well as frontier
(RCEP), what does this mean for businesses in ASEAN? economies like Lao PDR and Cambodia. It also can help drive
AB: ASEAN countries already have a comprehensive network of investments in several areas including integrating into reconfigured
“ASEAN+1” free trade agreements (FTAs) with each of the five non- global chains, infrastructure project finance and manufacturing, clean
ASEAN RCEP member countries. Preferential duty rates under these energy, infrastructure and healthcare.
ASEAN+1 agreements are already low, with many products already
Any last advice for investors interested in ASEAN?
in scope. For ASEAN exports, additional market access benefits under
LNS: ASEAN’s fundamentals are strong and its fast-growing digital
RCEP will, for a number of products, be a long time coming.
economies should interest investors. Talent is another favourable
The qualifying rules under the existing network of FTAs can be complex, factor, with the region’s growing, young and increasingly better
so many companies do not take advantage of the FTA benefits. The educated workforce that has manifested into a fast-rising middle class.
RCEP, with a single set of qualifying rules, makes FTA benefits more The rise of FinTech and ecosystems have also driven financial inclusion
accessible, particularly for small and medium enterprises. We see RCEP across the region.
as an enabler for them and the utilisation of FTA benefits will increase,
ASEAN is not homogeneous – the different levels of economic
leading to greater international trade. RCEP also offers existing FTA
development, regulations, tax, language and cultural considerations
users an opportunity to revisit procurement strategies, utilising RCEP
should be deliberated when investing. Yet, with continued ASEAN
qualifying rules to streamline sourcing options and reduce cost.
integration, companies can capitalise on where common standards will
While India is not part of the RCEP, ASEAN already has an FTA with be set for cross-border investments and businesses, to deliver a range
India. With that, ASEAN exports are able to have preferential market of services for ASEAN customers across different countries.
The views reflected in this article are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organisation or its member firms. 27
Financial technology is rapidly

changing banking in the region
Covid-19 has triggered a sharp rise in digital payments and home products make it an ideal growth field for digital financial services. Digital
deliveries globally. The use of internet technology to make purchases lending, e-wallets, insurance technology and wealth management are
and payments has surged throughout the world, not least in ASEAN primed to address many inherent existing issues and are expected to
countries. This trend is part of much wider changes set to alter the way grow rapidly, it says.
banking is provided.
At the end of 2020, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS),
ASEAN populations totalling more than 640 million is on the cusp of announced the award of full digital banking licences to four groups.
a financial revolution and is fast emerging as the next megamarket for These comprise Grab-Singtel, a taxi hailing business which has diversified
digital consumer finance. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) estimates into providing financial services, Sea Limited a digital entertainment
that at least 10% of the adult population of Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, company, Ant Financial a subsidiary of China’s Alibaba and Hong Kong
Indonesia and Singapore already use their mobile phones as e-wallets. based Greenland.
Digital financial services bring in some US$11 billion in revenue, and this These neo-banks will provide all their services online and are expected to
is expected to grow over threefold to US$38 billion and account for 11% start operations at the beginning of 2022. Other countries in the region
of total financial services revenue by 2025, according to BCG. are also set on radical change, with the Philippines issuing a framework
for digital banking.
Technology promises to rapidly change the nature of banking and
how the sector’s services are provided in a region where there is still Cambodia launched a blockchain based payments platform in October
substantial inequality of access to financial services. BCG says that more 2020. The innovation is seen by the Government as a critical step in the
than 174 million adults across Southeast Asia lack bank accounts or credit modernisation of it’s payments system.
cards, while another 30 million make minimal use of banks.
The advancing pace of technology innovation is rapidly transforming the
According to a 2020 International Data Group (IDC) report, the region’s financial services industry in ASEAN countries. FinTech companies are
high unbanked populations and low penetration of traditional financial utilising a wide variety of technology such as cloud computing, mobile
28
phones, AI, machine learning as well as blockchain and distributed ledger
technologies to make financial services and products far more accessible
to customers and on a 24/7 basis.
The standout technology is blockchain, which essentially acts as a ledger
of transactions. These transactions are distributed and duplicated across
a network of computer systems on a blockchain in a cryptographic
way. This makes it impossible to change or manipulate the transactions
thereby allowing the secure transfer of money, contracts and other items
as timestamped digital documents.
Central banks are keen to explore the scope of FinTech applications with
regulatory sandboxes established to test systems in Brunei, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Thailand and Singapore. The latter is playing a particularly
influential role in FinTech development in the region.
In 2019, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the MAS, in different currencies on the same network. An international settlement
the country’s central bank, launched a BIS Innovation Hub Centre in network, modelled after this prototype, could enable faster and cheaper
Singapore. Similar centres have been set up by BIS in Hong Kong and transactions than conventional cross-border payments channels.
in Switzerland. They aim to identify and develop in-depth insights into
Chia Song Hwee, Deputy CEO of Singapore’s Temasek state-owned
critical trends in technology affecting central banking.
investment concern, says that blockchain technology has great potential
The MAS has also embarked on the final experimental fifth phase of its to transform businesses and open up new business opportunities
Project Ubin. This experiment was set up with the participation of some adding that “Phase 5 of Project Ubin has demonstrated the commercial
40 financial companies to understand blockchain and distributed ledger applicability, viability and benefits of blockchain technology across
technology and how these systems could be applied to new models in industries, beyond capital markets and trade finance.”
the clearing and settlement of payments and securities.
According to Lay Lim Teo, Chairman of Accenture Singapore,
The MAS says that the multi-currency payments network prototype collaboration between financial and non-financial firms to create the
developed under phase 5 of the project successfully settled payments network necessary to support multi-currency payments will also drive
29
The use of internet technology to make purchases

and payments has surged throughout the world, not
least in ASEAN countries.
new products and services that generate new revenue streams. “We have At such meetings, typically hosted monthly in homes, borrowers raise
identified areas where blockchain based solutions can be deployed at small loans from the rest of the group, usually repaid without interest
scale and drive greater payment efficiency across industries,” she says. after a year. However, even Indonesia’s P2P lending has started to be
digitised. One firm, Mapan, is reportedly connecting 200,000 lenders
In Malaysia, regulators are also taking steps to make the country a
and some 2.5 million members via its app.
competitive hub for FinTech start-ups in a bid to seize a share of
the bourgeoning opportunities, for example with Luno, the first crypto- In 2020, Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved US$500 million
currency exchange to be authorised by its Securities Commission of loans to support Indonesia’s efforts to expand financial access for
in 2019. micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The support is designed
to improve the country’s payments infrastructure as well as strengthen
The heavily populated ASEAN countries have a particularly urgent need
the regulatory framework for digital financial services, data privacy,
to widen the reach of their financial systems. The World Economic
consumer protection and financial literacy.
Forum says that some 33% of SMEs lack access to loans and a line of
credit. This problem is more acute in the Philippines, where half of it’s ADB says that its programme supports Indonesia’s goal to increase the
SMEs lack access to formal loans, even though they employ 65% of number using financial products or services offered by formal financial
the national workforce and account for 99% of business undertakings. institutions to 90% by 2022, up from 76% in 2019.
The gulf between formal financial institutions and low-income It went onto say, “Financial inclusion will play an important role in
households is illustrated by the growth of peer-to-peer lending (P2P), in Indonesia’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. More equitable
which individuals borrow directly from other individuals. In Indonesia, efficient access to financial products and services will support
for example, millions of people obtain funds through informal social government measures to mitigate the pandemic’s economic and social
gatherings that serve as micro-credit groups. impacts, rebuild livelihoods and prepare for economic shocks.”
30
Quality data
means quality
payments
There is a new language for payments:

ISO 20022
SWIFT ISO 20022 Programme

www.swift.com/standards/iso-20022-programme
Future-proofing ASEAN’s financial services industry

Sharon Toh, Head of ASEAN Region, SWIFT
SWIFT is the world’s leading provider of secure needs. In addition, SWIFT works with its community to
financial messaging services. Sharon Toh, SWIFT’s develop a catalogue of innovative APIs that supplements
Head of ASEAN Region, explains its background and the range of SWIFT services delivered using API technology.
how its platform is helping the region’s financial Keeping pace with ASEAN’s flourishing
services sector embrace the future. digital economy
Discover SWIFT Innovation is, and has always been, at the heart of
Today, goods and services move more quickly and across SWIFT, and the cooperative is well placed to build on the
greater distances than ever before, and there is a need rapid adoption of technology in ASEAN in recent years.
Sharon Toh for payments to keep the pace but at the same time, With the region racing to grow its digital economy and
remain trusted. infrastructure, navigating the new digital era effectively has
become a pressing concern for the community.
SWIFT was established to find a better way for the global
financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovative
secure approach that the community can trust completely. application of technology within the financial sector, and
The cooperative has constantly evolved in an ever- we support the needs of our ASEAN customers through
changing landscape. It first went live with its messaging new capabilities and functionalities, various forms of
services in 1977, replacing the Telex technology. Over connectivity, and secure user access,” said Sharon Toh.
four decades later, SWIFT’s messaging services are used Beyond this, SWIFT recently announced a new vision to
by more than 11,000 financial institutions in over 200 accelerate growth in international payments and securities,
countries and territories around the world, as it continues and support innovation. Over the next two years and
to provide reliable, secure and efficient messaging services beyond, it will roll out a next-generation digital platform, to
to its community of users. enable seamless transactions from one account to another
Three years ago for example, SWIFT gpi was introduced anywhere in the world with end-to-end transparency
to create a faster, more transparent and traceable cross- and predictability.
border payments experience; and with its community, In payments, financial institutions will be able to expand
SWIFT successfully completed a test to integrate gpi with offerings to businesses and consumers and enhance
Singapore’s domestic instant payment service, Fast and the end-customer experience. In securities, financial
Secure Transfers (FAST). The cooperative also entered the institutions will benefit from improved reconciliation,
real-time payments market with Australia’s New Payments reporting and asset servicing processes as well as end-
Platform, and rolled out the Customer Security Programme to-end visibility of transactions to reduce settlement fails
to support the banking community in its cybersecurity and fines.
32
“One advantage of the new platform for our community are increased Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) recently,
opportunities to create – either independently or collaboratively with to encourage the digitalisation of documentary trade.
partners – new value-added services to support long term business
Supporting ASEAN’s capital markets
growth,” she added.
ASEAN’s capital markets are fast evolving, with participants – from
The ISO 20022 standard for cross-border payments, which SWIFT is investors, issuers and regulators – under pressure to go faster, work
supporting in terms of adoption, plays a central role to this new vision. smarter, improve transparency and service new assets – without
The shared standard offers higher-quality payments, and when fully in compromising on safety and security.
force from 2022, brings a host of benefits to the community, including
increased automation, faster processing, more effective reconciliation, SWIFT’s new strategy in capital markets and its platform will help the
improved mitigation of financial crime risk and better payment insights. ASEAN banking community simplify processes like reconciliations
and reporting and make them more efficient, to enable end-to-end
Navigating the growth in regional trade transaction monitoring in near real-time, so the relevant parties in
Payment interoperability is especially important across the diverse the chain will be able to track and provide visibility on the status of
economies of ASEAN, for enhanced intra-regional trade and business a transaction.
activity, and the new platform addresses this by minimising friction,
optimising speed and providing end-to-end transparency and “Together with our community, we are helping to build this new world
predictability from one account to another anywhere in the world. on a strong foundation, in line with the ASEAN Economic Community’s
vision of a region with strong, interlinked capital markets that facilitate
At the same time, the global pandemic has transformed technology greater trade and investment flows,” Toh added.
from a strategic priority to an operational imperative. With digitalisation
comes increased cyber risk. Powered by APIs and cloud technology, Towards a vibrant financial services landscape in ASEAN
the platform offers new and extensive data capabilities that enable SWIFT is no stranger to disruption, having transformed previously
fraud detection, data analytics, transaction tracking and exception manual processes and unlocked efficiencies in the financial system, to
case management. reduce frictions, costs and operational risks. Over the next two years,
it will continue to advance by embracing the exciting potential of new
“Payment interoperability and risk management are vital ingredients technologies through its digital platform.
in ASEAN’s trade regionalisation. When Covid-19 hit, it became very
clear that lockdowns were preventing couriers from getting trade “The financial services industry may have come a long way since
documentation through from one country to the next. Trade requires a the days of the Telex. But our end goal remains unchanged. We
lot of documents – and in recognition of this challenge, we have been share an aim with our community to achieve instant and frictionless
looking at how we could capitalise on SWIFT services to move hard- transactions, in support of the regional integration efforts by ASEAN
copy trade documents digitally and securely over the SWIFT platform,” member states and in creating a more dynamic and resilient ASEAN,
said Toh. capable of responding and adjusting to emerging trends,” said Toh.
That is not all. SWIFT also launched a proof-of-value with a number To learn more about how SWIFT can help you in the ASEAN region, go
of banks in ASEAN, and signed a Memorandum of Intent with to www.swift.com
33
Recruiting the best talent to
help your ASEAN business grow
Nicole Sahin, Founder and CEO, Globalization Partners
Finding the best team and understanding local There’s also the consolidator model. This is the model
employment laws are a challenge for any company where an umbrella company selects third-party mom and
seeking to expand internationally. Nicole Sahin, pop shops in each country on behalf of its customers, and
Founder and CEO of Globalization Partners (GP), acts as an intermediary between the customer and the
introduces her business model and explains how local in-country partner. This is known as the aggregator
it can help you manage your staffing needs across or consolidator EOR model.
the ASEAN region Our model not only helps you manage your company
What does Globalization Partners do and how while you’re building it, but it is a critical differentiator
Nicole Sahin is it different from other Employer of Record at the time when you exit, when every detail of your
companies in the industry? international contracts will be scrutinised.
Globalization Partners is an Employer of Record (EOR) You set up Globalization Partners in 2012 after an
and we simplify hiring global remote teams by enabling earlier career in Silicon Valley: what motivated
companies to employ anyone, anywhere, in the world you and how has your past experience helped
quickly and easily. Companies find the talent they want drive the company’s impressive growth?
to hire, and we put that team member on our fully Globalization Partners began as many companies do —
compliant, in-country payroll. Our technology solution with an idea: that the best companies and brightest people
intersects with our built-in-house, fully compliant global should be able to seamlessly collaborate, without regard
legal infrastructure, and is supported by our world-class to location. I knew that if I could make it easy for people
HR team members around the globe. to work together from different countries, the barriers that
In terms of how we differ, there are two global EOR were traditionally in place to global business would break
models. One is a fully built in-house model (which is our down. I love the idea of connecting everyone, everywhere,
model) whereby a highly qualified legal, HR, and tax team to great opportunities.
have been put in place to efficiently meet the needs of our Eventually I decided that the only way to make the type
customers. This model takes on the liability for ensuring of positive change I envisioned was through business. I’m
things are handled properly and legally in each country. proud to say that our comprehensive solution is helping
35
companies achieve their international expansion goals faster than they

could have imagined. We also have built a company people love, with
97% customer satisfaction ratings.
To drive our own growth, we’ve made significant investments in our
technology, operations, and intellectual capital and have constructed a
unique global legal infrastructure, and AI-powered technology platform
that delivers our compliant expansion solution. In addition, we continually
focus on developing key partnerships that will provide long term options
for meeting customer goals as companies increasingly turn to us in the
new era of global remote work.
How would you define your mission and Globalization
Partners’ core values?
Our mission is to simplify building a global remote workforce by making
it fast and easy for companies to hire anyone, anywhere in the world.
What are the principal benefits to a growing business in hiring
We do this while ensuring industry leading legal, HR, and compliance
Globalization Partners?
standards, via our AI-powered user experience.
Companies identify the talent they want to hire, and we can have
Our core values include respecting comprehensive employee rights those team members up and running in another country within days
on behalf of our customers in over 180 countries. We do this while – allowing companies to generate new revenue streams and capture
maintaining our exceptional service ratings, which requires rigorous new market share. This provides ultimate flexibility and allows an
C ase S tudy : G lobalization P artners
commitment to: organisation to react quickly and dynamically to evolving market trends
• A Triple Bottom Line: treating our customers, our employees, our and demands. Whether it’s tapping into existing markets or creating new
shareholders, our partners, and the professionals hired on behalf of ones, expanding your workforce globally can be the key to long term
our customers with empathy, cultural intelligence, and respect for prosperity in an unpredictable world.
each individual We take on the more onerous aspects of hiring internationally and
• Conducting our business ethically with transparency and integrity remove many of the biggest roadblocks to global expansion.
• Championing quality over quantity to surpass customer expectations Could you explain your role as an Employer of Record?
• Breaking down barriers to global business and commerce with world In a typical employment model, the employer hires the employee
class technology that is compliant with local employment and privacy and takes on the responsibility of all tax, legal, and employment
laws, and respectful of human rights. benefit provisions.
36
Firms must build exceptional teams in order to take
advantage of this open window and harness the truly
unique momentum gathering in ASEAN.
As an EOR, we take on the employment responsibility from a legal There is a trend among progressive companies towards remote
perspective. Companies can hire anywhere in the world while working and a “work from anywhere model” – how has that
avoiding the hassle of navigating complex labour laws, taxes, benefits, impacted your business?
currency exchange, or payroll issues. But even more importantly, we As a global community, we’re at a crossroads. Companies that not only
help guarantee competitive compensation packages to high-value allow remote work but embrace it and make it a core tenet of their talent
international employees, based on their country standards. Working with acquisition strategy, are going to come out on top. Building your own
us is an excellent way for businesses to offer employees great benefits team in Estonia…or South Africa, Vietnam, Colombia, and anywhere
without setting up the legal infrastructure needed to put these packages else your business takes you, gives your company the edge.
in place.
As a result of the remote working trend, companies have started to think
What are the key advantages to a business in using an differently about where they source talent. As more seize the opportunity
Employer of Record? that comes with building remote teams, we are seeing increased demand
With an EOR, companies can hire the best talent from around the for our solution and significant momentum in 2020, with 50% year-on-
world, without that employee leaving their home – and without the year customer growth.
company having to set up an international branch office or subsidiary.
What is covered in your GlobalPedia database and how can
This keeps your team members on the ground in their own country,
businesses access it?
where they already have the legal right to live and work. Many
GlobalPedia is the world’s only up-to-date guide on labour laws, norms,
employees working remotely from their home country who may
and regulations. Whether you’re growing an international workforce
be attracted to international companies are already accustomed to
or hiring one employee, you can know what to expect by consulting it
working from home. They can start work within a few business days,
first. It provides everything you need to know about hiring anywhere in
without waiting for visa approval. We like to think of the solution we
the world and can be accessed via this link: GlobalPedia | Globalization
bring to you and your international candidates as a digital visa. We
Partners (globalization-partners.com).
are the conduit for your company to access talent everywhere. With
our worldwide entity infrastructure in place, you can onboard a new How much experience does Globalization Partners have in the
hire almost anywhere in the world within a few business days. Legally, ASEAN region?
the employee is on our payroll, but your new team member is fully ASEAN represents a significant opportunity and our GM of Asia
dedicated to you. Pacific; Charles Ferguson has exceptional entrepreneurial and executive
37
experience in Human Capital Management solutions in the region, • Virtual Interviews: access to an online interview platform so
including being the Asia Head of ADP. We have been working with companies can safely screen top candidates
companies to expand into the Asia Pacific region for years, with 40% • Salary Benchmarking: compensation analytics to ensure your offers
of our customers already there. Now that we have launched operations are on target
there, companies can easily accelerate global growth plans in and
• In-Country Expertise: for answers to questions about hiring
outside the region.
international talent
What do you see as the key drivers of growth in your • Support for Finding Top Talent: help from qualified, experienced,
business across the ASEAN region? professionals that provide expertise in your target global location.
Given the unique times we are operating in, businesses of all sizes and
makeup must assertively expand their regional presence to benefit We’ve also completely automated global expansion with the unveiling
from the growing opportunities across Asia Pacific, and most acutely, in 2021 of our Self-Service Global Expansion Experience, allowing
in Southeast Asia. This is even more critical given the significance businesses to compliantly grow and manage their global teams – all in
of the recent signing of the world’s largest trade agreement, the one place. The technology streamlines the process of building global
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). On 15 teams by putting the country-specific requirements of onboarding
November, 2020, 15 Asia Pacific nations signed this, the world’s at the customer’s fingertips https://www.globalization-partners.com/
largest free-trade agreement (FTA). It includes ten ASEAN nations goglobal/.
and five regional trade partners: China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand What is your message to any businesses looking to enter or
and South Korea. Over ten years in the making, the RCEP covers expand in the ASEAN region?
almost one-third of the world’s population and over 30% of its GDP. End to end innovation, strategic go-to-market execution, and
Once ratified, the agreement will progressively lower tariffs, increase operational excellence will be paramount to success, with needs in
investment, act to counter protectionism, and ultimately allow more automation and digital transformation as well as regional expansion
free movement of goods. It also represents the first ever FTA between opportunities in the services sector being key areas of growth. The
China, Japan, and South Korea – Asia’s largest, second-largest and fuel for this evolution is access to amazing talent, and the timing for
fourth-largest economies.
C ase S tudy : G lobalization P artners
acquiring the best available is right now.

