Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a focal point for businesses aiming to diversify their supply chains, a trend amplified by the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. The “China Plus One” strategy, which encourages companies to avoid over-reliance on China’s market or supply chain, has driven many firms to expand their operations into countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Kuo-Yi Lim, co-founder and managing partner of Monk’s Hill Ventures, highlighted that “Southeast Asia is well-positioned to gain from the China+1 strategy, as both foreign and Chinese companies look to diversify their supply chains and operations.” The strategy, which gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, is seen as a move to mitigate risks associated with concentrated operations in China.
Recent data reflects this trend, with foreign direct investments into the ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam rising to $236 billion in 2023. This marks a significant increase from the annual average of $190 billion between 2020 and 2022, according to economists at OCBC. The investment flows primarily originated from the U.S., Japan, the European Union, Mainland China, and Hong Kong.
Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the manufacturing sector, attracting major companies like Apple, which is diversifying its production away from China. The country is now a key assembly location for Apple products such as MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches. The shift was partly driven by disruptions caused by COVID-19 measures in China.
Yinglan Tan, founding managing partner at Insignia Ventures Partners, noted that “Vietnam’s proximity to China and its competitive labor costs have long made it an attractive destination for supply chains.” Additionally, Vietnam’s extensive free trade agreements facilitate easier exports to markets like the European Union, enhancing its appeal as a manufacturing hub.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the semiconductor industry has seen significant investments from major firms including Intel, GlobalFoundries, and Infineon. This growth has been fueled by Malaysia’s skilled labor force in chip packaging, assembly, and testing, coupled with relatively lower operational costs.
Kuo-Yi Lim from Monk’s Hill Ventures pointed out that Malaysia’s established semiconductor sector has been revitalized, attracting renewed interest from global companies. Moreover, the country is witnessing increased investments in data centers and sectors like solar and electric vehicle components.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s rich deposits of essential minerals like copper, nickel, cobalt, and bauxite are crucial for electric vehicle (EV) battery production, positioning it as a potential hub for the EV industry. The government is actively encouraging EV companies to establish local manufacturing bases through various incentives.
Anders C. Johansson, director at the Stockholm China Economic Research Institute, mentioned that Chinese manufacturers are also expanding their production into Indonesia. The Indonesian government recently signed agreements with four Chinese firms—Neta, Wuling, Chery, and Sokon—to support the country’s ambitions to become an EV production hub. Chinese EV maker BYD is planning to start commercial production in Indonesia by 2026.
Singapore
Singapore continues to be a strategic destination for companies setting up regional headquarters and expanding across Asia. According to ASEAN Briefing, the city-state offers a stable base with strong financial and regulatory infrastructure, attracting global businesses and startups alike.
Yinglan Tan of Insignia Ventures Partners stated that Singapore has become a prime location for entrepreneurs to establish global operations, benefiting from the city’s robust business environment. Companies like TikTok and Shein have chosen Singapore for their regional headquarters, leveraging its status as a trusted hub in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
As firms navigate the complexities of international trade and supply chain logistics, Southeast Asia’s role as a diversified and resilient manufacturing hub continues to grow, offering a viable alternative to the concentrated operations in China.
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