My highlights from the E-Conomy SEA Report

The numbers are in for Southeast Asia!

Some high-level insights:

- Despite macroeconomic storms in 2023, Southeast Asia stays strong.

- The region has more headroom for growth.

- Consumer confidence is rebounding.

Southeast Asia isn't just holding its ground;

It's reaching for the skies. That means greater opportunities for those who know where to look.

Here are key reasons why I think Southeast Asia is just getting started:

❇️Advantageous workforce and consumer base

- Southeast Asia's population reached more than 655 million in 2023.

- Approximately 34% of the population is under 30 years old.

- Favourable demographics with growing digital adoption.

❇️Steady economic growth

- Southeast Asia's GDP is expected to grow at a rate of around 5.4% annually.

- The region’s middle class is expected to expand to over 350 million by 2030.

- Growing affluence and demand for quality goods and services.

❇️Continuous urbanised opportunities

- Urban population is growing at an annual rate of 3%.

- Main cities are becoming more of an economic hub.

- The region is primed for more startup opportunities.

❇️Geopolitical position

- It maintains a politically neutral position in the international landscape.

- Not marred by large-scale, disruptive conflicts or power struggles.

- A conducive environment to attract global investments.

These trends are tailwinds for the region’s growth. Though there are still areas investors are concerned about, I believe these will be non-concerns in the mid-term if well placed.

🔴 Fragmented nature of markets > ✅ Localised expansion strategies

🔴 Lack of IPO market > ✅ Rise in B2B M&A transactions for exits

🔴 Six-year low in private funding > ✅ $15+B in dry powder I don’t know about you, but I remain bullish on our region and it’s growth.

What do you think?

P.S. Stats from report by Google , Bain & Company , Temasek