Countries like Singapore have responded to Covid-19 Firms must build exceptional teams in order to take advantage of this
by accelerating investment in digitisation - how has open window and harness the truly unique momentum gathering in
Globalization Partners responded to the challenges posed by ASEAN: revisit and redesign supply chains, invest in and develop new
the pandemic? networks, and experiment with new market entry strategies. Bolstered
In 2020 we announced a range of new free support services to customers by existing talent pools and amplified through key investments in
and prospective customers planning to hire talent internationally during free trade, countries and enterprise ecosystems are developing hubs,
the pandemic. The new services have been launched to help businesses where start-ups, multi-nationals, and universities are collaborating
plan for future talent needs in order to help them come out stronger on with governments, working together to deliver economic growth
the other side of this unprecedented crisis. They include: and prosperity.
38
Supporting UK companies in ASEAN
British Chamber of Commerce Singapore
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a region that How does it work?
provides enormous opportunity for UK companies. UK-ASEAN trade British Chambers of Commerce are among the leading partners in the
is worth nearly £42 billion, with real potential for further growth. Department for International Trade (DIT)’s Overseas Partner Delivery
The ASEAN export market is worth more to the UK than Australia, initiative, providing bespoke business support to British SMEs including:
Brazil, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Russia, and could soon • Advisory Services: legislation and regulatory advice; route to market;
overtake China. ASEAN continues to be the UK’s second largest export and business mentoring
destination in Asia.
• Business Matching: identification of potential clients, agents,
There is phenomenal support for UK businesses looking to expand distributors, franchise partners, sponsors, etc and tailored meeting
across the ASEAN region. Britain in South East Asia (BiSEA) is a grouping programmes
of British Chambers of Commerce across the Southeast Asia region in • Events: product/services launches, press conferences, business
Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, meetings, trade shows, industry missions, store promotions,
Thailand and Vietnam. The regional Chamber network facilitates networking events, and receptions
the interests of UK companies along with the members belonging
• Knowledge Exchange: webinars, sector white papers, survey reports,
to British Chambers within Southeast Asia. BiSEA propagates strong case studies
business networks by providing representation, information, services
and guidance as a validated third party contact to Chamber members. • Market Studies: sector research, competitor analysis.
It provides a channel for companies to establish or develop their Companies looking to expand can receive support from the British
commercial presence within the Southeast Asian market. Chambers of Commerce that operate in each market, providing
39
businesses with on-the-ground expertise. Each of the British Chambers these opportunities, but what I’m doing is creating the opportunities,
have a depth and breath like no other network, across all sectors, the low tariffs, removing those barriers so they can go out and do that.”
backed by businesses who are already operating in market.
The British Chambers of Commerce within the BiSEA network,
Within the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, for example, together with colleagues at the DIT provide an opportunity to connect
an online portal of information under the Future of Trade banner businesses to companies and opportunities in the region.
has been developed to provide advice and support. An online export
How do I get involved?
enquiry form has also been created to allow the Chamber to provide
Companies looking to find out more about exporting to or expanding
customised support: www.britcham.org.sg/expand-your-uk-business-
into ASEAN countries can contact the British Chambers of Commerce
into-singapore
for support. Virtual trade missions have replaced physical trade
Why is this important? missions in the last 12 months, and many of the Chambers run sector-
The UK formally requested to join the Comprehensive and Progressive specific trade webinars to help companies understand how to operate
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 1 February 2021. in market. A list of the main contact points are below:
The CPTPP has been in force since December 2018, covering Australia, British Chamber of Commerce Cambodia:
Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, www.britchamcambodia.org
Singapore, and Vietnam, with Singapore being one of the founding
British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia:
countries to ratify the agreement. The CPTPP covers a market of
britcham.or.id
around 500 million people and joining the bloc would reduce tariffs
on UK exports such as whisky and cars, as well as service industries British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce:
- the CPTPP eliminates tariffs for 94% of Singapore’s exports to www.bmcc.org.my
CPTPP markets. British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar:
www.britishchambermyanmar.com/en
Diversifying trade partners, and being part of the CPTPP can open
many doors and opportunities, particularly around areas such as the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines:
future of the digital economy. Southeast Asia has over 400 million britcham.org.ph
internet users offering a vibrant digital landscape that is changing the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore:
way people consume, work and live. www.britcham.org.sg
“In future it’s going to be Asia-Pacific countries in particular where the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand:
big markets are, where growing middle class markets are, for British members.bccthai.com
products,” International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, told the BBC’s Andrew British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam:
Marr. “Of course British businesses will have to reach out and take britchamvn.com
40
Supporting business expansion

across the ASEAN region
Ann Ellis, Founder CEO & Lucia Tan, Global Account Manager - ASEAN,
Mauve Group
Ann Ellis Lucia Tan
In a year that marks its 25th anniversary, Mauve Group continues to different European locations. While he travelled extensively for work, he
expand the scale and range of workforce solutions and consultancy discovered that many of his colleagues needed support in their new
services it offers across the ASEAN region. Founder CEO Ann Ellis, and work locations, including with obtaining visas, raising contracts, and
Global Account Manager – ASEAN Lucia Tan, explain more about its invoicing and receiving their payments.
history, services and plans for growth.
Recognising a niche opportunity, John and I began to float the idea of
What inspired you to establish Mauve Group? a company that could provide support to individuals and businesses
AE: The inspiration for Mauve Group came from our own experiences setting up overseas in this new era of globalisation that was rapidly
C ase S tudy : M auve G roup
of being expatriates living, working, and starting a business in a foreign gathering pace in the 1990s. Almost immediately we found an appetite
country. Mauve Group was founded and is still run today by my husband for the type of solutions we were offering. Through John’s connections,
John Ellis and I. We moved to Italy from the UK in the mid-1990s having we quickly started supporting globally-renowned brands in the telecoms
never lived and worked permanently abroad before – as expatriates, we sector such as Nokia and Ericsson with the personnel side of their
had to think on our feet to set ourselves up locally in a new location. international projects.
At the time, John was a telecommunications engineer by trade, Could you explain the Group’s core areas of business?
responsible for managing projects and network rollouts across many AE: Today, we offer a myriad of solutions designed to ease the way for
42
workers and businesses operating and expanding overseas. Often, the
process of entering a new country can seem daunting to the uninitiated,
particularly with the variances in corporate and labour law from country-
to-country. We are often approached by clients that have applied the
legislation of their own country to an international situation, and have
got themselves into difficulty as a result.
Our most popular services help companies to manage the compliant
employment of their international workers – an area that can carry heavy
penalties if poorly managed. This includes Employer of Record, Global
Payroll, Global Visa and Immigration, and International HR Consultancy
amongst others. Organisations also engage us to set up new international
companies for them, and consult on a variety of international compliance
and corporate concerns such as tax and permanent establishment risks.
What does it mean to be an Employer of Record?
AE: An Employer of Record is a company that compliantly employs
workers on behalf of a client, in countries where the client does not have
their own entity or the ability to employ locally themselves. The Employer
of Record takes care of all the necessary tasks to facilitate the employment,
their home markets. We want to be a safe, supportive pair of hands
such as payroll, contract management and other HR responsibilities, while
as companies venture towards globalising their products and services.
the client retains day-to-day management of the worker.
Fundamentally, we want to show that going global is not just for the large
The concept of Employer of Record has become extremely popular multinationals – businesses of any size can expand internationally with
during the pandemic as the remote work phenomenon has exploded. the right support.
Companies with workers who have returned to their home countries,
I can be sure of this because I’ve done it myself – we started the business
or have been assigned to overseas business, have utilised Employer of
from a tiny office in Northern Italy, and now we own companies in
Record to facilitate their employment.
more than 50 countries worldwide, and operations in 150. I want to
How would you describe your corporate strategy or vision? help entrepreneurs to understand that they can bring their business idea
AE: The Mauve Group goal is to be a trusted partner to organisations of to a wider international audience, whether they are an SME or a large
any size seeking to expand their horizons and achieve growth beyond corporate - and it isn’t as operationally daunting as they think.
43
How do you see the future of home and remote working Mauve set up its own companies in each country to facilitate these
post-pandemic? projects, and then built this into a network of ASEAN entities as demand
AE: New trends in work are often led by the big tech companies, and grew and the service offering diversified. The next step was to partner
every week we are seeing the likes of Salesforce, Spotify, Twitter and with local experts in key areas such as tax and compliance, labour law
so on announcing remote, hybrid or “work from anywhere” policies. and immigration so we could learn from the best and deliver locally
I am not part of the contingent that believes office-based working is compliant services. We still work with many of these same partners today.
completely dead, however. Some workers prefer the communal feel of
How extensive is Mauve Group’s business in the
the office environment, particularly younger team members or those
ASEAN region?
who feel burnt out by a year of isolation.
LT: Having been in the industry for 25 years, and operational in ASEAN
Instead, I think we will see more and more companies moving to a for 20 of those years, our portfolio has grown extensively to cover
hybrid model that allows both remote and office-based options, giving almost every part of Asia. We can serve clients who wish to expand into
employees greater say in where they want to work. The pandemic has any part of Asia, whether through our own company or through the
seen an increasing focus on employee wellbeing the world over – support of our trusted and due-diligence checked partners.
centring the worker in decision-making on policies like this helps boost
Are there any aspects of business in the ASEAN region that
morale and productivity.
are particularly attractive?
Employers should do the research and get the right advice to avoid LT: We often hear from our clients that the growing interest in doing
future issues with remote work policies. If staff are permitted to “work business in Asia is due to strategic location. Many countries in Asia
from anywhere”, employers must ensure there is no risk to themselves are in close proximity and travelling between these regions rarely
or the worker in terms of tax, immigration, remuneration and other HR takes more than a day. As a result, clients build hubs in certain ASEAN
concerns in the country the worker chooses to settle in. countries to introduce their products or services to the wider market.
What has been your experience in the ASEAN region? As an example, we are seeing that Singapore’s simple and business-
LT: 2021 marks Mauve Group’s twentieth year of operations in the friendly tax system continues to draw foreign investment amidst the
ASEAN region. Having only incorporated the company five years pandemic. Chinese tech giants such as Tencent, Alibaba and Bytedance
previously in 1996, ASEAN was a priority region for Mauve’s strategic are establishing their regional hubs in Singapore, where an open
C ase S tudy : M auve G roup
expansion plans from very early on. immigration policy, with appropriate work visa provisions, facilitates
the relocation of foreigners wishing to set up business in Singapore.
Our first projects in Asia centred around the support of independent
contractors working for telecommunications companies who were The wealth of local talent is also driving clients to seek out Employer
implementing or upgrading networks in the region – firstly in Thailand of Record or set up companies in the region. Vietnam, the Philippines
from 2001-2003, moving to Bangladesh in 2006-2008, and finally and India are popular amongst clients for IT outsourcing and software
Japan in 2009-2012. development talent – technology is one of our top five client industries.
44
H ealthcare - L ife S ciences - P harmaceuticals
Pandemic hastens adoption of digital
technologies for healthcare provision
Since 2020, healthcare sectors in ASEAN countries have been focused University, announced in October 2020 their intention to manufacture the
on containing the Covid-19 virus. Although the pandemic has had dire potential vaccine developed by Oxford in partnership with AstraZeneca.
economic consequences, most of ASEAN has recorded significantly lower
Some 30 companies in the Philippines have also reached an agreement
transmission and fatality rates per capita than other regions globally.
with AstraZeneca to buy at least 2.6 million vaccine doses. Indonesia
At the end of August 2020, transmitted cases per million people stood at could become a regional hub for production of a vaccine developed by
approximately 582 across ASEAN countries, compared with 16,737 in the China’s Sinovac Biotech.
US, 9,924 in Latin America and 4,121 in the EU.
Singapore is working on producing its own single-dose vaccine in
The region’s experience with previous pandemics such as SARS in 2003 cooperation with the US company Arcturus and Duke-NUS medical
and the avian and swine influenzas in 2009, led governments to take school. Meanwhile, Vietnam is working on producing its own vaccine
Covid-19 seriously from the start. As a result, the ASEAN Secretariat’s with phase two and three trials due to take place early in 2021. The
health division alerted senior healthcare officials in the region to the new work is being conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Vaccines
virus on 3 January 2020, just four days after China’s notification of it to and Medical Biologicals in Nha Trang City, partnering with the New
the WHO. York based Icahn School of Medicine and the global health non-profit
Within weeks, ASEAN health, foreign affairs and tourism bodies had organisation PATH.
intensified cooperation and activated pandemic preparedness protocols, According to the UK Government, large scale manufacturing at Bangkok
says Professor Hsien-Li Tan of the National University of Singapore. based Siam Bioscience will strengthen broad, equitable and timely
The emergence of approved vaccines to combat the virus now indicate a access to the potential vaccine in the region and beyond. AstraZeneca
path to recovery from the pandemic. The Thai Ministry of Public Health, is providing vaccine at no profit during the pandemic and will work
the UK/Swedish company AstraZeneca, Siam Bioscience and the Thai with Siam Bioscience to set up the manufacturing facilities through
industrial conglomerate SCG, which has R&D connections with Oxford technology transfer.
45
The emergence of approved vaccines to

combat the virus now indicate a path to recovery
from the pandemic.
Recovery will enable the region to refocus on its wide ranging agenda to reach US$740 billion by 2025 from US$420 billion in 2017. The region
to improve healthcare. The are many challenges but also considerable already spends close to 4% of GDP on healthcare, which is expected to
opportunities for investment given the strong involvement of the private rise as consumers become more health conscious.
sector in the region’s provision of medical services.
Observers believe that Covid-19 will encourage reforms in ASEAN’s
“The pandemic has greatly improved individuals’ consciousness of healthcare sector, opening new investment opportunities in the fields
personal healthcare awareness and hygiene. It has also accelerated the of biotechnology, telehealth, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic medicine,
adoption and use of telehealth, which could help to offset these potential among other areas. The need is to build SMART to enable universal
higher costs and provide a more efficient way for those insured to access healthcare to take root.
and use healthcare in the future,” says Cedric Luah, Asia Health Director
Driven by an increasing demand for healthcare, app-based consultations
at insurance brokers Willis Towers Watson.
have begun to take off. While suitable for basic consultations, they have the
New approaches are vital to ensure that ways of providing healthcare potential to improve access to healthcare services for underserved areas.
are sustainable as countries in the region continue to roll-out universal
According to a study by London based LEK Consulting and the US ‘GRG
healthcare strategies. Indonesia’s Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN)
Health, 60% of hospitals in ASEAN countries expect to continue using
programme, introduced in 2017, now covers most of the country’s 240
increased levels of telehealth after Covid-19 has passed.
million people. Virtually the whole of Thailand’s population is covered for
primary and hospital care, while Singapore offers a comprehensive range The digital interventions needed to improve the quality of healthcare
of healthcare including complex surgery for its citizens. services from telemedicine to electronic medical records all need reliable
internet connectivity. Making this element as basic a need as the supply
Singapore’s Healthcare Masterplan 2020 has increased patient insurance
of medicines and water.
to cover a greater range of treatments and care, focusing on the needs
of those on lower incomes and of the elderly. The plan also involves The countries with the soundest telecoms infrastructure can move fastest.
recruitment of more than 20,000 new healthcare workers and provision Singapore is attracting a vibrant community of health-related technology
of 3,700 more hospital beds. start-up firms. Vietnam is also catching up fast in terms of using digital
technology to provide healthcare in rural and urban areas.
However, costs are steadily rising. According to Nikkei Asian Review,
healthcare expenditures in six of the ASEAN countries – Indonesia, Technology and digital solutions will be essential to manage increasing
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – are expected patient volumes and staffing pressures. For example, artificial intelligence
46
(AI) and data analytics can be used to predict, automate and advance
workflow efficiency and improve patient experience.
Specialist doctors are mainly concentrated in cities. Digitally connected
equipment can expand the reach of clinicians to ensure patients in
provincial or rural areas have access to specialist services. With the
adoption of digital solutions, patient triage as well as remote diagnostic
services can be expected to rise.
In Singapore, Doctor Anywhere was launched in 2017, and now
has some 50,000 users accessing general practitioner consultations.
China’s online healthcare provider, Ping An Good Doctor, has a joint
venture with Singapore based taxi app Grab, to use AI technology to
route patients to an appropriate doctor.
Indonesia’s Halodoc, founded in 2016, has some 20,000 doctors and
two million users on its database. In addition to offering medical
advice, the company also has partnerships with insurance firms to
enable users to pay with their health insurance as well as consultations which is firmly embedded within the healthcare sectors of the region,
with pharmacies to enable medicines to be delivered to clients. a vast array of opportunities are opening up.
Several local start-ups are expanding, such as the Philippines There is rising investor interest in Indonesia’s healthcare sector
KonsultaMD. Singapore’s Doctor Anywhere has partnered with for example. As a result of Government support for private sector
Vietnam payments platform ViettelPay to provide virtual clinics in involvement, foreign investors are permitted to own up to 67% of
Vietnam. In Thailand, Siam Commercial Bank has linked up with the healthcare related businesses, while ownership in the pharmaceutical
Bangkok based private hospital Samitivej, to provide high-net worth sector is capped at 75%.
clients with access to digital healthcare services.
The pandemic and the introduction of national health insurance
As ASEAN countries commit to building universal healthcare systems, systems have become key drivers in changing the behaviour of ASEAN
the adoption of technologies and investment in new business models populations towards health. The result is that people are becoming
offer ways of overcoming development hurdles. For the private sector more health conscious and willing to spend more on medical services.
47
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Diabetes is one of the major health challenges of our time. Today, 29 million
people are living with diabetes1 in ASEAN, and by 2045 this number could rise driving
change to
to 46 million1. Two-thirds of all people with diabetes live in cities2.
More than 95 years of diabetes leadership has taught us that curbing the
pandemic requires extraordinary focus.
The Novo Nordisk approach to changing diabetes is clear – together with
partners, we must address the risk factors in urban settings, ensure people
are diagnosed earlier, improve access to diabetes care and support people in
defeat diabetes
achieving better health outcomes.
Learn more at novonordisk.com/changingdiabetes

