Southeast Asia and its China Plus One' supply chain are feeling the fallout from the US trade war. Southeast Asia was one of the biggest winners from United States President Donald Trump's trade war with China in 2018, luring manufacturers to the region to avoid new tariffs on Chinese goods. It benefitted from investment, tax revenues and technology transfers that came with the expanding China Plus One supply chain concept.
Millions of tons of discarded electronics from the United States are being shipped overseas, much of it to developing countries in Southeast Asia unprepared to safely handle hazardous waste, according to a new report by an environmental watchdog. The Seattle-based Basel Action Network, or BAN, said a two-year investigation found at least 10 U.S. companies exporting used electronics to Asia and the Middle East, in what it says is a "hidden tsunami" of electronic waste.
The cornerstone of Kirin's global strategy centers on the establishment of Kirin Brewery Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which officially launched on October 1st as the company's dedicated Southeast Asia regional headquarters. This strategic positioning reflects the growing importance of the Southeast Asian market in the global food and beverage industry, where rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences create unprecedented opportunities for premium beverage brands.
Having the opportunity to travel and work at the same time is a great privilege and one I enjoy immensely. However, unlike 'normal' travelers or vacationers, as a digital nomad, you have to be a bit more selective about where you go. Will the area have good WiFi? Are there co-working spots or cafés quiet enough where you can make a call? Is the cost of living manageable in the long run?
Over 280 million Southeast Asians, about 40% of the region's population, identify as Muslim. That's spawned demand for goods and services that cater to a more Islamic lifestyle. It's more than just halal food: Muslim consumers also demand more modest fashion or cosmetics that don't use pig-derived products or alcohol. Even Southeast Asia's finance sector is becoming more halal. Islamic finance in Southeast Asia totaled roughly $859 billion in 2023, up from $754 billion in 2020.
"Even as they face among the most punitive tariffs globally, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has sought to reassure southeast Asian nations of Washington's commitment to the region."
Together, the two have created a collaboration that serves as a cultural conduit. It's about more than just limited-edition gear - it's about capturing the soul of a scene and amplifying voices often overlooked in global conversations.
Sea's digital financial services arm, rebranded to Monee, achieved nearly 35% growth last year, reaching $2.4 billion, showcasing the growing demand for fintech in the region.
"This is organized crime with a really high degree of sophistication and the continued adoption of new technology," Hofmann told DW. "The industry is growing and becoming more complex almost on a daily basis."
"People are very worried about their check-ins. They are dedicated to complying with their reporting requirements and want to continue to comply as they have been doing for years, but they are also afraid to report based on what they have seen on the news."