Editor profile
Editor, Digital ASEAN
Sarah Lim explores the rapid growth of Southeast Asia's digital ecosystem, from e-commerce giants to fintech innovators. She investigates how technology is reshaping consumer behavior and platform economies across the region.
sarah.lim@aseaninsight.orgStarting from the discussion in the Bangkok Post, this paper analyzes the complementary and competitive relationship between Thailand's deep industrial ecosystem and Vietnam's dynamic growth in attracting investment in the ASEAN region.
Against the global backdrop of rising protectionism, how can ASEAN sustain growth through trade connectivity? This article analyzes the underlying reasons for the stagnation of intra-ASEAN trade from perspectives such as regional industrial division of labor, non-tariff barriers, and digital governance divergence, and assesses the strategic significance of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan 2026-2035 and Singapore's 2027 rotating chairmanship.
According to data from Adjust.com, Southeast Asian e-commerce apps accounted for over 40% of the region's e-commerce market in 2022, with continued growth expected in 2023. This article analyzes the far-reaching impact of this trend on regional development from the perspectives of ASEAN economic integration, supply chain restructuring, and digital infrastructure.
From the perspective of the ASEAN Community, this article analyzes how the process of industrialization in Southeast Asia reshapes the division of labor in regional industrial chains, cross-border trade, and resource strategy, and explores its new coordinates in the restructuring of global supply chains.
The Asia-Pacific construction market is projected to reach $7.48 trillion by 2034, with ASEAN countries emerging as core growth poles driven by rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure development. Based on the latest industry reports, this article analyzes the drivers and constraints of markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and explores how trends like prefabrication and green standards are reshaping regional competitiveness.
The e-commerce platform market in Singapore is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 16%, far exceeding the global average. This growth not only reflects the vitality of local digital consumption, but also marks the accelerated rise of Singapore as a digital trade hub in the ASEAN region, exerting a profound impact on regional supply chains, fintech, and economic integration.
From the perspective of ASEAN regional economy, this article analyzes the strategic cooperation between Junfa·New Luosiwan and SF International, exploring the supply chain upgrades and new cross-border trade ecosystem of Yunnan as China's gateway to South and Southeast Asia.
Analyzing key trends in Vietnam's e-commerce market in 2026 from an ASEAN regional perspective, covering scale growth, platform competition, consumption upgrades, cross-border exports, and structural challenges, providing deep insights for regional investors and enterprises.
HKTDC survey shows that 91% of mainland Chinese enterprises plan to expand into ASEAN, with Malaysia becoming a focus. This article analyzes Malaysia's industrial upgrading, Hong Kong's role as a platform, and trends in regional supply chain restructuring.
In 2023, ASEAN's electricity demand grew by 3.6%, all met by coal and gas, with the share of renewable energy declining. The region needs to expand renewable capacity by 3-5 times, but grid interconnection and insufficient investment pose challenges.
ASEAN is accelerating market integration and industrial upgrading. The upgrade of ATIGA, the DEFA agreement, and energy cooperation plans are injecting new momentum into the regional economy. This article analyzes investment trends and opportunities for the next five years from the perspective of regional synergy.
The Ministry of Labour of Cambodia, in collaboration with SCAN Industrial Services Company, has launched an industry-led skills training program directly aligned with the demands of manufacturing jobs. This model reflects the human capital challenges and solutions in the relocation of manufacturing within ASEAN.
SCAN Industrial Services and Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor have launched an industry-led skills training cooperation, directly linking vocational training with manufacturing employment. This initiative not only concerns Cambodia’s own industrial upgrading but also reflects the human capital competition in the ASEAN region against the backdrop of manufacturing relocation.
ASEAN consumers are shifting from search engines to AI assistants and super apps for discovering information, leading to a decline in traditional website traffic. This article analyzes three major content strategy transformations that regional digital leaders must undertake: from keywords to conversations, from quantity to authority, and from owned channels to a seamless omnichannel experience.
Guangzhou Port Group and Maersk have signed a strategic cooperation memorandum, focusing on the upgrade of Nansha Port into a core Asia-Pacific hub. This article analyzes from an ASEAN perspective how this cooperation will affect regional trade logistics, supply chain resilience, and the port competition landscape.
ASEAN plans to build five submarine power cables by 2040, but beyond technical feasibility, the lack of a regional governance framework is the biggest bottleneck. This article analyzes three governance gaps: planning, cost allocation, and marine coordination, as well as the lessons from European experience for ASEAN.
The strategic alliance between World Bridge Group and DRSB Express will promote the development of cross-border e-commerce and logistics in Cambodia, enhance its position in the ASEAN regional supply chain, and facilitate the improvement of digital trade infrastructure.
This article analyzes the energy security challenges faced by ASEAN, including the vulnerability of the Malacca Strait, dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy potential, supply chain risks, and great power competition, and proposes a regional cooperation framework to enhance economic resilience.
Myanmar's fintech struggles to survive amid political turmoil, sanctions, and weak infrastructure. Its development trajectory reflects the geopolitical risks and inclusivity challenges faced in the ASEAN financial integration process.
Based on the latest Deloitte report, analyze the impact of India's economic outlook on ASEAN regional trade, supply chains, and investment flows.