and share your view #ChangingDiabetes
1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation. 2019.
2. Cities Changing Diabetes. Diabetes Projection Model. In: Incentive, ed. Holte, Denmark 2017.
The hidden pandemics in ASEAN
Jay Thyagarajan, Vice President, Business Area
Southeast Asia (BASEA), Novo Nordisk
Many are not aware that both obesity and diabetes related complications. 70% of the total direct
diabetes have reached pandemic proportions medical costs incurred by the Vietnamese health system
globally. According to WHO, 2.8 million people for these patients were related to these complications
are dying each year as a consequence of living and not the treatment of diabetes itself.
with excess weight or obesity1. The International
Does Covid-19 pose a more serious risk to
Diabetes Federation (IDF) has estimated that
people living with diabetes?
approximately 4.2 million adults died as a result
People with diabetes are at higher risk of severe clinical
of either diabetes or complications from it in
20192. These global trends are also present in outcomes of Covid-19. Good diabetes management
ASEAN countries and not a lifestyle issue isolated is therefore more important now, than ever. The risk
Jay Thyagarajan
to the western world. Obesity and diabetes are of Covid-19 related mortality is particularly linked
chronic pandemics in slow motion3. to hyperglycaemia5.
Can you tell us more about the trend of diabetes Is there anything that can be done to avoid the
across the ASEAN region? complications of diabetes?
In ASEAN, around 29 million people were living with Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of
diabetes in 2019, out of which almost 18 million were serious complications and costs to health systems. Yet
undiagnosed. The total prevalence is estimated to rise to many people living with diabetes in Southeast Asia
approximately 46 million people by 2045, if the current are unaware of their condition, as is the case in many
trend is not abated2. parts of the world. Novo Nordisk has partnered with
key stakeholders, policy makers, and especially hospital
Type 2 Diabetes left untreated can lead to severe administrations to minimise complications of diabetes,
complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney by standardising delivery of care, establishing specialised
disease or blindness, which are tragic for the individual
clinics and patient support programmes.
and their families. These complications are very
costly for a country’s health system, especially when What is the background and history of
a Universal Healthcare Coverage is implemented. A Novo Nordisk?
national health insurance database study in Vietnam4 Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company,
showed that 55% of people living with diabetes had headquartered in Denmark. Our key purpose is to drive
49
change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as

obesity and rare blood disorders.
Novo Nordisk has a long history of presence in ASEAN countries, our
first office was established in Thailand in 1983. The regional office
for Southeast Asia (BASEA) is based in Kuala Lumpur and covers 11
countries6. BASEA employs almost 700 people and we are extending our
footprint in the region.
In 2021, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of
Insulin. In 1921, a team of Canadian researchers discovered the insulin
molecule, leading to the inception of Novo Nordisk in 1923. This ignited
a century of ground-breaking innovations in diabetes care that have
since saved countless lives. Today we are fortunate to have better
medicines than ever, yet the number of people living with diabetes
continues to grow at an alarming rate, including in ASEAN. This places
a substantial burden on individuals, families, societies and healthcare
systems. In addition to developing innovative medicines, we are
committed to help societies defeat diabetes by accelerating prevention World Diabetes Day, Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur are in blue to mark the fight against Diabetes
to halt the rise of the disease, providing access to affordable care to
vulnerable patients and being environmentally responsible through our We launched the same initiative in Cambodia in 2018, where we are
Circular for Zero Ambition. supporting 323 children as of December 2020. Also in Cambodia,
we have implemented Changing Diabetes in Adults in partnership
How is Novo Nordisk investing in ASEAN?
with GIZ, the German development agency to support building the
It takes more than innovative medicine to defeat a serious chronic
C ase S tudy : N ovo N ordisk
capabilities of healthcare professionals and improving healthcare

condition such as diabetes. That is why we have for years been working
delivery in diabetes. Cities Changing Diabetes aims to tackle the rise
in partnerships with patients, policymakers, healthcare professionals
of the disease in urban environments and was launched in 2018 in
and non-governmental organisations in ASEAN countries to raise
Jakarta. In Malaysia, we are partnering with the Ministry of Health on a
awareness, improve prevention, promote earlier diagnosis and expand
project called Sama-Sama, which aims to empower and build capability
access to care. Changing Diabetes in Children is an initiative aiming
of family caregivers in diabetes management and disease prevention.
to improve access to care and life-saving medicine and supplies for
children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. This initiative was There are more initiatives running, and they all work to support and build
launched in Myanmar in 2017 and has to this day reached 300 children. the capabilities in diabetes management in the countries in which we
50
operate. Apart from partnering in disease management, Novo Nordisk several initiatives to address obesity together with local partners. One
is also investing in expanding R&D efforts, clinical trials, and enhancing such initiative is ‘Your weight can’t wait” campaign in collaboration
supply chain systems to make products more accessible to patients. with the Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity (SASO). This
campaign is aiming to increase knowledge of obesity as a complex
What can you tell us about obesity and its place in
and long term medical condition and encourages people with excess
Novo Nordisk?
weight or obesity to seek more information from trained healthcare
In ASEAN, almost 43 million people were living with obesity7 in 2016,
professionals. By challenging and addressing the stigma surrounding
according to WHO. Although obesity is seen as a lifestyle disorder,
obesity, which can be inherent in society, the campaign aims to reduce
it is important to understand that it has been linked to 200 other
its negative impact on the quality of life of people with obesity and
diseases – including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, fatty
obesity’s long term health consequences. Similar initiatives are also
liver, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, female infertility, and certain types
running in the Philippines and Malaysia and we will be engaging
of cancer8.
further with stakeholders in the region to work together to improve
The key challenge for Novo Nordisk and society at large is to ensure the quality of life of people with obesity, and to address its long term
that obesity is recognised as a chronic disease across all leading health health consequences in ASEAN countries in years to come.
organisations and it is treated as a chronic disease. The American
Does Novo Nordisk believe that diabetes and obesity can be
Medical Association, WHO and others9 already recognise obesity as
defeated one day?
a disease.
Defeating diabetes and obesity will take long term dedication and
The significant burden of obesity and related complications is well collaboration with policymakers, healthcare professionals, people with
documented10. As a company we are also acting on our mission to diabetes, employers and advocates. Together, we have a responsibility
drive change to defeat obesity, by showing leadership in helping solve to make a positive impact on the health of our societies in ASEAN
the global obesity pandemic. In Southeast Asia we have launched today and for future generations.
1
https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/6-facts-on-obesity#:~:text=At%20least%202.8%20million%20people%20each%20year%20die%20as%20a,tripled%20between%201975%20and%202016
2
IDF. Diabetes Atlas, Ninth Edition, 2019
3
This content is sponsored
4
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, Direct medical costs of diabetes and its complications in Vietnam: A national health insurance database study, Volume 162, April 2020
5
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. October 2020. Covid-19 and diabetes: a co-conspiracy?
6
BASEA covers Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri-Lanka, Maldives, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.
7
Prevalence of obesity among adults, BMI >= 30 (age-standardized estimate) (%) (who.int)
8
5 Scott I. Kahan, MD, MPH. Practical Strategies for Engaging Individuals with Obesity in Primary Care. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(3):351-359”
9
American Medical Association. A.M.A Adopts New Policies on Second Day of Voting at Annual Meeting. Obesity as a Disease. Available at: http://news.cision.com/american-medical-association/r/ama-adopts-new-
policieson-second-day-of-voting-at-annual-meeting,c9430649. Last accessed: December 2017. WHO. Obesity: Preventing and managing the global epidemic. Available at: http://www.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42330
Last accessed: December 2017; EASO. 2015 Milan Declaration: A Call to Action on Obesity. Available at: http://easo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/EASO-Milan-Declaration-FINAL.pdf. Last accessed: December 2017;
Bray G, Kim K, Wilding J. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obesity Reviews. 2017;18:715–723. 5. Guh DP, Zhang W, Bans
10
Impact Of Growing Obesity Prevalence In Asia Pacific To Put Pressure On Healthcare Systems, FITCH SOLUTIONS MACRO RESEARCH, 18th July 2019
51
Life sciences set to be fastest

growing manufacturing sector
ASEAN countries are funding healthcare and extending state sponsored purchasing of generics through the Government Pharmaceutical
health insurance schemes. In turn this is creating a widening market both Organisation, enabling the market to set its own product prices, observes
for drugs and innovative approaches to providing treatments. Informa Markets.
In Singapore, around 800 digital IT systems have been designed, trialled Few pharmaceutical manufacturers in the region currently possess the
or implemented, spanning areas as diverse as electronic medical records, capability to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). According
medical imaging, laboratory test records, medication dispensing, patient to Thailand’s Food & Drug Administration, just 5% of Thailand’s 142
registration, billing, financial aid, community care, telehealth and video domestic producers have API production capacity for example. This
conferencing for consultations, notes KPMG International Director, situation is mirrored elsewhere in the region with Vietnam importing
Andre Guedel. 90% of its APIs.
The pharmaceutical sector is also undergoing rapid change and growth This opens up investment opportunities for foreign companies, as
with the forecast to grow 11% per year over the next five years, making local companies widen their search for partners to help them develop
the region one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical markets in the their production technologies and methods. Indonesia is becoming
world. Pharma analyst, Informa Connect, predicts that the region will be an important market according to Deloitte. Domestic life sciences
one of the few remaining areas of growth worldwide for Multinational companies are predicted to become more sophisticated in all aspects of
Life Sciences companies. their value train and increasingly become viable partners for international
The 2020 pandemic has heightened a need to not just produce effective life sciences corporations.
safe treatments and preventatives, but also on development of many Malaysia’s pharmaceutical sector comprises more than 100 companies
prospective drugs to treat diseases and chronic conditions. manufacturing generic drugs and over-the-counter medicines. However,
A need for greater innovation in the sector is recognised by governments. local production only meets 30% of the country’s pharmaceutical
Thailand has invested heavily in technology focused facilities in its science products requirements, thereby allowing substantial scope for growth in
park at Tha Klong, north of Bangkok. A new anti-malaria drug has already domestic manufacturing of drugs.
been developed there by BIOTEC’s research centre. The Philippines is ranked third within ASEAN, next to Thailand and
Corporate tax exemptions are also designed to make the country more Singapore in terms of the number of pharmaceutical industry-sponsored
attractive to international investors, especially those in research based clinical trials which are currently carried out. The introduction of a
industries such as pharmaceuticals, a market expected to be valued at universal healthcare system is creating a fast-growing market both for
US$6 billion annually by 2022. One major change likely to accelerate generic drugs as well as innovative pharmaceutical products and opening
development of Thailand’s pharma sector is the removal of mandatory up opportunities for both domestic and foreign players. Fourteen of the
52
The introduction of a universal healthcare system is
creating a fast-growing market both for generic drugs
as well as innovative pharmaceutical products.
world’s top 20 pharma companies, including the UK’s GSK, currently Singapore’s focus on pharmaceuticals coincides with a long term
operate manufacturing facilities in the country. Government strategy to develop innovative pharmaceutical products.
Its Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) was established
One lesson to emerge from the pandemic is a new appreciation of
in 2019, integrating the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s
the importance of keeping parts of the value chain local and ensuring
(A*STAR’s) drug discovery and development bodies.
multiple sourcing close to consumers. Companies and governments
around the world are building large inventories of active pharmaceutical EDDC aims to co-ordinate PPPs and nurture greater ability to translate
ingredients and drugs to ensure supplies remain uninterrupted and can discoveries into new medicines. Together, with the National University
be made close to markets, says How Ti Hwei, President of the Singapore of Singapore and a number of major pharmaceutical companies, it
Association of Pharmaceutical Industries. has developed the country’s Pharma Innovation Programme. The aim
is to make public sector research bodies more competitive by creating
They have experienced a huge surge in demand for its pharma products
synergies with major pharmaceutical companies by leveraging novel
with output rising 86% in 2020, according to Reuters. Singapore is one
manufacturing technologies and data analytics.
of the few countries that exports more pharmaceuticals than it imports.
There are some 55 manufacturing facilities employing around 24,000 The cooperative programme is designed to help develop continuous
people. The sector includes plants owned by eight of the world’s ten production for active pharmaceutical ingredients and considerably
largest pharma firms. enhance the supply of APIs as well as implement bio-catalysis
technologies to produce complex and valuable chemicals.
In 2019, GSK opened a fully automated continuous production facility and
an expanded manufacturing plant at its Jurong site, involving an investment Such initiatives have encouraged major global players including GSK,
of some US$95 million. The new facility is an improvement on conventional WuXi Biologics and Novartis to expand and upgrade their investments in
batch production methods and enables continuous manufacturing of Singapore over recent years. As a result, the country has developed as a
medicines. This allows for active pharmaceutical ingredients for clinical global research hub.
trials to be produced far more rapidly and more precisely.
A team of hospital clinicians, academics and researchers at the Agency
Regis Simard, President of GSKs pharmaceutical supply chain comments: for Science, Technology and Research, for example, are combatting
“As one of the most innovative cities in the world, Singapore is home antibiotic resistance, using DNA sequencing technology, assembling
to an ecosystem of companies and organisations that are creating and novel resistance combinations, and extracting genome sequences from
exporting innovative solutions.” metagenomic data.
53
The expanding advanced pharma R&D ecosystems are increasingly The particular focus is on developing processes and applications
attractive to venture capital investors. Denmark’s Novo Holdings related to manufacturing’s fourth industrial revolution, with Malaysia’s
announced in 2020 that it is to set up its Asia office in Singapore. medical devices sector looking for ways to shift production into more
The company, which has US$62 billion in assets, is expected to focus value-added items and services.
on making sizeable investments in leading life sciences companies,
Areas of interest include components for magnetic resonance imaging,
providing expansion capital to high-growth life sciences firms and
X-ray equipment, medical scanners and nuclear imaging systems.
investing in venture stage biotech and medical technology operations
There is also an ambition to produce robotic surgical equipment
(Straits Times).
and implantable devices. The global market for such equipment is
Novo CEO, Kasim Kutay, is quoted by the Straits Times as saying: “We predicted to be valued at some US$33 billion.
have followed the life sciences markets in Asia closely, and the growth,
Malaysia continues to attract major international specialist firms. In
the demographics and the increased focus on innovation and R&D
2019 the UK’s Smith & Nephew established a manufacturing facility
make the region a compelling area for us to explore investment.” The
in Penang for knee and hip implants, while Japan’s Top Corporation
company says it was drawn to Singapore in part due to the talent pool
set up a facility to manufacture syringes, needles, catheters and
and innovation in biotechnology and medical technology companies.
infusion sets.
Medical device producers seek high-tech partners
Tobias Seyfarth, President of Siemens Healthineers says, “anything
ASEAN is forging a significant niche in the global manufacture of
that drives top-line growth is a better value proposition and a real
medical devices. Overall, the industry is expected to generate up to
opportunity of growth for medical device companies. In ASEAN there
US$8 billion of revenue for producers in the region in 2021, according
are opportunities both to develop existing manufacturing areas as well
to BMI Research.
as to expand into new higher margin segments.”
The sector’s output is extensive, ranging from surgery tools, syringes
A PwC report advises companies to drive frugal innovation – as
and needles, orthopaedic products, optical lenses, blood transfusion
opposed to production of premium products – in order to create
sets, first aid kits to hospital furniture. Increasingly, manufacturers are
more value-based devices, which are manufactured in ASEAN markets
seeking partners to move towards developing higher value products.
and suited to the local and regional economy, infrastructure and
Malaysia leads in this strategy. According to the Association of environmental conditions. There is considerable potential for reverser
Malaysian Medical Industries, exports of medical devices were valued innovation and developing products in an emerging market and then
at US$5.6 billion in 2019. It’s largest markets are the US, Germany, distributing that product in developed markets, it states.
Japan and China.
The Covid-19 emergency has shown that manufacturers in the region
Already ranking as the world’s leading manufacturer of medical have the agility to move quickly to fresh challenges, with Vietnam’s
disposable items such as medical gloves and catheters, the Malaysian Vingroup drawing on the capabilities of its automobile unit and
Government has identified medical device manufacturing, as an area telephone production facilities to fast-track assembly of both invasive
offering high growth potential. and non-invasive clinical ventilators to supply hospitals in the region.
54
M anufacturing
Manufacturing advances
technology for global role
In just two decades, the ASEAN region has become an international stronger presence in the region with its application to join the Asia-Pacific
hub for offshore manufacturing. An estimated 2.5 million people are free trade pact (CPTPP).
employed in electronics manufacturing alone. Much of the world’s
The pandemic has revealed the vulnerability associated with an over
consumer electronics including TVs, radios, computers, tablet devices
concentration of supply chains in China, prompting companies such as
and mobile phones are produced as well as more than 80% of the
Google’s mobile phone, and Apple’s earphone manufacturing, to speed
world’s computer hard drives.
up their shift in production to Vietnam. Joseph Soo, Vice President
The role in global manufacturing is set to be further enhanced as the of Sales at National Instruments in Singapore says, “China today is
Covid-19 pandemic recedes and the world’s economies begin to return no longer a low cost production space and those companies that
to normality. A combination of rising labour costs, supply chain issues entered the country due to cost will now leave. This has made ASEAN
and geopolitical tensions are driving multinational companies as well as more attractive.”
Chinese firms to relocate a growing proportion of their manufacturing
to the region. Malaysia has also experienced a move of US semiconductor and
integrated circuit manufacturers to its “Silicon Valley” state of Penang.
Firms involved in electronics, chemicals, engineering, construction and Vietnam’s increased attraction as a manufacturing base helped it rank as
healthcare consumable items are among the producers finding the one of the few countries worldwide to achieve positive economic growth
region an increasingly attractive location for their plants. Lower labour in 2020, with the General Statistics Office reporting 2.91% GDP growth.
costs, for example, have motivated a huge shift towards Vietnam in the
textiles, automobile industry and consumer goods sectors, including FDI to Vietnam in the first 11 months of 2020 totalled US$17 billion, of
electronic multinationals such as Taiwan’s Foxconn Technologies and which around 48% was directed to manufacturing activities. One of the
South Korea’s Samsung. big players to arrive has been Apple. Foxconn is reported by Reuters to
be building an assembly line in Vietnam’s Bac Giang Province to produce
In 2019, the region received US$150 billion in FDI, behind China’s
Apple iPad’s.
US$200 billion but well ahead of India’s US$50 billion. There is more
expected as the EU seeks a trade agreement with ASEAN based on its Japanese firms such as AEON, Uniqlo and Mizuho have all recently
and the UK’s existing deal with Singapore. A post-Brexit UK strives for a opened up and expanded their operations there joining multinational
55
Thailand is seeking to enhance its role as a broadly

