Emerging Strong: Investment Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Delivery

This report comes in PPT.

Key Findings

Key solutions to food security have created new technologies that need funding

Sustainability awareness and digitalisation have brought food security to the fore as a long-term focus, especially in Southeast Asian markets affected by volatile climates. Having drawn over USD370 billion in funding since 2010, start-ups have led the way in creating solutions like regenerative agriculture, smart farming, novel food and urban farming as key investment areas.

Increasing investments towards plastic circularity

Waste and recycling of plastic remain the top sustainability investment areas for companies in Southeast Asia. This is due to companies’ recognition of cost-saving potential, as well as government regulation on sustainability, which has influenced the packaging industry to pursue a more sustainable direction.

Digitalisation changing customer behaviours, transforming services and channels

Smartphones and the pandemic led to a rapid digitalisation of life in Southeast Asia. Both public and private investment have stimulated rapid growth of e-commerce, digital services and social media.

The increasing digital data in transactional and non-transactional (ie product search) customer behaviours benefits generative AI, impacting consumers and businesses.

The perception of healthier lifestyles will influence consumers’ preferences and generate innovations

Consumers in Southeast Asia have sustained their commitment to physical, dietary, and mental wellbeing through consistent engagement in enhanced health-related practices. Sectors focusing on wellness and safely-sourced food, as well as those offering health-tech services, are expected to experience a positive impact from this evolving consumer mindset.