ASEAN ADVANTAGES
DBS iWealth26 May 2025
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Key Highlights:

  • ASEAN’s multi-pillar growth: Driven by China+1, young demographics, infrastructure development, natural resources, and tourism boom.
  • Digital and private market expansion: ASEAN’s digital economy is set to reach USD1 trillion by 2030; private markets offer emerging investment opportunities.
  • Sectoral investment opportunities: Banking, tourism, manufacturing, and semiconductors stand out as key growth sectors.

 

Once known for the miraculous rise of the Four Asian Tigers (Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan), Asia is now witnessing the emergence of a new growth engine: ASEAN. Driven by strong domestic demand, booming tourism, abundant resources, and rising digital economies, ASEAN is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic regions. As the global landscape becomes increasingly multipolar, ASEAN stands out as a promising destination for investment and economic development.

 

ASEAN, comprising ten diverse economies, is stepping into the global spotlight as the next generation of Asian Tigers. With supportive demographics, evolving infrastructure, rich natural resources, and strong private sector momentum, ASEAN is positioned for sustainable long-term growth, despite global uncertainties.

 

  • China+1 Strategy:
    Companies are diversifying supply chains from China to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, benefiting manufacturing, electronics, and logistics sectors.
  • Demographic Dividend:
    With a population of over 670 million, ASEAN boasts the world’s third-largest labor force, offering strong support for consumption and innovation growth.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    Massive urbanization and climate change challenges create opportunities for private investments in sectors like renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, and telecommunications.
  • Natural Resource Wealth:
    ASEAN is a major supplier of key commodities, including palm oil, nickel, coal, and agricultural products, crucial for global supply chains and energy transition initiatives.
  • Tourism Rebound:
    ASEAN’s tourism industry is bouncing back rapidly, led by Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, fueled by pent-up demand and improved connectivity.
  • Digital Economy:
    ASEAN’s digital economy is set to hit nearly USD1 trillion by 2030, driven by rising tech adoption, fintech growth, and increasing data center investments.
  • Private Markets Potential:
    While private equity and venture capital slowed globally in 2023, ASEAN’s young startup scene, led by Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore, remains vibrant, offering selective investment opportunities.

 

ASEAN's growth is powered by five strategic pillars: China+1 opportunities, young demographics, accelerating infrastructure development, abundant natural resources, and tourism revival. Key sectors like banking, digital services, manufacturing, and private markets show strong prospects. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore are leading this regional transformation.

 

ASEAN is no longer a "sleeping giant" but a dynamic force in the global economy. While challenges such as regulatory complexity and infrastructure gaps remain, the region’s diversity, resilience, and digital acceleration make it an attractive landscape for long-term investors. As ASEAN steadily moves up the value chain, it cements its place as the "New Tigers of Asia."

 

Below are some products for consideration:

Index Fund

BNP Paribas Sri-Kehati

BNP Paribas IDX Growth 30

Big Cap Funds

Eastspring Investment Value Discovery

Schroder Dana Prestasi

Ashmore Dana Ekuitas Nusantara

Small Mid Cap Funds

Eastspring Investment Alpha Navigator

Ashmore Dana Progresif Nusantara

Schroder Dana Istimewa

 

 

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DISCLAIMER

This publication is distributed by PT Bank DBS Indonesia (DBSI). DBSI is licensed and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK). This publication is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to you to subscribe to or to enter into any transaction as described, nor is it calculated to invite or permit the making of offers to the public to subscribe to or enter into any transaction for cash or other consideration and should not be viewed as such.

 

 

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PT Bank DBS Indonesia (“DBSI”) is licensed and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK) and a member of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS). This publication is not and does not constitute or form part of any offer, recommendation, invitation or solicitation to you to subscribe to or to enter into any transaction as described, nor is it calculated to invite or permit the making of offers to the public to subscribe to or enter into any transaction for cash or other consideration and should not be viewed as such.