based manufacturing hub with huge investment in
connectivity improvements.
firms already established including Toyota, Honda, Canon and Sumitomo. Thailand is seeking to enhance its role as a broadly based manufacturing
Companies from Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and China are also hub with huge investment in connectivity improvements in the south and
expanding their operations. centre of the country, in particular its three eastern provinces, Chonburi,
Rayong and Chachoengsao.
Samsung is estimated to have invested US$17.3 billion in its Vietnam based
factories. Another indication of the company’s long term commitment is The aim is to develop these provinces off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand,
its development of a US$220 million R&D centre near Hanoi, due to into a leading economic zone with its East-West Corridor creating an
open in 2022. The facility is designed to enhance Samsung’s research innovation hub for technological manufacturing and service providers
capabilities in areas such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and 5G. with strong connectivity to neighbouring countries by land, sea and air.
The centre is expected to employ up to 3,000 people and comprise the An important long term element in the grand design is a sector
largest of its kind in the region. specific investment policy called Thailand 4.0, which is geared to
Healthcare is also a growing focus of manufacturing investment. Japan’s towards innovation and technological transformation of the country’s
Nipro, a major medical equipment manufacturer, has invested US$300 manufacturing base over the long term.
million to build a plant in Saigon High-Tech Park to produce catheters, Industry 4.0 is the latest evolution where factories integrate production
infusion sets and blood circuits. machines, wireless connectivity and sensors and link them to a system
The UK’s Smith & Nephew is also planning to establish its first production platform ecosystem which oversees the whole production line process
site in the Malaysian state of Penang and seeks to position itself as a and executes decisions autonomously. Factories can be aided in this
medical equipment manufacturing hub. Thailand is also seeking to by an increasing adaptation of technology including sensors, machine
increase FDI in the medical sector by extending the corporate tax learning, cloud computing, robotics, 5G infrastructure and leading edge
computing techniques.
exemption period for companies involved in production of active
pharmaceutical ingredients, drugs, vaccines, industrial chemicals and Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning is also focusing
medical equipment. on a strategy to develop niches in value-added complex manufacturing
56
M anufacturing
activities that would help diversify its export products. In March 2018,
it launched “Making Indonesia 4.0.” This identified five major sectors;
automotive, textiles, electronics, chemicals and food and beverages,
which would be encouraged to raise their use of technologies and
digitisation in order to increase capabilities and productivity.
In 2019, Malaysia launched its digital strategy for manufacturing and
related services known as Industry4WRD. The policy is focused on
a digital overhaul of the country’s manufacturing sector in order
to position Malaysia as an attractive base for companies embarked
on technology driven production processes with an emphasis on
skilled employees.
The highly ambitious strategy is aimed to increase the contribution
of manufacturing in the economy by more than a third from US$61
billion to US$94 billion. This will mean automation of many processes
through computer based technology and data analytics. “It’s all about a stage similar to Singapore or where Malaysia is getting to.” For other
making sure we are more efficient and more productive so that we countries the question is whether it is advantageous to take a capital
can be the new greenfield which China used to be,” says Shidah heavy approach when labour costs are extremely low.
Ahmad, General Manager of the US’ Keysight Technologies’ operation
Some predict that in the long term, manufacturers operating in the
in Penang.
region will seek to adopt Industry 4.0 operating procedures to become
Rohit Girdhar, Vice President at Infineon Technologies in Singapore more agile and mitigate production and distribution shortfalls should
says that “Industry 4.0 really brings its benefits when you are already at an event like the pandemic occur again.
57
B osch ”a
R obert B osch : S ustainable “L ike
Sustainable “Like a Bosch”
Robert Bosch SEA Pte Ltd
Living through the global health crisis these past years, Bosch had the the company’s upstream and downstream activities along the value chain
opportunity to reflect on the broader meaning of “invented for life”. If as climate neutral as possible, from the goods purchased to the products
anything, paying attention to the global existential threat posed by the sold. By 2030, the company aims to reduce the emissions associated
pandemic has strengthened our resolve to play our role in the greater with these activities by 15%, or more than 50 million tons a year. Bosch is
existential threat we face: climate change. In many ways, these two also the first automotive supplier to commit to a measurable goal under
challenges require tremendous effort and collaboration to change the Science Based Targets initiative. That same ambition also carries
direction. Bosch believes that it is particularly important for the company through to the development of products and services that Bosch offers.
to continue its comprehensive sustainability work. After all, while climate For Bosch’s mobility business for example, it means making further
action costs money, doing nothing will cost more. advances in electric mobility and combustion technology, exploring
hydrogen fuel cells and synthetic fuels, known as “e-fuels” that can
Bosch’s journey in climate protection started a long time ago, even be produced on a carbon-neutral basis. Another aspect is developing
before the Paris Climate Agreement was ratified in 2015. In 2007, mobility trends such as automated parking and systems for driverless
Bosch undertook to reduce the carbon emissions of its locations by taxis into realistic options, alongside technologies for smart mobility
20% relative to value added by 2020. We achieved this goal as early as management that show users the best possible forms of mobility for the
2014. We decided to take a step further in our initiative by raising our journey ahead of them, both ecologically and in economic terms.
target to a reduction of 35% by 2020. In 2019, we raised our targets
even further – to make all our locations carbon neutral by the end of Sustainability anchored in product portfolio
2020 – a pledge that no other industrial company has made so far on Our products themselves are a major focus of our sustainability efforts.
this scale or timeline. To make this possible, Bosch has adopted four On the consumer side, they help reduce environmental footprint. An
strategies: increasing energy efficiency, expanding the production of example of this is our dishwashers. Equipped with Zeolith technology, it
renewable energy, procuring more green electricity, and offsetting can offer energy savings of up to 20%. Our durable power tools feature
intelligent power management technology that increases their lifespans
unavoidable CO2 emissions. By the end of 2020 and according to internal
which in turn reduce electronic waste. Besides commercial products,
calculation, all Bosch locations are now climate neutral, which means
Bosch also considers energy efficiency to be the decisive criterion in the
that all our 400 locations worldwide no longer leave a carbon footprint.
development of machines and systems. Take Bosch Rexroth’s CytroBox,
Now that we have met our carbon neutrality goal, we are not slowing for example. This connected hydraulic power unit comes into its own in
down. In fact, we are shifting our focus to the next challenge by making use cases that demand robustness and the application of large amounts
59
of pressure, for example when forming sheet metal. Preset controllers

in the variable-speed pump drives, adapt the energy consumption of
the CytroBox to the requirements at the given time. This means speed
is reduced to save energy at zero or partial loads and increased at full
loads. Compared to power units with non-variable drives, such flexibility
reduces energy consumption by up to 80%. New approaches to control
technology also play a role in making manufacturing resource efficient.
Whether the products are for home, on the road or in manufacturing,
Bosch offers product and solutions that are engineered and manufactured
to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle: they use less water, consume
less energy, generate fewer emissions, and have longer lifespans.
Reducing energy consumption by means of efficiency
and intelligence
The company is also taking measures to achieve climate neutral
manufacturing in our worldwide sites. One such way is to generate power
on location. Leveraging on Southeast Asia’s proximity to the equator and
high exposure to solar radiations, Bosch installed photovoltaic systems Already equipped with solar panels and smart air conditioning, Bosch
on the rooftop of our plants in Malaysia and Thailand, with Vietnam in the Assist, the first cloud-based text and voice-based, contactless personal
pipeline. To-date, in Southeast Asia alone, a total of 10,500 rooftop solar assistant for buildings, is one of the key enablers to make our office
panels were installed covering an area of approximately five standard building smarter. Bosch Assist connects several Bosch proprietary
FIFA football fields. With close to 6,000MWh of clean energy generated solutions within the building such as cameras, sensors, building
on site, it is estimated to reduce approximately 3,760 tons of carbon management software, to offer real-time notifications, actionable
dioxide emission a year, equivalent to almost 1,000 cars driven annually. insights, and a multitude of services and benefits to its users including
Once the plant in Vietnam completes the installation of approximately staff, facilities management operators, contractors and building owners.
4,000 solar panels, these benefits are estimated to grow by 30%.
In other words, Bosch Singapore building is not only eco-friendly with
We are also leveraged on our Internet of Things and sensor-driven energy consumption 30% lower than comparable industrial buildings,
solutions to make our campuses a smart working environment while but it is also interactive and user-friendly. For example, at the Bosch
serving as a live showcase for visitors. This is best exemplified in our canteen, diners can experience smart air-conditioning. Just by connecting
Southeast Asian headquarters in Singapore. to Bosch Assist, or a simple tap on a small control box at their tables,
60
B osch ”a
R obert B osch : S ustainable “L ike
diners can easily regulate temperature by adjusting the speed of the
ceiling fans closest to their tables without having to leave their seats.
Smart air conditioning at Bosch canteen alone is recorded to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by more than eight tons annually, the
equivalent to two cars driven.
Sustainability and competitiveness are two sides
of the same coin
Bosch continues to invest in promising technologies, in our workforce,
and in our operations. We are doing this to ensure our competitiveness
in a world where climate change and a global pandemic are
accelerating transformation and change. Our investments underscore
the commitment we have to our role in creating a sustainable world
for future generations, as well as our commitment to the future of our
business. And in fact, we see no conflict between these: in our view,
sustainability and profitability are two sides of the same coin.
First, pursuing sustainability is obliging us to pursue energy efficiency,
which in turn drives cost efficiency and gains independence from rising
energy prices. It also opens new markets as we strive to satisfy growing Conclusion
demand for eco-friendly products by unlocking innovative potential as At Bosch, we firmly believe that technological innovation, business
we are challenged to think outside the box to develop climate-friendly success, and climate action are not mutually exclusive. But more than
solutions. And finally, new business opportunities for us are emerging that, we believe that all three are interdependent: only companies that
from these new green technologies in the form of carbon-neutrality pursue sustainability today will be successful tomorrow, and only by
consulting and services. To this end, we’ve established our new Bosch harnessing the potential of technology will we succeed in combatting
Climate Solutions subsidiary, which provides an advisory service for climate change and challenges like Covid-19. This belief is the bedrock
companies to help them become climate neutral. Our aim here is to of our corporate strategy – and it’s the motivation behind our extensive
pass on the knowledge and experience we’ve gained from achieving portfolio of products, services, and business models that are true to
carbon neutrality and from projects we have successfully carried our strategic imperative “Invented for life” in every possible sense of
out worldwide. the term.
61
Transport upgrades accelerate

ASEAN governments have long recognised that efficient logistics and focus on transport infrastructure. The ASEAN Highway Network (AHN)
connectivity of supply chains serve to reduce trade costs and can boost strategy aspires to connect capital cities, seaports, airports and other
integration of their economies in regional and global value chains. areas with high potential for investment and tourism.
The ASEAN Masterplan on Connectivity proposes the development of A focus on implementing significant improvements is also evident
transnational transport corridors to facilitate the movement of goods and in Cambodia. Despite the obstacles brought about by the Covid-19
people. The undertaking is immense in scope ranging from construction pandemic, construction of its ambitious and first four-lane highway has
and development of new seaports, airports, roads and railways to mass continued to make good progress.
urban transit systems.
This US$2 billion project, part of Beijing’s global infrastructure
Thailand is aiming to mould the country into a major regional logistics development strategy known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has
centre by improving all modes of transportation infrastructure. Integration been described as the future artery of Cambodia’s economy and will link
of all aspects of transportation are the core of this strategy. One of the Phnom Penh with the deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk. Work
principal elements is development of ten double-track railway routes to on the 190km expressway is being carried out by China Road and Bridge
link with neighbouring countries. Corporation and began in March 2019.
Malaysia also has a comprehensive infrastructure development strategy, Financing such huge projects is a challenge, with overseas development
which includes future expansion of airports, development of ports assistance playing a significant role and, increasingly, the private sector.
including a third terminal at Port Klang on Carey Island, a new Malacca A consortium of Thai companies, for example, has won concessions to
gateway port, redevelopment of the Sepanggar port in Kota Kinabalu, as operate the country’s 196km M6 and its 96km M9 highways.
well as the development of a new deep-sea port in Kuantan.
These are due to be opened at the end of 2022 and 2023 respectively,
Vietnam’s port development strategy aims to expand 39 ports and and involve investments of US$2.3 billion and US$1.1 billion. In return,
develop six regional port groups by 2030. While the last decade has the consortia will receive 30 year operating concessions.
seen its trade volumes surge, the expansion of ports has struggled to
New railways
keep pace. A major development programme for the period 2020-2030
Railway development is seen as paving the way to integrate and provide
projects building deep-sea ports in the north and central coastal areas
for seamless transportation in and between ASEAN countries, notably
as well as in the south where currently most container traffic is handled.
through improvements to existing long distance routes and facilities, as
In order to gain from such investment there is also a necessity to vastly well as the development of double track railways, commuter trains, metro
improve road and especially railway links, which is why there is so much systems and high-speed trains. Whilst improving the region’s railway
62
I nfrastructure
programmes, they have also created the added potential to stimulate
commercial and residential development along the new routes.
What have been viewed as almost insurmountable problems in the
past, such as land acquisition and technical difficulties, are being steadily
overcome. ASEAN countries have been hindered, for instance, by the
limitations of existing metre-gauge networks built in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries.
Vietnam’s North-South railway project envisages a double-track
standard-gauge electrified railway with a track length of 1,570km. This
would replace the current single-line metre-gauge track, which was
first laid during the colonial era. Despite subsequent improvements,
journey times are around 30 hours, but a new railway could reduce this
time by half.
A decision is moving forward and in August 2020, the Ministry of Transport
reported the new line would involve a US$58.7 billion investment and
a three-stage construction programme, with final completion in 2045. freight, which is currently being constructed between Vientiane and
Boten on Lao PDR’s border with China.
The Philippines Department of Transportation is also seeking to move
forward on its own 653km North-South rail project. This is designed to This US$6 billion project is a key BRI investment and is 96% funded by
link metropolitan Manila with Legazpi City and the under-served regions Chinese loans and grants. Around 150km of track has been laid, while
of south Luzon and will eventually inter-connect with a 147km commuter work began in July 2020 on Vientiane’s new railway station, the largest
railway. Construction work for the first US$2.88 billion phase of the latter, of 20 planned stations on the route. There are plans to construct a new
connecting Tutuban in Manila and Malolos in Bulacan Province, began railway bridge between Thanaleng to Nong Khai over the Mekong River
in February 2019. to connect the line into Thailand.
The Philippines aims to extend the amount of useable track in the A number of inter-city rail links are planned or under construction. These
country from 1,144km to 1,900km by 2022, increasing the number of include Malaysia’s 640km double track East Coast Railway Line (ECRL),
stations from 59 to 169 and rolling stock from 221 to 1,425 units. which is set for completion in 2026.
Cambodia is being heavily assisted by China in the building of a 414km Malaysia’s Gemas-Johor double tracking and electrification project is
standard-gauge electrified line designed to carry both passengers and expected to be completed by October 2022. The US$2.4 billion project
63
One of the HSRs is designed to connect Bangkok

and Nakhon Ratchasima, one of four major cities in
the northeast of the country.
involves the construction of 192km of double track, 11 stations and laying Development Strategy 2015-2022, the value of railway development
electrical cabling between Johor Bahru and the town of Gemas. projects takes up around half of the US$64 billion total budget.
An upgraded line will improve freight capacity between Malaysia’s two Around 43 railway development projects are planned for implementation
largest ports, Port Klang and Port Tanjung Pelepas, helping movement by the State Railway of Thailand and the country’s Mass Rapid Transit
of farm produce and creating more passenger capacity, also allowing for Authority. A major indication of the country’s expansive railway strategy
potential urban development in and around Johor. is seen in Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station, the capital’s new US$3.1
billion central railway station, which is expected to open in July 2021.
While a proposed High-Speed Railway (HSR) project to connect Kuala The new terminal, which replaces the city’s historic century-old Hua
Lumpur and Singapore City was postponed by the two governments Lamphong station, is designed to act as a hub for long distance, medium
early in 2021, the HSR concept continues to be active elsewhere in distance and local commuter lines.
the region.
One of the HSRs is designed to connect Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima,
Indonesia’s US$6 billion Jakarta-Bandung HSR was reported to be over one of four major cities in the northeast of the country. The planned line
60% completed in December 2020, following the boring of the project’s is seen as a key component of China’s BRI and designed to run to the
fifth tunnel. The 142km railway, financed by Chinese interests, is being city of Nong Khai on the border with Lao PDR. The railway is envisaged
constructed by China Railway Engineering Corporation and will allow as eventually extending through Lao PDR to Kunming in China and via
passenger trains to travel from the capital to Bandung in 40 minutes. The Thailand to Singapore.
line will run through 13 tunnels with 80km built on elevated structures.
The country’s private sector is also heavily involved in the HSR strategy.
HSR is also a major component of Thailand’s extensive railway Charoen Pokphand Group, the country’s largest industrial conglomerate
development programme. In addition to some 25 double track railway is building a high-speed line designed to connect four major airports.
improvements, six HSR projects are due to be implemented. The aim is These include Don Muang Airport, the old Bangkok international airport
to connect regional centres and link major cities to provide an efficient now served by budget airlines, the current Suvarnabhumi International
and modern national 5,561km network. Airport for Bangkok and U-Tapao, a former military airbase now used by
charter flights. The 220km route is expected to be completed in 2026.
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry sees transportation projects as essential to
promoting development of the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor as a Creation of dual track railways is as, or arguably even more important,
leading ASEAN economic zone. Under Thailand’s Transport Infrastructure than HSR to enhance the region’s transportation efficiency with projects
64
I nfrastructure
in Thailand, Malaysia, as well as in Indonesia demonstrating the trend. Meanwhile, funds were allocated for a third KVMRT line by the Malaysian
The latter saw the first 550km section of southern Java’s new double Government in November 2020. The 40km line is expected to cost
tracked railway inaugurated in October 2020, with the remaining 65km US$11 billion, with much of the track to be installed underground in
section due for completion in 2023. Kuala Lumpur.
In Thailand, a 187km double track line between the cities of Nakhon Thailand is also set on a path to be a prominent player in Southeast
Ratchasima and Khon Kaen opened in 2019, with further upgrading Asia’s rail transport industry and Bangkok is already benefitting from its
due to provide a link from the north and northeast to Eastern Economic elevated BTS Skytrain and MRTA Metro underground system.
Corridor provinces. The metro strategy was unveiled in 2010 and designates eight primary
Mass transit projects are vital to address urban congestion routes across the city, consisting of two commuter rail lines, an airport
Heavy traffic congestion is a severe problem for Southeast Asia’s major rail link, as well as five rapid transit lines and five additional feeder lines.
cities that has impacts not just on economic development, but also on The plan is designed to provide a total network of over 556km, with 312
the health and welfare of residents. ASEAN already features some of the stations to serve and connect outer suburbs to central Bangkok by the
world’s most heavily populated conurbations including Jakarta, Surabaya, end of 2029.
Bandung and Medan just in Indonesia alone. Traffic congestion in Jakarta,
home to some 13 million people, is particularly severe. In Vietnam, the first line of Ho Chi Minh City’s new metro, stretching over
a 19.7km route, is due to begin operating at the end of 2021, according
In varying degrees, the problem is similar in other large capitals such as to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is funding
Manila, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, Hanoi and the project.
Singapore. As urban areas continue to expand rapidly, transportation
issues have taken centre stage. In the north of the country, Hanoi plans to build eight metro lines to
improve traffic congestion in the city of 7.5 million people. An initial
Malaysia’s metropolitan area of Kuala Lumpur-Klang Valley is one of the 12.5km line is due to begin operations in 2021, for which France’s Alstom
locations experiencing significant growth in population. The area is at the has already delivered the first trains. A second part of the project, involving
core of the country’s economic growth and its administrative axis and more than US$2.8 billion of investment, is expected to start in 2022. The
is where the Government is investing heavily in mass transit solutions. line will feature 21 stations, six underground and 15 elevated, and will
Line 1 of the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) system opened connect central Hanoi across 39km to outlying suburbs of the city.
in 2017. Construction of a second line continues, with excavation for the Jakarta, Southeast Asia’s most populous city, has a pressing need to
13.5km underground section of the overall 52km line now completed. reduce congestion and entice people from car and motorcycle use. At
Installation of track, signalling systems as well as mechanical and present only 20% of journeys in Jakarta are made using public transport,
electrical equipment is progressing and aimed towards the line opening according to William Sabandar, President of the city’s Mass Rapid Transit
in early 2023. (MRT). MRT Jakarta wants to see that increase to 80%, he says.
65
The first line of the city’s US$1.2 billion MRT and extending over 16km
was financed by JICA and opened in March 2019. A second phase
expected to cost US$1.6 billion will run for a further 8.2km and is
due to be completed by 2024, with a third 31km East-West rail
system planned.
According to Sabandar, innovative financing mechanisms such as PPPs C
are being looked into for the work. The goal is to build 230km by 2030 M
including the second phase North line, the third phase East-West line,
Y
and then the inner and outer loop lines, he says.
CM
In heavily populated Manila, the city’s Metro Rail Transit Line 7

