Five keys for driving resilient growth in ASEAN

 1] Expanding market access through local public and private partnerships

The EUABC[ii] 2020 Business Sentiment Survey reported that EU companies viewed ASEAN as the region with the best economic opportunities for the next five years.[1] Regional economic integration and progress on trade facilitation will be crucial to the region’s sustained economic recovery. As one of ASEAN’s main investors, the EU has committed to stepping up its economic efforts to speed up ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery. In fact, our survey indicates that 68% of respondents give high importance to local partnerships to increase market presence in ASEAN[iii].

Innovation opportunity: Explore options for “coopetition”

European companies entering or expanding across ASEAN markets can consider coopetition: partnering with international or local competitors in specific areas to facilitate and accelerate their market entry. This could involve collaborating with competitors outside core business areas to achieve synergies. For example, companies can consider sharing “economy logistics” to reduce fixed costs and investments. 

2] Building resilience by diversifying production networks and supply chains 

Geopolitical tensions and COVID-19-related disruptions are forcing manufacturers to reassess their supply chains to mitigate risk exposure and increase resilience. The recent Suez Canal six-day blockage, which prevented an estimated 9.6 billion USD worth of trade among Europe, Asia and the Middle East, starkly illustrates how disruptive events are set to become the norm.[2] Rising labour costs, tightening environmental standards and increased tariffs are pushing manufacturers to adopt a China Plus One strategy. ASEAN stands out as an attractive alternative with its geographical proximity, openness to foreign investment and lower labour costs. 

Different economic priorities, production capabilities and infrastructure quality characterise the industrial landscape of ASEAN. Thailand and Malaysia have more advanced manufacturing in industries such as automotive and aviation while countries like Vietnam will continue to focus on labour-intensive production for the near future. BMW, Audi and, more recently, ZF Friedrichshafen have located production plants in Vietnam’s automotive cluster in Northern Vietnam. Singapore is well-positioned for European companies within advanced or high-tech manufacturing; Dyson recently announce­­­d plans to hire 250 more engineers and scientists in Singapore by 2025. Managing and maintaining liquidity will be as paramount as supply chain diversification for ensuring resilience. 

Innovation opportunity: Supply chain resilience, not cost, will be the future key measure of success[iv] 

Making supply chain diversification part of an overall strategy will allow European organisations to be more flexible and better anticipate, adapt to and recover from events in an uncertain environment. Companies should adopt a holistic approa­­ch to risk diversification that extends beyond supply and production networks and encompasses operations, systems, data and people. 

3] Driving digital transformation and cyber resilience

Currently, 43% of European companies surveyed plan to execute digital transformation programmes to drive resilient growth in the region[v]. Developing a holistic digital transformation and connectivity framework will depend on advanced data analytics to provide end-to-end visibility and enable different parts of the supply chain to be linked in real time.[vi] European companies – especially those selling consumer products such as food and cosmetics – will need to enhance data capabilities to enable cross-border transactions. This will involve preparing logistics to facilitate the free flow of goods and services across borders, establishing financial connectivity to facilitate cash flows and payments, and ensuring seamless links between cyberspace and the physical parts of the e-commerce network.

Adopting an “assumed breach” approach to cybersecurity resilience is the most effective measure for the foreseeable future. ASEAN countries still face significant challenges related to digital trust, particularly when it comes to ensuring data protection and digital identities in online transactions.[3] Our survey results indicate that only 8% of European companies currently have plans to strengthen cybersecurity as a priority initiative.

4] Investing in sustainability through sustainable supply chains and infrastructure

ASEAN has experienced first-hand the detrimental effects of climate change on resources, supply chains and society at large. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are shaping the agenda for both governments and corporates. This region presents several opportunities for investors: green infrastructure to reinforce environmental developments, alternative financing to support social impact, and enhanced governance and collaboration to enable a coordinated recovery from the drastic economic consequences of the pandemic.[4] European companies must conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that shortlisted ASEAN locations do not promote contradictory laws or practices.[5] Organisations will need to ensure that sustainable practices are adopted across their supply chains and network of local suppliers. Collaboration with local partners will be key to driving those efforts.

Innovation opportunity: Strengthening local capabilities for sustainability

Seeing that achieving carbon neutrality is a global endeavour, companies should work with their ASEAN counterparts to build the capabilities and infrastructure for incorporating sustainability into local business operations. Bosch and BASF, for example, are driving carbon neutrality and circular economy in Southeast Asia by building photovoltaic systems to tap into the region’s access to solar energy.

5]  Enhancing governance and risk management practices

ASEAN does not have established corporate governance or reporting standards despite efforts toward integration and improving regulatory oversight. Companies looking to expand into ASEAN should strengthen their own governance and risk management frameworks beyond the minimum standards of regulatory compliance. COVID-19 has reinforced the need to rebuild trust among different stakeholders including governments, corporates and societies. New models and standards must encompass the needs and interests of all stakeholders, whilst managing the business impact on society and the environment with adequate transparency.

Political and cultural differences can be a potential risk for European companies entering ASEAN, especially those engaging in formal partnerships with local firms or government bodies. Our pulse survey discovered that the types of risks associated with operating in ASEAN include geopolitical uncertainty, trade conflicts, health crises, drops in consumer spending, regulatory issues, talent scarcity, climate change and cyber threats.

Innovation opportunity: Look beyond “hard” governance metrics to build trust with stakeholders

As companies increasingly focus on purposeful growth and driving “profits with purpose,” they must also focus on “softer” aspects – such as building trust among suppliers and employees, and collaborating with stakeholders on ESG agendas. For example, as part of the Shell’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it has involved its shareholders in the company’s Energy Transition Strategy and implemented a control framework that applies across all its businesses.