MY
was reported in July 2020 to be 60% completed. The 22.8km system
will have 14 stations and run across the city in a northeast to CY
southeast direction. CMY
Meanwhile, JICA and Asian Development Bank are funding the K
Philippines’ North-South Commuter Railway system. The 147km 17

station plan is designed to connect central Luzon, metro Manila and
US$43.5 billion to expand the country’s MRT railway network from
southern Luzon.
230km to 360km. The strategic plan is designed to bring 80% of the
The system will also connect with Manila’s Light Rail Transit systems and population to within walking distance of a railway station.
the planned US$7.4 billion Metro Manila Subway. The latter, a 35km
The plan involves Singapore’s North-South and East-West lines
underground railway is due to be completed by 2025. Meanwhile,
being completely overhauled while the entire 43km Thomson-East
contracts valued at US$2.4 billion have been awarded to South Korean,
Coastline will enter service. A North-East line is due to open in 2023
Spanish and Thai companies to build an elevated railway to connect
and the Downtown line soon after that. By completing the planned
Clark International Airport with Manila.
improvements, Khan Boon Wan believes that the Government would
Singapore has the smallest land area of ASEAN’s ten countries and have achieved or exceeded the level of train connectivity enjoyed by
continues to invest in advanced transit systems, making the best use the residents of Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York today. “This is our
of its constrained geography. In March 2020, Singapore’s Transport commitment to build a liveable city and to reduce traffic jams as well
Minister, Khan Boon Wan, announced a ten year programme costing as carbon emissions,” he says.
66
GEODIS Road Network in ASEAN
Our day-definite, fully bonded, integrated road network
allows our customers the full flexibility in picking the most effective
supply chain solutions for their business.
Behind every great success, there is great logistics.
GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment
to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints.
Learn more about GEODIS and our presence in ASEAN

at https://geodis.com/sg/en or find us at www.linkedin.com/company/geodis.
GEODIS offers comprehensive logistics

solutions across the ASEAN region
GEODIS
Businesses across the ASEAN region that need to move goods between cargo of any size on GRN, small and big, for less than the cost of full truck
the ten nations, as well as those importing or exporting from the rest of load shipments.
the world can benefit from the range of transportation services provided
A range of enhancements to the GRN service are planned during
by GEODIS, one of the world’s leading logistics providers.
2021, including an expansion into Vietnam, with weekly or bi-weekly
The French-based group, which has more than 41,000 employees and departures scheduled to begin in Q3. Other improvements will see the
annual sales of over €8 billion, is a top-rated supply chain operator that is opening of a new warehouse at Bangkok airport Zone 3, allowing for
recognised for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical truck shipments to Bangkok to travel bonded, and an expansion of the
constraints. It has a direct presence in 67 countries, a world-wide network trucking fleet through the acquisition of seven new Mercedes Actros
spanning 120 countries, and is ranked #1 logistics provider in France, #6 vehicles in Malaysia to increase fleet reliability.
in Europe and #7 worldwide.
Air cargo
Services offered by GEODIS comprise Supply Chain Optimisation, In addition to the GRN service, GEODIS also provides customers with
Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road scheduled Air Freight services, using its own controlled network known
Transport. Through these five complementary activities the Group as AirDirect flights. These would traditionally be making use of the belly
C ase S tudy : GEODIS
can manage a customers’ entire Supply Chain, providing end-to-end space on passenger flights, but with airline schedules dramatically cut
solutions enabled by its team, infrastructure, processes and systems. during the Covid-19 pandemic, GEODIS has increasingly been chartering
its own aircraft.
Among its services in the ASEAN region is GEODIS Road Network
(GRN) which provides a scheduled, fixed departure offering between Prior to the pandemic GEODIS had begun flights from Hong Kong to
Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, giving customers the certainty Guadalajara in Mexico, a service which proved a great success at a time
of security, availability and transit time. Customers are able to ship any which available belly space on scheduled flights has fallen by 80%. This
68
L ogistics
GEODIS is transforming from the traditional
freight forwarder to a logistic provider enabling
integrated end-to-end solutions.
Rene Bach-Larsen, subregional Managing Director, GEODIS ASEAN
has led to an increase in flights and the launch of air freight links between E-commerce drives demand for contract logistics
Asia and Europe, and GEODIS is now planning to bring its AirDirect Another fundamental change brought on by the pandemic has been the
service to ASEAN countries during 2021 with its own chartered flights accelerating trend towards e-commerce and online shopping, given the
operating to a fixed schedule. varying degrees of lockdowns that have happened in countries around
the world. GEODIS has risen to this challenge through its contract
In January 2021 GEODIS announced an extension of its AirDirect service,
logistics solutions, including warehousing.
with the addition of a weekly flight from Shanghai to Guadalajara, starting
on 3 March. The service is planned to continue until at least the end of This has become a key crucial success factor for customers who have a
2022 and offers the only direct access to Mexico from North & Central global distribution centre (DC) strategy, by enabling them to respond to
China. It complements the existing Hong Kong to Guadalajara schedule, their customers’ demands through the use of different locations, even
which was launched in November 2019 and has also been extended until with the movement control/lockdown orders implemented in different
the end of 2022. countries and cities. With its multi-user facilities across ASEAN, this
enables GEODIS to provide customers with flexibility around storage,
Shipping
warehousing and distribution solutions as required.
Seaborne trade has, like air traffic, been disrupted by the global pandemic,
with an imbalance of vessels and containers. This has forced logistics Project Logistics capabilities in ASEAN
providers such as GEODIS to make their own alternative arrangements, GEODIS Project Logistics believes in providing out-of-the-box logistical
by chartering cargo tonnage and, in its case, providing its own Less than solutions, as in the case of the solution offered to a customer to handle
Container Load (LCL) consolidation services connecting Asia-Pacific delivery of 280 tonnes of hydraulic hammers from a supply vessel
(APAC) with key markets in Europe, to help minimise any disruption to at Batam Anchorage to the customer warehouse in Singapore. The
its customers’ supply chains. customer had requested GEODIS to provide a solution requiring the
placement of one barge against another barge, using a mounted crane
In February 2021 the Group announced that an initial 1,000TEU1 capacity
to unload the cargo from the supply vessel onto a flat top barge, and
vessel, operated exclusively by GEODIS, was on its way from China and
then ship the same to Singapore.
scheduled to arrive in Hamburg on 28 February. This ship carried a total
of 435 forty-foot containers for customers who had found it increasingly GEODIS worked out an alternative and more effective solution to arrange
difficult to secure space with regular carriers at a viable rate. a heavy-lift vessel with required crane capacity to offload the cargo from
69
the supply vessel directly onto the heavy lift vessel. For the first time,
we managed a vessel to vessel tandem operation at Batam Anchorage.
GEODIS Project Logistics is very well-positioned in the ASEAN market,
with dedicated and highly experienced teams in all ASEAN countries.
The business is passionate about assisting customers with difficult
and challenging projects, focusing on a number of key sectors - Oil &
Gas, Capital projects (refinery/infrastructure/rail/renewables/power) &
Marine Logistics.
Technology enablers
GEODIS’ own E-solution system called IRIS, gives clients transparency
and access to all documentation, KPI’s and reports, as well as
complete visibility of all milestones from when the product leaves the
manufacturing plant to final delivery point, and with its new Transport
Management System (TMS), these milestones are fully automated
from the first mile to the last mile, with a digital sign-off on the delivery
agent’s handheld device.
In summary, Rene Bach-Larsen, sub-regional Managing Director
“We initiated a major transformation programme about two years
for GEODIS ASEAN commented: “The pandemic is changing the
back, this transformation would prepare us for the future and enable us
end economic environment in ASEAN, which is also having a major
to achieve our Ambition 2023 goals. This programme is transforming
impact on our clients supply chain, as it is altering their logistical
us from the traditional freight forwarder operating on a point-to-point
requirements, simultaneously we are faced with major changes in
“cost plus” model, to a logistic provider providing integrated end-to-
the global transport infrastructure, in terms of capacity availability and
end solutions, focused on scaling up our own controlled capacities.”
equipment displacement.
“With our new strategy we aim to achieve recognised regional
“At the same time, we are seeing an accelerated growth in some
C ase S tudy : GEODIS
leadership status in each of our key vertical markets; Automotive,

areas, which is fuelled by trade wars, supply chain diversification
High Tech, Industrial and Fashion, with a focus on driving value to our
and manufacturing sites moving from China to ASEAN. As a logistic
clients’ supply chain.”
provider, it is vital that we stay agile and process driven, as this will
enable us to be flexible and rapidly adapt to any changes the market For more background on the Group and its range of services, go to
throws at us. www.geodis.com
70
L ogistics
Innovative technology
to enhance logistics
The global pandemic has given added impetus to efforts to hasten The centre, with rail and road connections to China’s Yunnan Province,
improvements in the movement of goods across the region. Driven by is designed to serve as a transit point for domestic goods, exports
growing urbanisation, e-commerce in the region is accelerating rapidly. and imports transported on the Hanoi-Lao Cai economic corridor and
A study conducted by Google and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund from China via the Lai Cai border gate. It will also act as an inland
Temasek, predicts that retail sales will almost double to US$1.38 trillion container depot providing customs clearance services for exports
in 2025 from US$720 billion recorded in 2017. and imports.
This expansion is putting huge pressure on logistical networks to Such collaborative initiatives are benefitting the logistics industries of each
transport products in a timely way from suppliers to households. For ASEAN member state, however there is still scope for improvement. The
their part governments are focusing on trade facilitation measures. By latest World Bank Logistics Performance Index, which measures customs
the end of 2019 all countries in the region had adopted the ASEAN Single procedures, tracking and tracing efficiency and timeliness of systems in
Window (ASW) system, designed to simplify, automate and integrate 160 countries puts Singapore in seventh place globally. Thailand is in
trade procedures. 32nd place with Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia also ranked in the top
50 countries.
ASW grants preferential tariff treatment based on an electronic exchange
of border trade related documents among member states. In addition, However, the challenge of improving infrastructure in such a huge
the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), which facilitates the road archipelago means that Indonesia still has to overcome some of the
transport of goods under a unified computerised process also took effect highest logistics costs across Southeast Asia. These costs are estimated
at the end of November 2020. to account for 24% of the country’s GDP, almost double those of
neighbouring Thailand and Malaysia.
The system is initially between Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam with Myanmar expected to join next. It provides Supply Chain Asia, a Singapore based trade organisation, says the
an online transit management scheme to make the overland transport region’s logistics eco-system is still in the infant stages of development.
of goods more efficient, and at a lower cost, without the need to make “Indonesia, for instance is made up of more than 17,000 islands and a
repeated customs declarations or change of vehicles at each border. large chunk of customers live in areas that don’t have paved roads or
clearly marked signage.”
Meanwhile, the first project under the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network
was launched in November 2020, with the inauguration of the US$166 SMEs lack the understanding and access to smart logistics capabilities. In
million Vinh Phuc Logistics Centre near Hanoi. The “Superport” project, a Indonesia only 25% have adopted supply chain management software.
joint project with Singapore, is designed to help promote logistics chains In Vietnam less than 10% of SMEs use technology to manage logistics
in the region. and distribution, according to an A T Kearney report.
71
The regions sector is dominated by third-party logistics service distribution centre, to a customer, is often the most difficult particularly
providers. These 3PLs face the challenge of developing their digital in congested urban environments, and this last stage of the journey
capabilities in order to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly growing comprises a significant part of the total costs involved.
retail sector, which presents an opportunity for tech-enabled start-
Kamarulazman Muhamed, CEO of Malaysia based drone developer
ups to offer their expertise.
Aerodyne, says it is active in Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei
Technology will answer many problems by cutting down fuel costs Darussalam with growing interest in international markets for the
and scaling up deliveries to the end customer and improving last company’s products. In March 2019, Airbus successfully trialled a
mile fulfilment. Route optimisation, predictive alerts and smart shore to ship delivery in Singapore using a drone while Beijing based
shipment sorting methods are changing the traditional ways of e-commerce company Jingdong has trialled a drone delivery in
supply chain operations. Indonesia to deliver books and other materials to students in a rural
school over a distance of 250km.
The Internet of Things (IoT) which can connect physical devices that
monitor and transfer data via the internet without human involvement The pandemic has also accelerated moves towards the use of parcel
is an emerging technology, with particular application in logistics. lockers to minimise direct contact between delivery personnel and
Integration of IoT technology into the supply chain can improve customers. Singapore will have 1,000 such lockers completed by the
inventory management through real-time monitoring of goods and end of 2021. Similar lockers have been installed in Malaysia’s rapid
their condition, their location and by managing their transportation. transit stations.
Integrating robotics into logistics increases the speed and accuracy The ambitious logistics improvements strategies are steadily
of supply chain processes and reduces human error. Warehouses succeeding. ASEAN countries outperform most other emerging
though will no longer just be locations for storing a wide array of markets in the tenth annual Emerging Markets Index published by
items, but instead can be transformed into fulfilment centres that are Agility, a global Kuwait based logistics company.
able to analyse consumer purchasing patterns and anticipate demand
This Index is a broad measure of competitiveness that ranks 50
for particular products. By shipping and storing selected items in
countries by factors which make them attractive to logistics providers,
advance, 3PLs can respond to orders faster and utilise bulk shipments
freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors.
at a lower cost.
It includes a survey of more than 500 global logistics executives who
New modes of delivery such as drones are being trialled. The relatively select Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia as the emerging markets with
short last part of the distance of the supply chain, from warehouse, or the most logistics potential after India and China.
72
A griculture
Future of agriculture will
depend on new IT solutions
Agriculture is a vital component of the ASEAN economy, with the land programme, ensuring that private sector importers supply the nation
also providing a major source of employment – 61% of all jobs in Lao with adequate reserves.
PDR, 49% in Myanmar, 37% in Vietnam, 35% in Cambodia, 31% in
As more and more people across the region move to cities there has
Thailand, 29% in Indonesia and 10% in Malaysia.
been a decline in agricultural workers living in rural areas. In the period
The sector provides much of the staple food requirements for their 2009-2019, for example, almost 1.1 million people are estimated to have
populations, and also offers the basis for export and global food left Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta area, the main agricultural region of
production. With an estimated 85% of global palm oil production, the country.
75% of the world’s rubber and 21% of its rice is grown in the region,
Issues requiring attention include a need to address large scale food
according to Grow Asia, a partnership platform set up by the World
waste, resulting particularly from inadequate storage, stagnating crop
Economic Forum and the ASEAN Secretariat.
yields and resource management. Raising farmers’ income is an essential
While the agriculture sector initially faced uncertainties due to fears factor in retaining a strong rural workforce. Strengthening and expanding
of interruptions to supply chains, it has generally coped well with the the agricultural sector to meet evolving consumer needs and increase
consequences of the pandemic and continues to supply both domestic productivity can improve profits while enhancing food security.
and export markets. There are significant investment opportunities in a
Increasing affluence has led to food consumption patterns changing
sector which needs to raise production levels as the population expands
and a greater demand for animal protein and wheat. The UN Food and
and prepares to adapt to changing consumption patterns.
Agriculture Organisation (FAO) notes a declining per capita consumption
The ASEAN region is not entirely self-sufficient and imports most of its of starchy staples in general including rice, accompanied by an increasing
corn and soybean for animal feed in addition to wheat from both North consumption of animal-source foods, fruits and vegetables alongside a
and South America, with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand the main rising demand for processed foods.
importers of these products.
Dairy products comprise another key area where demand is expected to
ASEAN nations score above the average on food security, according soar. A Rabobank report predicts that the shortfall in domestic production
to the latest Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Food Security Index. will rise to 19 billion litres by 2030, compared to 12.9 billion litres in 2020
However, there are wide variations, with Cambodia and Lao PDR ranked in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
as the least food secure, despite agriculture playing the main role in both
The Covid-19 pandemic has served to reinforce the value of both local
of their economies. The Index measures 112 countries on affordability of
and regional production, with the most promising solutions lying not just
their food, availability, quality and safety of supplies.
in producing more food, but doing so in a smarter way, using science to
Singapore ranks first in the world and this is attributed to its successful ensure that healthier, more nutritious food survives to reach the market.
and resilient food safety net programmes. This includes a rice reserve Agronomists believe that far too much agricultural produce is lost for a
73
lack of appropriate innovation from insufficient plant protection, leaving

crops vulnerable to disease through to inadequate post-harvest storage.
Climate change and environmental degradation also threaten to
exacerbate current food production challenges by reducing available
arable land, crop yields and farm output. Grow Asia recommends that
new technologies be increasingly deployed in order to improve yields, to
reduce the environmental impact of farming, enhance safety, traceability
and nutritional value of food, reduce waste, shorten supply chains and
bring food to consumers.
In view of this, technology-related projects are developing steadily.
TunYat, for example, is seeking to improve smallholder farmers’ access
to mechanisation in Myanmar by allocating the hire of tractors more
effectively during land preparation. In Indonesia, CROWDE, a digital
lending platform, says it has helped some 1,200 farms across ten
provinces gain access to credit to buy critical inputs at the start of the
country’s cropping season.
There is ample room for further development though. Grow Asia has
found that technology solutions are only being used by 2.5% of more
than 70 million smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia. Smart sensors that
In November 2018, Singapore’s Vanda Global Capital together with
collect data on soil and crop growth, or drones that provide imagery of
Raffles Capital and China’s Dayshine Fund Management, launched a
field conditions in order to raise farm productivity, robotic harvesters and
US$1.5 billion fund to invest in start-ups, with a focus on introducing
precision crop spraying are among such technologies.
blockchain and information technologies to improve the livelihoods of
All of this requires investment capital that is often beyond the reach of farmers across Asia. Singapore’s Grab Ventures Velocity is also focusing
smaller farmers. McKinsey suggests that cooperatives among smallholders on Southeast Asia’s agricultural businesses.
could be a factor in encouraging them to benefit from economies of
Grow Asia’s Director of Innovation, Paul Voutier, says agri-finance is the
scale, including sharing technology and management systems.
most promising area for start-ups to focus on since farmers lack the
Development of regional agri-food technology hubs could become access that other sectors have to a wide variety of loan products. They
pivotal for investment and innovation. Singapore is thought to be among typically pay high rates of annualised interest of up to 40% when they
those Asian cities that have the potential to develop as agri-tech food obtain credit to buy items such as fertilisers and their only source of
hubs where development, funding and collaboration across the food capital is usually the retailer selling the product or the trader who will buy
and agriculture sector can be driven forward. their crops, he observes.
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A griculture
The scene is changing though with peer-to-peer lending platforms, Ajinomoto employs 7,000 people in Thailand in 11 factories, producing
such as Cropital in the Philippines and Indonesia’s CROWDE making a variety of products for local and international markets. Another
finance more affordable for farmers. Once farms have access to Japanese producer, Yamamori along with Switzerland’s Nestle and
more sustainable loans, they can afford drones and other high-tech the US’ Cargill, Kellogg’s and McCormick also have major investments
solutions, Voutier points out. in Thailand.
In Indonesia, Syngenta Corporation has co-developed an integrated According to the Thailand Board of Investment, a total of 116 investment
supply chain partnership to provide micro-financing to farmers and help applications with a value of US$600 million for food processing and
them access markets in West Nusa Tenggara. The partnership involved drinks manufacturing projects were received in the 18 months to
banks, local retailers and grain traders. Syngenta’s ASEAN Regional June 2020, an investment that reflects international food companies’
Director, Tina Lawton says, that this helped farmers to increase their confidence in the country’s innovation focused food and beverages
productivity by 10% while earning US$1.28 more per hectare. sector, it says.
According to Pan Sopheap, Executive Director of Cambodia’s The country stands out as the world’s leading exporter of canned
Farmer Nature Net, only agricultural value chains can truly empower pineapple, sweetcorn, coconut milk, cassava and durian, as well as
smallholder farmers and ensure food security and sustainable socio- canned tuna. It also ranks as the second largest exporter of rice and
economic growth. sugar and among the top five in chicken and shrimp globally, as well
Food processing industries reach out to global markets as a leading supplier of ready-to-eat meals and halal food products. In
The downstream agricultural sector is expanding rapidly as economic 2019, food exports were valued at US$33 billion.
growth and urbanisation create new opportunities for processing One of the main players in the Thai agri-food sector is Charoen
industries, packaging, distribution and storage. In Malaysia, Thailand Pokphand Food. The 100 year old company, which has extensive
and Vietnam, agri-business now accounts for more potential in the international operations, widened its presence in Vietnam at the
economy than just the growing of food. end of 2020 when it opened the first poultry complex in the country
Significant export markets have also been developed. Many of the best dedicated to export markets.
known frozen food products, as well as canned meat, fish, fruit and The US$250 million complex in Vietnam’s Binh Phuoc Province will
vegetable items on supermarket shelves around the world are sourced eventually produce and process 100 million chickens a year, making
from the region.
it one of the largest of its kind in the region. Pimchanok Vonkorpon,
Thailand already has some of the largest companies in the sector Director General of Trade and Strategy in Thailand’s Ministry of
including Thai Union Group, which supplies 20% of canned tuna sold Commerce, believes that “food will undoubtedly be the star product of
worldwide and has annual revenues of more than US$4 billion. Japan’s the country in the years to come.”
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create chemistry
BASF: W e
Sustainability is at the heart of
chemicals giant’s strategy growth
Dr Carola Richter, President - South & East Asia, ASEAN &
Australia/New Zealand, BASF Southeast Asia Pte
We create chemistry for a sustainable future - BASF’s sustainability. “By leveraging on digital technologies and
corporate purpose aptly reflects its aspiration to contribute data, we want to create additional value for us and our
to a world that provides a viable future with enhanced customers. We are embedding sustainability even more
quality of life for everyone. deeply into the steering of our business,” stated Dr.
Carola Richter, President - South & East Asia, ASEAN and
BASF has subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80
Australia/New Zealand.
countries, operating six integrated production sites and
390 other production sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, Fortifying presence in Southeast Asia
the Americas and Africa. BASF’s growth strategy is based on investment in strategic
Dr Carola Richter growth markets and innovation-driven sectors. The Asian
With more than 117,000 employees globally, the group market continues to be a particular focus of growth for the
supplies products and services to around 100,000 world’s leading chemical company. In Asia Pacific, planned
customers from various sectors, through a portfolio investments of around €9.6 billion [US$11.35 billion] (41%
that is organised into six business segments: Chemicals, of global investment of €23.6 billion [US$28.8 billion])
Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, between 2020 and 2024 will focus on areas where BASF
Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. is technologically leading, has a competitive advantage
Strategic action areas to sharpen customer focus and expects robust market growth. Its ASEAN activities
BASF aims to be the world’s leading chemical company comprise a total of 16 production sites, more than 4,100
for its customers to ensure success in an increasingly employees, and accounted for 13% of BASF’s Asia Pacific
competitive market environment. The company puts the sales in 2019.
customer at the centre of its decisions and everything Richter stressed that the company places great importance
it does, positioning itself as a solution-oriented system on being near its customers and is moving forward
provider by strengthening its performance in innovation strategically to bolster its system of local production and
and in operations, both supported by digitalisation and innovation for local needs and consumption in Asia Pacific.
77
She also emphasised that despite the difference in size and degree of BASF has launched a Circular Economy Programme which comprises
development, Southeast Asian countries have important qualities in the target to process 250,000 metric tons of recycled and waste-based
common: dynamic markets, fast-developing customer needs, and overall raw materials annually by 2025, and by 2030 aims to double its sales
energy and optimism, that propels the region forward. generated from solutions for the circular economy to €17 billion
[US$20.7 billion]. The company is working with partners to further
BASF has made strategic investments in downstream businesses, among
develop a technology that turns mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil as
others, three new agricultural research and training centres, AgSolution
alternative feedstock in its integrated chemical production system. This
Farms in Vietnam and Indonesia and a Crop Protection Formulation means, many products will be recycling based without compromising
Plant in Singapore. These centres will help equip farmers with crop on the highest quality for customers’ most sensitive applications. BASF’s
protection innovation and technical knowledge to increase productivity ChemCycling™ project is a protected trademark.
in a sustainable manner.
BASF has also developed a range of bio-based products for a variety
Supporting local sustainability topics of applications serving as either a substitute for fossil-based materials
Staying true to its corporate purpose, BASF combines its unique expertise to reduce the carbon footprint, or as new products using their unique
with customers’ competence to jointly develop profitable, innovative and properties. In 2019, BASF launched three active ingredients for cosmetic
sustainable solutions to address social and environmental challenges. products derived from the peel, leaves and seeds of rambutan grown in
The most relevant sustainability topics in ASEAN countries currently are Vietnam. Besides avoiding waste and minimising land use, the Rambutan
C ase S tudy : BASF S outheast A sia
circular economy and thereof waste management as well as carbon programme also offers above-average incomes for growers, ensures
footprint reduction. gender equity and guarantees safer and healthier working conditions.
A circular economy Another key driver of BASF’s contribution to Circular Economy is its six
BASF is driving the transformation towards a circular economy by integrated production facilities, which are known as “Verbund” sites,
developing solutions that make the most of the limited resources of our a German word meaning integrated system. The Verbund principle
planet and minimise waste: enhance the durability of materials, innovate links production units and their energy supply, for example, the waste
solutions that enable recyclability, overall shape new material cycles and heat of one plant provides energy to others, while one facility’s by-
create new business models. Linking sustainability commitments with products can serve as feedstock elsewhere. This saves raw materials and
digital solutions as well as material and process innovations is a key energy, avoids emissions, lowers logistics costs and leverages synergy.
success driver in BASF. BASF’s first Verbund site in Asia is located in Kuantan, Malaysia, and is
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create chemistry
BASF: W e
BASF aims to be the world’s leading chemical
company for its customers to ensure success in an
increasingly competitive market environment.
operated by BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture to grow, but strive towards carbon-neutral growth, limiting emissions
between BASF and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS). It was to the 2018 level.
incorporated in 1997, producing and marketing key raw materials for
The group has established a Carbon Management Program that
essential industries mainly in Asia.
leverages new production technologies as well as the electrification of
Ending plastic waste chemical processes based on renewable energy, with 23 production
Plastics have proven benefits during their use phase but plastic waste sites already sourcing emission-free electricity from suppliers. A
as a mistreated and lost resource has become a major global challenge. significant reduction in emissions requires fundamentally new
Solving these challenges requires innovation and joint efforts globally technologies, which BASF is developing as part of its R&D programme,
across the value chain. which is focused on basic chemicals, as these account for around 70%
Founded in 2019, BASF is a member of the global Alliance to End of the chemical industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Plastic Waste (AEPW) which comprises almost 30 major global In 2020, BASF announced that they will offer cradle-to-gate Product
companies who have committed to investing US$1.5 billion over Carbon Footprint information for their portfolio based on process
the next five years, to develop, deploy and bring to scale solutions emissions, energy demand and upstream emissions by the end
that will minimise and manage plastic waste and promote post-use of 2021, making them the first chemical company to do so. This
solutions. The four action pillars are waste management, infrastructure, will enable customers to better measure and reduce their own CO2
innovation, education & engagement and clean-up. footprint of activities and end products.
AEPW partners with various collaborators to further scale up the Sustainable partner for long term success
development of more sustainable and circular waste management “We want to be a thought and action leader in sustainability, which is
systems, engages local communities and conducts feasibility studies why in BASF, business success tomorrow means creating value for the
for chemical recycling plants in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam environment, society and business. This secures the long term success
and India. of our company, creates business opportunities and establishes us as
Reducing carbon footprint a key partner supporting our local customers in the region. We want to
BASF has already almost halved its carbon emissions since 1990, while accelerate driving the sustainable development of the region with our
doubling sales volumes. In the years up to 2030, BASF will continue product solutions, innovations and technologies,” concluded Richter.
79
Renewables take centre

stage in energy strategy
Prior to the impact of Covid-19, electricity consumption in ASEAN Nearly 60% of Indonesia’s electricity supply comes from coal-fired power
countries was estimated to be rising at 6% a year. This growth is likely stations. This is perhaps not surprising since the country is one of the
to resume rapidly when manufacturing and industrial activity recovers, world’s largest coal producers. Up to 24.7GW of coal-fuelled electricity
driven also by urban expansion, transportation and surging demand for generation is currently scheduled, according to the World Resources
air conditioning. Institute (WRI), a Washington based think-tank.
The pandemic has given time for reflection in evaluating how electricity The WRI advises that continued reliance on coal is not the way to pull
will be used and generated in future. As a consequence, the sector is Southeast Asia out of the Covid-19 induced economic downturn. “Shifting
entering a dynamic phase of development. Declining costs of renewables energy systems onto a modern, low-carbon path cannot only secure the
and mounting concern over emissions and pollution have begun to alter future as an economic powerhouse, but also create jobs, address climate
the balance of future additions to the power mix. change and improve public health in the process.” it says.
Over the last 20 years, the largest share of growth in electricity generation A change is visible in near-term project developments, the Paris based
has been met by a doubling in fossil fuel use, with oil and coal the International Energy Agency says. It notes a significant slowdown in
biggest elements in energy production. While powering the industrial decisions to move ahead with new coal-fired power station capacity and
expansion and development, the downside has been the accompanying a rise in additions of solar and wind. In the first half of 2019, approvals of
risk to public health. A growing dependence on imported fuels is also new coal-fired capacity were exceeded by increases of solar photovoltaic
a strategic incentive to upscale stated commitments to renewable (PV) installations for the first time.
energy projects.
Many ASEAN countries have considerable potential for renewable
While there is an abundance of coal still, the region as a whole has energy. Indonesia, for example, has around 442GW of potential capacity
become a net importer of crude oil. Despite Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand from a range of sources such as hydropower, geothermal and solar, yet
and Vietnam ranking as the main oil producers, all of them face gradually only about 2.5% of this has been utilised, according to the Abu Dhabi
declining production levels from fast maturing oilfields. According to the based International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
ASEAN Energy Outlook, natural gas demand is also expected to exceed
The leading renewable contributor in the region so far is hydro-electricity,
domestic supply by 2029.
where output has quadrupled in the last 20 years. However, bioenergy
The region is one of a few globally where coal-fired generation has in heating and the contribution of solar and wind are increasingly
until recently been expanding, with close to 20GW of new coal-fired part of the energy mix. Indonesia has said that it aims to increase
generating capacity under construction, mostly in Indonesia, Vietnam the role of renewables from 9.15% in 2019 to 23% by 2025 and to 31%
and the Philippines. by 2050.
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R enewables
The leading renewable contributor in the region so
far is hydro-electricity, where output has quadrupled
in the last 20 years.
Hydropower and geothermal capacity make up 57% and 21% At current usage levels, its oil & gas resources will deplete within the
respectively of Indonesia’s renewable capacity. Biofuels consisting of next decade. This is providing a major incentive to diversify into locally
ethanol production from molasses and biofuel derived from palm oil generated renewable energy.
constitute 18%, with solar PV plants providing around 3%. There is an Thailand’s renewable energy target for electricity, excluding imported
increasing focus on development of the latter. hydropower, is set at 29% of total generation by 2037 totalling 29GW.
Harris Yahya, Director of New and Renewable Energy at Indonesia’s Nevertheless, with a more aggressive development plan, its renewable
state-owned electricity producer Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), energy sources could reach more than 37% by 2036, according to IRENA.
said in October 2020 that the Government planned to fund the gap Edinburgh based energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie says that, in fact,
between pricing of solar energy and PLN’s basic cost of electricity supply. the region’s cumulative solar PV capacity could nearly triple to 35.8GW
Observers say that this approach will facilitate investor interest due to by 2024 from 12.6GW in 2019. Analysts believe there is substantial
the long term certainty it provides on pricing. potential in Vietnam for more investment.
One innovative new development is a 145MW solar PV project being A 257MW solar plant planned for Hua Hoi in the country’s Phu Yen
installed on a floating structure in a reservoir linked to the Cirata hydro- Province, is one of the region’s largest solar developments. The project’s
electric plant in West Java. The project features a smart control system to US$186 million costs are being provided by a syndicated commercial
enable it to balance intermittency of generation from solar cells, that can bank loan led by Asian Development Bank (ADB), who have commented
be especially variable during the rainy season. that: “This project will support the rapid development of solar
According to PLN’s President Zulkifli Zaini, “the floating PV project is a power capacity in Vietnam, advance the country’s low-carbon growth
monumental renewable energy project for Indonesia and the largest goals, and we hope, catalyse further commercial bank financing for
floating PV facility in Southeast Asia. It will improve the capability of the renewable energy.”
power system and also increase the renewable energy mix in Indonesia. ADB’s investment is an indication that the economic case for
The potential of similar systems is endless and we anticipate commercial renewables is growing as generating costs increasingly reach parity with
operation in 2022.” The project is being developed by Abu Dhabi’s current grid production and are seen as viable investments by loan and
Masdar, part of the Emirate’s Mubadala investment fund. capital markets.
Thailand is another of the major economies which also faces rising Malaysia has set a target to increase its renewable energy from 6% to
electricity demand, coupled with increasing reliance on imported energy. 20% by 2025, with the majority driven by solar power. Singapore has
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also targeted at least 2GW of solar capacity by 2030. The deployment

of solar power is expected to see floating PV installations and an
expansion of rooftop panels. Another policy strand is the development
of electricity storage facilities.
In October 2020, Singapore announced a US$49 million low-carbon
energy research programme. The Minister for Trade and Industry,
Chan Chun Sing stated: “hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation
and storage, are promising technologies that have the potential to
transform Singapore’s energy landscape and help us achieve our long
term emissions and reduction goals.
In 2020, Finland’s Warsila installed a 2.4MW energy storage system
in Singapore which has identified energy storage as a game-changing
technology. According to Ngiam Shih Chun, CEO of Singapore’s Energy
Market Authority (EMA), energy storage systems are one of the most
promising solutions to help the integration of more solar energy into
the power grid. The EMA aims to eventually deploy 200MW of storage. progress on expanding multilateral power trade arrangements such as
This is seen as critical in supporting the target of at least 2GW of solar the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia power integration project, in addition
deployment by 2030, he says. to grid modernisation.
While solar technology is set to play a growing role in Singapore’s The transition to sustainable energy is gathering pace, with renewable
energy plans, wind power is also poised to play a big part elsewhere, sources now at the forefront of planned investments in ASEAN
particularly if Malaysia and Myanmar start investing in utility scale wind countries. This strategy has growing international support. In November
projects, comments Wood Mackenzie analyst Robert Liew. “Vietnam 2020, a consortium of governments, including Canada, Germany,
has risen to become the shining star in the region’s race to add wind the UK and France, launched the Southeast Asia Energy Transition
power capacity,” he says. The surge in projects in Vietnam is largely Partnership (ETP), with an initial focus on Indonesia, Vietnam and the
driven by the Government’s decision to increase the guaranteed price Philippines, all countries with significant coal consumption.
paid to developers per MWh of energy produced from both onshore
The aim is to help accelerate energy transition in Southeast Asia by
and offshore wind projects.
increasing the deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency and
Expansion of the region’s electricity generation and distribution, sustainable infrastructures. Remy Rioux, CEO of France’s Development
as well as making systems more resilient, will not depend solely on Agency says the ETP also aims to scale-up green finance and provide
development of renewable strategies. Major elements also include financial support for technical assistance projects.
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W ater
ASEAN embraces innovation
to tackle water challenges
The pandemic has focused the attention of governments in ASEAN In Cambodia, outside the capital Phnom Penh, less than 50% of the
countries on the need to build improved resilience in public health population have access to main water supplies and just over 10%
infrastructure, yet issues concerning water insecurity and sanitation have access to sewerage and wastewater treatment facilities, the Asian
are also urgent and have presented ongoing challenges prior to the Development Bank estimates.
occurrence of Covid-19.
Securing clean water supplies and providing adequate treatment facilities
Some of the problems are due to the impact of nature and climate is a growing problem even for the region’s more advanced economies.
change, others are man-made though because economic development According to the Global Climate Index published by Germanwatch, a
has tended to outpace infrastructure investment in key utilities including Bonn based NGO, seven of the most likely countries to be impacted by
water supply and wastewater processing facilities. climate change are in Asia.
Thirteen rivers flow through Jakarta, which makes the city prone to Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia are among countries
flooding due to wet season rains and inadequate drainage. Around 40% that are facing water shortages with an increasing frequency. Coupled
of the city lies below sea level which exacerbates the situation. A surging with a rising demand for water, factors such as environmental pollution,
population of more than ten million and land subsidence are also major infrastructure constraints and climate change pose growing risks for the
factors in increasing flood risk in the city. region’s water security.
Bangkok is another city facing critical resilience issues due to climate “We see water security in Southeast Asia threatened by a range of
change. Farmland that once absorbed seasonal flooding and cycles of issues from continued migration to low-lying cities to high volumes of
monsoon rain has been developed and paved over during the last 50 untreated wastewater discharged into rivers,” says Nimesh Modak, Vice
years. Today it has minimal green space and following huge construction President of Strategy and Business Development at Imagine H2O, a non-
development, has in recent years experienced severe flooding episodes. profit organisation which helps early stage water firms to develop. “These
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interrelated challenges spell new opportunities for entrepreneurial

solutions globally, particularly those that leverage data and analytics to
improve real-time decision making.” he says.
The focus is therefore firmly on innovation and development of efficient
and affordable ways to manage water resources. Estimates suggest
that up to 30% of clean water is lost in the distribution systems due to
leaks and ageing pipes. Analytics products can help to provide smart
management of water networks, monitor and predict pipe failures.
Cloud-based operational intelligence platforms can help engineering
staff reduce chemical and energy use to treat more water at less cost.
In Vietnam, substantial investment in water supply is ongoing in major In Malaysia, Veolia Water Technologies is in the final phases of completing
cities including Ho Chi Minh, which has digitised its water supply its Tun Razak Exchange sewage treatment project in Kuala Lumpur. Veolia
network, in Hanoi and in the provinces of Da Nang, Bin Thuan and Phan will operate the plant, which is described as the first fully commercial
Thiet. There are now plans to accelerate improvements in the country’s water reclaim project in the region. The French company says that it will
secondary cities as well. provide non-potable water for Kuala Lumpur’s new financial district and
will be a third of the size of conventional treatment facilities.
Improvement of wastewater treatment facilities is vital to combat
growing water pollution by domestic sewage. Japan’s JFE Engineering, As investment in water infrastructure develops, the region is transforming
for example, is constructing Hanoi’s largest wastewater treatment plant at into a dynamic testbed and marketplace for innovative water solutions.
Yen Xa, able to provide 270,000m3 of sewage treatment per day, sufficient When safely treated, wastewater can be a source of energy and nutrients.
for up to 900,000 people. Funded by a loan from Japan International The organic substances contained in wastewater can also be used to
Cooperation Agency (JICA), the plant is expected to be completed in produce biogas and other recoverable materials in addition to water. As the
2022 and will feature advanced treatment processing to remove nitrogen cost of such systems are reduced with the application of new technologies,
and phosphorous. the wider their appeal and reach to lower income communities.
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W ater
Analytics products can help to provide smart
management of water networks, monitor and
predict pipe failures.
Singapore’s National Water Agency and the US’ Evoqua Water water demand could almost double, with the non-domestic sector
Technologies have been trialling the use of electro-deionisation (EDI) accounting for nearly 70%. The International Water Association
technology in a demonstration plant in Singapore. Should these predicts that by then ultra-treated water and desalination will meet up
trials be successful, utilising an electric field to remove salt ions from to 85% of Singapore’s demand.
seawater on a large scale could reduce energy consumption by half.
Vietnam is in the process of transforming its water sector from
Singapore is at the forefront of water technology and has built a state-owned supply organisations to joint stock companies, with the
diversified and reliable supply from four main sources. These include Government holding less than 51%. Observers believe that the sector
local catchments, imports from neighbouring Malaysia as well as has considerable potential for investment because of fast growing
treated water that is additionally purified using advanced membrane consumer needs, with some 80% of the population living in urban
technologies and ultra-violet disinfection. Desalination is a further areas. There are more than 64 joint stock provincial water supply
important element providing 25% of current needs. companies seeking finance to accelerate investments to improve
operational efficiency and service quality.
Teo Chee Hean, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, has
cautioned that Singapore needs to do more. “We need to be prepared In the Philippines, the Government has supported two successful PPP
for potential threats to our water supply, like extreme weather concessionaires – Manila Water and Maynilad Water – to provide water
conditions, or major oil or other pollutant spills that can affect our supply services and wastewater treatment in the Manila Bay area.
desalination plants. That is why water security has always been a
Rodney Chapin, a member of Imagine H2O Asia’s Advisory Council
national priority. To turn as many drops of water into drinkable water
says: “This is an exciting time for entrepreneurial innovations to
as we can.”
take root in the region. I am optimistic about their role in solving
This strategy involves developing new technologies and trialling critical challenges while creating opportunities within the region’s
these while planning for future needs. By 2060, the country’s total innovative economy.”
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The spirit of progress: Doing business the right way

Conversation with Preeti Razdan, Managing Director, Diageo SEA.
It may seem as though sustainability has taken a Why is sustainability important to Diageo? What
backseat in ASEAN countries as they focus on managing does it mean for the business in Southeast Asia?
the Covid-19 crisis. At Diageo, we have always set sustainability and
But delve deeper, and that is far from the truth. In fact, corporate social responsibility goals that are among
the World Economic Forum believes sustainability will the most ambitious in our industry. We want to make
be non-negotiable in this region, backed by a growing a positive impact wherever we live, work, source, and
group of consumers who continue to prioritise social sell. It’s about creating enduring value not just for the
and environmental responsibility. company but the larger society – because our long
term commercial success and financial sustainability will
It is not just consumers who want to see change. As a depend very much on this.
Preeti Razdan
global business with storied brands including Johnnie
Walker, Guinness, Bailey’s and Talisker, Diageo is one As one of our fastest-growing markets, Southeast Asia
company that is committed to doing business the is dynamic and constantly changing. More consumers
right way. come of drinking age each year, with more disposable
income, and they’re waking up to greater social and eco-
Continued success, says Diageo’s Managing Director consciousness. Since 2020, the region has also been
for Southeast Asia Preeti Razdan, will depend on all
grappling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
people and a flourishing planet. She shares more about
the spirits giant’s vision for success in an ever-changing We want to make sure that our priorities are aligned
world, and how Diageo is committed to protecting our with that of consumers here by placing sustainability
shared future, creating value for communities while right at the heart of the business. There’s no better time
paving the path for others to follow. than now to contribute to a better world.
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spirit of progress
D iageo : T he
Can you share more about Diageo’s new ten year action plan
‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’?
‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ is our ambitious and exciting blueprint
for a more inclusive and sustainable world. It’s designed to drive change
both within the company, and for communities and society.
We will focus our action over the next decade in three core areas that are
closely aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs):
1| Promoting responsible positive drinking
2| Championing inclusion and diversity
3| Pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability
These efforts will build on our strong track record in environmental
and social governance to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. It
means working with our entire value chain to ensure that our people, our
communities, and the environment continue to thrive.
alternate option to the live theatre productions presented by professional
How will Diageo make a difference in addressing the actors on the negative impact of alcohol on youths, combined with
harmful use of alcohol? interactive workshops at schools. We have run it alongside local partners
We want to change the way the world drinks by celebrating moderation. in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, reaching out to over
We take huge pride in our brands, which are best enjoyed when 41,000 young people, parents, and teachers. The programme will be
consumed responsibly – “drink better, not more”. Our aim is to reach rolled out shortly in the Philippines.
one billion people with a dedicated message of moderation by 2030.
Tell us how inclusion and diversity is central to Diageo’s
To this end, we are expanding programmes that tackle alcohol-related purpose of ‘Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere’.
harm, from underage drinking to drink-driving and binge drinking. We want to celebrate differences and help shape a society where
We recently expanded our flagship ‘Smashed’ programme to combat everyone can succeed. This is why inclusivity and diversity are deeply
underage drinking in the region – creating an online program as an embedded within our business.
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‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ is our

ambitious and exciting blueprint for a more
inclusive and sustainable world.
Each market has its own inclusion and diversity plan, with a focus on By 2030, every drink made by Diageo will use 30% less water. We
developing a strong pipeline of female talent. In 2020, 39% of Diageo’s pledge to replenish more water than we use in water-stressed areas – the
leadership roles were held by women, exceeding our initial target. Our equivalent of over four billion litres of water – through 150 community
next milestone is to hit 40% by 2025. water projects, and by improving water quality and access to sanitation
and hygiene.
Improving representation at every level remains a priority, and we hope
to lead change in the industry with our policies and practices. In many In April, we partnered global non-governmental organisation (NGO)
markets, including Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, parents WaterAid on a unique female-led project that supplies safe drinking
have equal maternity and paternity leave of up to 52 weeks. The goal water and improves livelihoods in Yangon, Myanmar. It is our largest
is to achieve 50-50 gender equity in each Asia Pacific market across the single investment in an Asia Pacific sustainability and society project to
employee base and across leadership roles by 2030. date. Providing access to safe drinking water is not only a key UN SDG
but also a priority in the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan.
What does grain-to-glass sustainability mean?
Grain-to-glass sustainability is about advancing sustainable technologies These are big strides we are taking. But we won’t stop until we do more.
and practices across the full lifecycles of our brands. This means working Our new Sustainable Solutions programme is testament to this. With it,
across our entire value chain – from grain to glass, from start to finish – in we will design the change that the industry needs, building innovative
a way that respects the environment, be it by preserving water, moving partnerships for a truly circular economy.
into low-carbon operations, or becoming more sustainable by design. One example in the region is in Bali, Indonesia where we have a
Because real success comes from pioneering innovation and solutions production facility. We are supporting the village of Nyambu towards
that will benefit our business, communities, and the environment. becoming the first plastic-free village in Indonesia.
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spirit of progress
D iageo : T he
In Thailand, we have a pilot project that provides, free of charge,
used Johnnie Walker bottles to the Bangkok Flowers Centre Co, an
orchid exporter to support the company’s orchid tissue culture.
To date, Diageo has given 23,000 Johnnie Walker bottles to the
Bangkok Flowers Centre. It is a creative way for Diageo to reuse its
Johnnie Walker bottles and reduce waste, while supporting Thailand’s
important orchid industry.
What are some initiatives you have rolled out across the
region to help businesses affected by Covid-19?
Besides making donations and contributions to healthcare workers
and communities affected by Covid-19, we launched the ‘CleanServe’
programme in Southeast Asia to support the safe re-opening of bars
What is Diageo’s vision of success?
amid the pandemic.
Our vision of success is simple: to do well by doing good. We want
Through the programme, we offer training to bartenders and funding to make a positive contribution to the world. This is part of our
for sanitising equipment and thermometers. It supported 393 outlets in Performance Ambition to become the best performing, most trusted
Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam in 2020, with plans to launch in the and respected consumer products company globally – all while keeping
Philippines. This is a difficult period for many people and businesses in to our core purpose of “Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere”.
the region, and we do what we can to keep the industry going.
How can we all celebrate when not everyone has equal access to
For the longer term, we aim to train 52,000 people in Asia Pacific by opportunities to succeed and the planet is too polluted for future
2030 through the Learning for Life programme, in line with the UN generations. Getting the social and environmental equation right is
SDG of achieving employment and decent work for all. We will provide a non-negotiable requisite to business success. Going forward, our
tools and training in four key areas: hospitality, retail, entrepreneurship ten year plan will drive the trust, respect and commercial success that
and bartending. defines the company.
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Striving to rebuild tourism

industry on sustainable basis
Tourism is at the core of Southeast Asia’s economic health, with the Tourism receipts in turn declined by 78.4% to US$4.4 billion in the first
sector contributing to 12.1% of GDP in 2019 and being a major source of three quarters of 2020.
employment totalling 13.3% of jobs, according to London based World Cambodia stands to lose 70% of its tourism revenues, which stood at
Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). US$4.9 billion in 2019. More than 3,000 related businesses in Cambodia
After a decade of sustained expansion in all aspects of tourism, the have been forced to close with an estimated 45,000 job losses. Malaysia
impact of Covid-19 has been severe on every country in the region. Many also saw its visitor numbers fall 68% in the first half of 2020.
are highly dependent on their tourism sectors to provide hard currency Indonesia’s tourist arrivals fell more than 73% for the first ten months
revenues. For Thailand alone, tourism has been contributing 18% of of 2020, to record just 3.89 million visitors compared to a pre-Covid-19
GDP, and attracted almost 40 million international tourists in 2019. estimate of 18 million visits. Bali has been particularly affected with an
The dire effects of the pandemic has continued into 2021. The Tourism estimated 70% of its SMEs closed.
Authority of Thailand predicts just 6.9 million tourists were recorded in “Assuming all travel barriers are lifted, a vaccine appears, and fear of
2020 and only slightly recovering to eight million in 2021. Despite the travel dissipates, it will still take time for tourism to return to the pre-
damage to such a vital sector, ASEAN countries have been especially Covid-19 levels. Tourism will certainly be the bright light on the horizon
cautious in opening their borders to international travellers and prioritised in ASEAN, as pent-up demand is released, but that is likely to be a 2022
public health matters over foreign visitors. story,” BNP Paribas’s ASEAN Economist, Arup Raha predicts.
Singapore saw visitor arrivals plummet by 86.7% to reach 2.7 million, However, there are clear indications of revival as the industry readjusts.
with almost all of the those recorded in the first two months of 2020. The WTTC expects that domestic travel and tourism, local business travel
90
T ourism
and budget leisure trips will be the first parts of the industry to show
recovery, with safety concerns playing the key role in both domestic and
international tourists’ travel decisions.
The World Economic Forum announced in February 2021 that its annual
meeting of global leaders, normally held in Davos Switzerland, would be
staged in Singapore from 17-20 August 2021. The event is encouraging
for the whole region since it will be the first to bring world leaders
together to discuss the challenges of recovery from the pandemic.
According to Keith Tan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism
Board (STB). “Singapore’s tourism sector has had to fight for survival in
2020. Our tourism businesses have displayed immense resilience and
adaptability throughout this difficult period, reinventing their business
models and leveraging technology to find solutions in a Covid-19 world.”
to explore their own country with discounted fares and increased
At the end of January 2021, STB approved the resumption of operations
domestic flights.
for 45 attractions, 270 hotels and 1,686 itineraries. In November 2020,
Singapore had already begun piloting enhanced-safety protocols and As part of this strategy Singapore has launched a US$32.4 million
ports of call for two home ported cruise lines – Genting and Royal domestic campaign. Thailand in addition has introduced a US$64 million
Caribbean International. “While mass international travel is unlikely project to boost local tourism through subsidies on accommodation,
to resume in a major way in 2021, STB will continue to stand with the transport and vouchers which can used to purchase travel related
industry to prepare for recovery and to start building a better and more services including food. Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam have also
sustainable future for tourism,” Tan says. introduced stimulus packages, ranging from tax exemptions, to financial
bailouts to help businesses.
In order to provide relief, governments are endeavouring to promote
domestic tourism with support programmes, travel deals and marketing Promoting domestic tourism builds on a trend that has been growing
support until international visitors return. In May 2020, Vietnam launched for a decade, as a rising middle class with greater disposable incomes
its “Vietnamese people travel in Vietnam” campaign, encouraging locals have been able to spend on travel, often for the first time. In Vietnam,
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At the end of January 2021, STB approved

the resumption of operations for 45 attractions,
270 hotels and 1,686 itineraries.
domestic tourists reached 80 million in 2019, compared to 15 million have tended to downplay the growing threat to the natural environment
foreign tourists in the same year, according to Asian Development from largely unregulated mass tourism.
Bank (ADB).
Following a Hollywood film in 2000 that used Thailand’s Maya Bay as a
ADB believes that Covid-19 could be used as a reset to strike a better location, the beauty spot was overwhelmed by tourists causing half of
balance between domestic and international tourism. For inbound the local corals to be damaged. Similarly, in the Philippines the small
tourism to be successful and sustainable in the long run, domestic island of Boracay was overwhelmed by two million visitors in 2017,
tourism needs to thrive as well, it says. Domestic tourism can help to many of them from cruise ships forcing authorities to close off the
increase respect for the environment, attract young people to work in island because of pollution.
the sector, and attract entrepreneurs and investors.
Vietnam’s key attraction, Ha Long Bay, with its unique limestone islands
Rural tourism can also contribute to destination diversification has also been under severe pressure from millions of tourists each
strategies and holds substantial potential for poverty alleviation and year, often arriving by ship. As the industry and its attractions diversify
protection of natural resources and cultural heritage. The Tourism with tourists seeking more off the beaten track destinations, SMEs have
Authority of Thailand has launched a rural tourism awards scheme an opportunity to become more significant in building longer term
with an investment fund to support local communities to preserve arts, resilience and sustainability.
culture, heritage and promote local cuisine.
Despite facing its toughest ever trading year, the region is increasingly
In Cambodia, there is demand for adventure travel. In Lao PDR, attempting to take a new look at its offerings and the experiences
promotions are focusing on nature and adventure breaks. These types it provides for visitors, while its participants position themselves for
of investments can also be beneficial when international visitors return future growth opportunities. Before the pandemic, tourism businesses
with changed preferences post-Covid-19.
were pre-occupied with addressing a growth market with little time to
Until recently, many countries, grateful for the new jobs created by focus on developing new products and innovation. “Now is the time to
tourism and the surging hard currency revenues the sector produced, deepen and build new skills,” STB’s Keith Tan maintains.
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R etail & C onsumer
Lifestyle changes
propel consumer markets
Vacations and travel in general have been curtailed by the global As this trend continues, manufacturers and suppliers of consumer
pandemic but other areas of discretionary spending have held up well goods are advised to avoid concentrating their marketing efforts on
in almost all ASEAN countries and are set to rebound strongly in 2021 relatively affluent purchasers in narrow urban corridors. The middle
and beyond. class is increasingly more widely dispersed and now reaches through to
The region is expected by the IMF, Asian Development Bank and World consumers outside the principal urban conurbations such as Bangkok,
Bank to rapidly recover its upward economic trajectory, with its consumer Jakarta, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.
market reflecting this progress. Many middle class households now also reside in Tier-2 cities, in Ambon
Led by an increasingly educated and young workforce, ASEAN’s middle and Samarinda in Indonesia, Chanthaburi and Lop Buri in Thailand,
class is estimated to constitute two-thirds of its total population by 2030. Imus and Santa Rosa in the Philippines, Can Thoi and Thu Dau Mot in
McKinsey forecasts that the number of middle class households will Vietnam, and Alor Setar and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, for instance. Their
reach 120 million by 2025, doubling the level in 2010. increasing spending power is also being propelled by greater access to a
flourishing digital economy. This is providing consumers with a broader
While unevenly distributed, the region’s populations are already view of what is available in markets and with price comparisons.
estimated to have around US$300 billion disposable income per year.
HSBC predicts that per capita GDP will have seen a threefold increase The resulting cumulative positive effect is instilling a greater willingness
from around US$3,000 in 2010, to more than US$9,000 in 2030. to buy goods and services at all levels from food, drink and clothing,
electronics to expensive designer items. Over the next few years, many
In every age group, the population growth rate will be faster than the
of ASEAN’s new consumer class will buy their first luxury product.
global average, and will contribute 34% to consumption growth by 2030,
compared with the global figure of 25%, according to a McKinsey report. The pandemic has not stopped purchases of high-end fashion and luxury
Over the next decade, an estimated 70% of the population could have items albeit online, with sales of Rolex watches reportedly up 160%.
reached middle class status with consumer spending doubling. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, has said that businesses have shown
93
remarkable agility in implementing measures to adapt their costs and

accelerate the growth of online sales.
Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok, have maintained three Louis
Vuitton stores and Singapore with five. The French luxury goods giant
also has outlets in Surabaya and Manila, in addition to outlets in Ho Chi
Minh City and Hanoi.
International brands, especially high-end European and US products
have seen sales soar across the region in recent years. However, in some
areas there is a trend for South Korean, Japanese and Chinese brands
gaining popularity over Western brands in categories such as beauty,
fashion and smartphones, according to Euromonitor.
The changing lifestyles of people are seen in their evolving food
preferences. Rising disposable income levels have been accompanied
by a fast expansion of advanced food delivery services, which have been
further enhanced during the pandemic in countries such as Indonesia,
Thailand and Singapore.
The steadily increasing demand in the region for processed food
Goods focused on convenience and well-being are thought likely to
products is driving companies in the sector to expand and modernise
experience continued high growth post-Covid-19. Convenience is a
manufacturing methods, with food processing companies forecast to
big factor for food consumers in the Philippines for instance. A Nielsen
spend US$1.2 billion on new equipment by 2023.
survey in 2019 on shopper trends found that Filipino consumers are
buying more ready-to-consume food and drinks. Food manufacturers are investing heavily to expand production and gain
market share. In December 2020, Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods
A move towards greater purchases on convenience and processed foods
finalised its acquisition of Tesco Asia Group, a major brand in Thailand
is seen in other parts of the region. This trend is also accompanied
and Malaysia, in a US$10 billion deal.
by greater focus on food origin and provenance as well as hygiene
and safety, with tamper-proof packaging. Consumers in Vietnam are Thailand is one of the largest markets for beverages and one of the
increasingly demanding foods with natural ingredients and fortified reasons why Japan’s Suntory and the US’ PepsiCo have formed a joint
nutritional values, according to market research firm Kantar Worldpanel. venture to produce soft drinks there. Suntory has speeded up its strategy
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R etail & C onsumer
Goods focused on convenience and well-being
are thought likely to experience continued high
growth post-Covid-19.
to expand its food and beverage business following the establishment Where cashless payments have been widely promoted during the
of its regional headquarters in Singapore. Expansion of its beverage pandemic, technology has also advanced with an increasing use of 5G,
business in Thailand is said to be a key part of the corporation’s long which will further enhance and power changes to how people make
term plans. their purchases.
In addition to population growth and a rising middle class in ASEAN, The Bain study says that during 2020, a majority of first time online
consumerism is also being accelerated by the adoption of technology. purchases had been groceries and food delivery. Online purchases
A study commissioned by Facebook, and conducted by Bain & of apparel, electronics, and personal care products also increased
Company forecasts a digitally connected population would reach 310 significantly. As contactless and home based consumption is expected
million by the end of 2025, placing 70% of the region’s people online. to continue post-pandemic, consumers appear more receptive to
This predicted level of penetration is taking place faster than expected continue making online purchases across numerous product categories.
as a result of the pandemic.
As rural and low-income communities gain new exposure to digital
Praneeth Yendamuri, a Partner at Bain, says: “Southeast Asia is a services and information, consumers have increased access to larger
dynamic region and is fast growing as one of the top growth engines markets for popular products.
for the global digital economy. Looking forward, online spending is
Christina Chong, MD of Singapore creative agency We Are Social says:
expected to triple by 2025 and reach close to US$150 billion.”
“Every year, Southeast Asia demonstrates a thriving digital landscape.
With a huge number of consumers now online, they are able to access From social media use, mobile adoption, and more. The pandemic
goods and services previously beyond their reach. Financial technologies has accelerated a shift towards digital, whether that’s connecting on
are allowing many people to access basic payment services as well as social platforms, shopping via mobile devices, installing smart devices
banking for the first time. The result is that e-commerce is taking off or playing online games. It’s more important than ever that brands
and creating a vast new consumer base for companies. understand how to connect with online audiences.”
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Opportunities grow for foreign

investment in education sector
ASEAN countries have achieved considerable educational advances over This measures attainments by final year secondary school students in 72
the last 20 years, although standards are not consistent throughout. countries in mathematics, science, reading and problem solving.
The disparities that still exist have been highlighted by the impact of
Indonesia and its national educational budget is now decentralised
Covid-19 on schooling and the severe disruptions caused to teaching to the country’s 34 provinces and local administrations are able to
at all levels. Radically new approaches to providing educational services make independent decisions on school spending. This enables foreign
have become imperative, driven by a growing need to expand education. firms to approach provincial decision makers directly. Schools offering
One consequence is the greater encouragement being given both foreign language based education are in especially high demand.
to private sector involvement and foreign investment in education. There are now some 150 bilingual schools in Indonesia which offer
Consequently, investment opportunities for private sector participation are international qualifications.
increasing. These range across the whole educational spectrum including Opportunities are also growing for foreign universities to expand into
higher education, vocational training, teacher training, qualifications, the region. The US’ Duke University has a graduate medical school in
assessments and quality assurance, educational technology, to English Singapore. In 2021, Australia’s Melbourne based Monash University will
language training and international schools. become the first overseas higher education institution to open a campus
The size of the potential market is illustrated in Indonesia, which has in Indonesia.
the fourth largest education system in the world, with some 50 million Monash already has a campus in Malaysia, which also hosts campuses
students and three million teachers in more than 300,000 educational established by Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology and the
institutions nationwide. Education has seen an increase in private firms’ UK’s Nottingham University. RMIT, another Melbourne based university
participation since the sector was opened up to foreign ownership more and Australia’s largest tertiary educational institution, also has Vietnam
than a decade ago. based campuses in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The Indonesian Government is particularly focused on finding ways to Vietnam has around 3,000 private schools nationwide and there is
raise standards to at least meet the average score in the OECD’s tri-annual scope for many more to be established. Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of
global, Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report. Education and Training, Nguyen Van Phuc, has said that the inclusion
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E ducation
of international involvement in education is contributing to enhancing
the quality of teaching and helping to improve the country’s ranking
in global education classifications. At the end of 2019, around US$4.4
billion of foreign investment had reportedly been made in Vietnam
based education projects, with most of the investments made in the
previous five years.
Improving education standards, especially in STEM subjects is a priority
as the region transitions to more technology oriented modes of
educational delivery. As institutions have been forced to close during
the pandemic, internet connected methods of teaching have been a vital
tool throughout the world. Remote learning is becoming established as
an essential method for educational providers.
A McKinsey report concludes that despite the challenges involved “new
innovations based on the mobile internet, the cloud and big data can
improve the quality of education at all levels. Massive open online
courses can expand virtual enrollment, complement classroom teaching
and can be combined with interactive coursework that uses big data
driven adaptive learning tools.”
ASEAN also faces a widespread shortage of teachers. The recruitment of
additional English teachers will be of particular importance as economic pre-school children in Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand, focusing on
integration progresses and English becomes entrenched as the language English, mathematics and science linked games.
of business and manufacturing, McKinsey predicts.
The online learning market in all its manifestations is expanding rapidly
In recognition of such trends, governments are increasingly focused in as a result of the pandemic. In this area Malaysia is expected to reach
applying technology to connect students and teachers. New technology more than US$2 billion and Vietnam US$3 billion by 2023, according to
applications including video streaming, up and downloading of Ken Research.
audiovisual files, education gaming and live virtual tutoring are all part
Even before the pandemic struck, educational technology was drawing
of the mix.
increasing investor interest. The UK’s Pearson, through its Affordable
Gamified learning is also emerging as one of the popular applications Learning Fund, has also invested US$2.2 million in Indonesia’s HarukaEdu,
of education. Thailand’s Taamkru provides gamified lesson content for an online platform connecting students to digital degree courses.
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Over the last five years, some US$480 million of venture capital Singapore’s Geniebook, founded in 2016, says it can tailor individual
funding has been directed to 200 individual investments for education worksheets based on a student’s performance by using AI technology
technology. In 2018, Indonesia’s Ruangguru raised US$150 million of to identify where each person has room to improve and then delivers
investment and now reportedly has more than five million students customised assignments based on which areas need more practice.
on its platform. Educational software based firms such as Singapore’s XSeed and
The scope of educational technology is fast evolving, with mobile Vietnam’s Yola are among a number of fast expanding entrants
applications providing videos and practice tests as well as chat to digital education. The latter’s CEO, Tu Ngo, says the company’s
functions enabling students to connect with a standby tutor directly blended approach provides a template for future education in all
when needed. These functions as well as referrals for longer term help subjects. Ngo, a US Stanford University graduate and co-founder of the
are all part of the package offered by firms such as Ruangguru. company, envisages educational technology serving as supplementary
tools for schools and teachers. “I see many experimental innovative
With the shift towards online learning over the course of 2020, schools working with technology to redefine the school experience
Malaysia’s Ministry of Education launched its Digital Education altogether,” she says.
Learning Initiative Malaysia. The new system builds on previous digital
education programs with inputs from Google Classroom, Microsoft A vital factor in the extension of online learning is the use of
365 and Apple Teacher Learning Centre. The system is reported to smartphones using 4G and increasingly 5G networks to connect
have an average 1.7 million users monthly. with internet services. These devices are the bare minimum required
for teachers and fellow classmates to work in a virtual setting. They
Stanley Han, Founder and CEO of Singapore’s Koobits is quoted by have become a tangible alternative to computers as a result of their
Forbes: “I believe that a learner-centric platform, facilitated by technology, portability and ease of use.
will help democratise access to quality content and teaching.”
An estimated 40 million people across the region came online for the
He maintains that the platform will build easily across the region. first time in 2020. This development has in turn increased the number
Educational technology development in Asia has seen platforms that of internet users to almost 400 million, which represents 70% of
are able to successfully engage learners at scale. As a result, these the population.
students’ learning is becoming self-directed and collaborative in nature.
The availability of e-learning applications in smartphones is helping to
Teachers benefit from such platforms because their time is freed up to
expand and accelerate the growth of ASEAN’s education technology
do more important coaching and mentoring, he says.
market. Ed-tech promoters believe that technology can and will expand
Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered learning apps and programs access to education for students and also deliver more effective teacher
offer personalisation at a scale no human teacher could replicate. training, development and support programs.
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A world where business can succeed
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Risks to business in the ASEAN region

Ian Betts, Head of Risk Intelligence, Hill & Associates
Assessing and managing business risk is vital South and Myanmar’s Rakhine, particularly following
to any business seeking to enter or expand February’s military coup, are three examples. In the
in the ASEAN region. Ian Betts, Head of Risk Philippines there are prospects for peace in Mindanao, but
Intelligence at Hill & Associates, looks at the what about for the other conflicts in 2021-2022? Terrorism
key economic and political issues for companies continues to impact Indonesia, even though there has not
to consider. been a major attack for many years, so does terrorism still
The emergence of ASEAN pose a threat?
Asia today is one of the world’s most important economic What impact will a new US President have on
Ian Betts regions, encompassing enormous manufacturing ASEAN economies?
powerhouses that export around the globe. To the A change of President could impact on US foreign and
west in South Asia is India, a regional giant with trade policy in Asia and raises a number of questions.
growing influence on the sub-continent; to the east, What will a Biden presidency mean for ASEAN and
China, a world superpower, staking a claim to a seat broader political risk in the region? Will there be a “turning
at the highest table in matters of international affairs, to Asia” following four years of Trump’s “America First”?
commerce and industry. In terms of broader foreign policy, ASEAN countries must
Between them, the Association of Southeast Asian consider their positions with regard to developments such
Nations (ASEAN) has emerged as a vigorous and growing as the Quad, a new “alternative” power base, and the
C ase S tudy : H ill & A ssociates
trading bloc, a global hub of manufacturing, production Japan-Australia defence treaty.

and export, a leading trade partner for the EU, the US, Response and recovery from the pandemic
Japan and other regional powers, battered by the impacts Despite the positivity and magnitude of Asia, with all
of Covid-19 yet energised by the recent signing of of its tremendous diversity and extremes, its teeming
the RCEP. populations and challenging environments, the region’s
Challenges emerging to ASEAN’s production, supply chains, populations and economies
economic potential were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The
A number of ASEAN members are still struggling with associated risks will continue to have an impact on ASEAN,
internal conflicts: Indonesia’s Papua, Thailand’s Deep so how is it poised to bounce back?
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D efence & S ecurity
Facing up to the challenges of climate change
A number of significant stressors, both old and new, play on ASEAN
and threaten the stability of its peoples and its economies. Among
the greatest threats to the economies of the region are climate
change and global warming. ASEAN continues to face their long term
effects with damage to fragile environments and deep-seated social
change as societies respond to new trends and developments in work
and technology.
Political risks growing across ASEAN
National elections can have an impact on security too. Myanmar’s
in November 2020 was not approved by the powerful military
there, resulting in a coup in February this year. Regional elections in
Indonesia in December 2020 caused significant concern in what is
ASEAN’s largest economy. Malaysia too has seen some instability and
is currently under a state of emergency, and Thailand is facing frequent
political rallies, the likes of which have not been seen for years.
Preparing for natural disasters
The growing need for greater cybersecurity
When considering risk factors in the ASEAN region, the threat posed by
Data has emerged as an invaluable commodity, with entire industries
natural disasters cannot be ignored in a region impacted by tsunami,
and trillion dollar companies built on it. Indonesia is seeing a high
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions with the “Ring of Fire” at its core.
number of “unicorns” emerge as innovators exploit the new online
The monsoon climate brings annual floods and landslides. Heat waves
terrain and investors seek to benefit from e-commerce. But is the
and other unusual weather patterns are increasingly prevalent and the
region safe from the cybersecurity threats and data theft which are
impacts of global warming and climate change manifest in rising sea
becoming ever more prevalent?
levels, erosion and other environmental phenomena.
A continuing threat of terrorism
Hill & Associates
Terrorism still poses a significant threat to ASEAN countries. Militant
Hill & Associates were established in Hong Kong in 1992 and acquired
extremist groups operate throughout the Indian sub-continent and in
by G4S plc, the world’s largest security company, in 2009. We work
prominent Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia. Past terrorist
to mitigate the risks faced by our clients with innovative political risk
attacks by groups affiliated with either al-Qaeda or the so-called Islamic
analysis and strategic advisory solutions, focusing on security risk
State have targeted embassies, hotels, tourist attractions, shopping
management, corporate integrity, compliance and secure data systems.
malls and houses of worship, where expatriates, travellers and visitors
gather and meet. This is a risk that cannot be ignored. To learn more about us and our services, go to www.hill-assoc.com
101
Region continues to enhance

defence capabilities
ASEAN countries have varied their defence and security requirements to As a consequence of fast evolving strategic changes, armed forces within
combat not only the threat of direct military aggression but also includes the region are seen to move away from an almost exclusive focus on
terrorism, piracy, smuggling, organised crime, and the provision for counter insurgency and domestic stability, to external defence power
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. projection and conventional warfare. According to The Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), ASEAN’s military spending
The task of patrolling and providing security to the vast land and
increased by a third between 2009 and 2018, with armaments’ spending
maritime areas is particularly challenging. The Indonesian archipelago
doubling over the previous decade.
stretches over more than 3,000km for example, while Malaysia consists
of two land masses 1,000km apart. Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines An expanded modernised Singapore Navy is active in anti-piracy
and Thailand all extend for more than 1,500km north to south. operations which extend to the Gulf of Aden. Singapore has also been
supporting the international coalition against ISIS with the provision of
The Malacca Strait which connects the Indian Ocean and the South China
refuelling aircraft, imagery analysis and medical personnel.
Sea is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and one of the
most vulnerable, with more than 120,000 vessels passing through the Over the period 1999-2018, the region accounted for 8.1% of the global
sea lane annually. volume of imports of major military equipment. A substantial proportion
of imports were naval and combat aircraft, indicating a heavy focus on
China’s fast expanding rise as a regional military power combined with
maritime security. The keen interest in acquiring submarines, advanced
its claims in the South China Sea are becoming an increasingly pressing
anti-ship missiles and long-range combat aircraft shows an emphasis on
security concern for many ASEAN states. Perceptions of growing
deterrence and being prepared for military confrontation.
insecurity have led them to raise their military spending and import
increasingly advanced equipment, while cyber vulnerabilities are also of Singapore has six Swedish designed submarines and a submarine rescue
growing concern. vessel. Malaysia has two French built submarines and Vietnam has six
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Russian designed Kilo-class submarines. Thailand has acquired a Yuan-
class submarine from China with a second under consideration, while
Indonesia has two German-built Type 209 submarines.
Myanmar became the latest to acquire such vessels in December 2019,
with the purchase of a Russian designed Kilo-class submarine from the
Indian Navy. Two more vessels are reportedly to be supplied by Russia.
Vietnam and the Philippines are looking at building their own.
According to World Bank data, defence spending by ASEAN member
states, as a percentage of their GDP ranges from Lao PDR’s 0.2% to
Singapore’s 3.2%. Alongside Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei
Darussalam and Myanmar all recorded the highest figures.
The region is an active and expanding long term market for suppliers
of military and security equipment and services. During the course of
2021, Southeast Asia is due to host some 24 exhibitions and conferences
related to the military and security sectors in several countries including
Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. These events China has also shown itself to be especially flexible in supplying the
range from the Defence and Security Exhibition and Homeland Security region’s defence customers with highly competitive pricing in addition to
Expo events in Hanoi and the Global Security Asia and Milipol exhibitions technology transfers and involving local industry in the production and
in Singapore. maintenance of equipment.
Russian companies have for some time comprised the largest supplier However, there is no joint procurement of equipment and no country
of major military platforms, accounting for more than a quarter of all is willing to rely on a single source for military imports. Vietnam, for
deliveries over the last twenty years. Russian suppliers have shown instance, though it has been heavily dependent on Russian military
themselves open to barter trade to gain orders, with Indonesia equipment over several decades, is increasingly seeking to diversify by
purchasing Su-35 fighter jets in a US$1.14 billion deal involving payment looking at defence equipment from Europe, the US, Israel and India
in agricultural, palm and coffee and other Indonesian commodities, among others. The local defence equipment production capacity is also
according to Reuters. being developed, notably in terms of naval vessels and armaments.
103
The incremental efforts by ASEAN countries

to improve their wider external defence capabilities
are set to continue.
Most ASEAN countries have traditionally sourced their equipment from software to infect systems with spyware capable of collecting sensitive
a very wide range of countries and suppliers and are likely to continue information about the respective users.
to do so, to lessen the effect of political disputes and any potential Risks are increasing even for relatively advanced countries such as
embargo. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to be revealed Singapore, which in February 2020, was impacted when more than
on defence procurement, at least in the short term. Future spending is 14,000 people’s details logged on the country’s HIV registry were
likely to vary considerably between countries which have tended to link leaked less than a year after a major data breach at Sing Health, which
defence spending to the level of economic growth. compromised the data of one million people.
However, pre-Covid-19 threats have not receded while new concerns are While military sales are not always in the public domain most estimates
creating opportunities for specialist technology providers. A single major place Russia, the US, China and the UK as the largest suppliers. However,
cyber incident that blocks access to the internet can disrupt business the list of providers includes many from other countries including France,
operations, online education and healthcare provision as well as other Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Poland and Ukraine, according to
key public systems and networks. SIPRI assessments.
Several cyber-attacks in connection with the pandemic were reported in The defence market is widening as the region strives to strengthen in
2020. Taking advantage of increased app usage, hackers apply malicious vulnerable areas, especially those concerning cyber security. They are
104
keen to adopt innovative technological and scientific approaches
which take advantage of international expertise while also creating
wider cooperative frameworks.
Singapore is playing a leading role to build the cyber security capabilities
of other states. This involves courses and development activities to
support capacity building on several fronts, from AI to Big Data through
the ASEAN-Singapore Cyber Security Centre of Excellence.
Meanwhile the incremental efforts by ASEAN countries to improve their
wider external defence capabilities are set to continue, particularly in
naval areas and air defences against continuing tensions in the South
China Sea.
Cooperation sought to develop local defence industries
The larger economies now routinely insist on acquisition guidelines
which generally require suppliers to commit to direct offset investments
in local enterprises, technology transfers and domestic involvement in
Singapore has a well-developed arms industry capable of producing
some elements of production and after sales support.
advanced weapons systems of its own design, including armoured
Most countries have hitherto lacked the complex, interdependent vehicles, artillery and ships. Technology transfers and the involvement
capabilities in research, industry and organisation needed to design of local industry in production and support are common aspects
and produce advanced defence material. As a consequence, they still of its weapons imports. Singapore Technologies, for example, is an
spend significant sums to import equipment or assemble under licence. established globally integrated engineering group with capabilities in
aerospace, marine and land systems.
Indonesia has also acquired US F-16 combat aircraft and in
December 2019 agreed a joint US$7.36 billion project with South As countries strive to develop their own broader industrial capacities,
Korea to develop a new jet fighter designated the KAI KF-X, in partnerships with international defence players could provide an
which Indonesia would contribute 20% of the development cost. avenue for capability and knowledge transfers. This would enable
Netherlands shipbuilder Damen operates a shipyard in Vietnam and countries to grow not only their defence industry base but also benefit
is reportedly negotiating orders. adjacent industries, supply chains and local distribution networks.
105
Useful contacts
ASEAN
The ASEAN Secretariat
70A Jl. Sisingamangaraja
Jakarta 12110
Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 726 2991 or 724 3372
Web: www.asean.org
US-ASEAN Business Council

1101 17th St., NW Suite 411
Washington DC 20036
USA
Tel: +1 202 289 1911
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.us-asean.org
EU-ASEAN Business Council Secretariat

19/F Singapore Land Tower
50 Raffles Place
Singapore 048623
Tel: +65 6631 2751
Web: www.eu-asean.eu
UK-ASEAN Business Council

15th Floor, Millbank Tower
21-24 Millbank
London, SW1P 4QP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7828 3431
Web: www.ukabc.org.uk
106
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