There are 10 varied and challenging national storylines unfolding in ASEAN – and businesses need to join these conversations. Juggling the many demands of an increasingly complex stakeholder universe – from consumers to politicians, regulators to society at large – will require an understanding of the wide array of domestic and regional political risks in ASEAN. While there are some challenges that are common to many countries in ASEAN, the level of risk and trend direction vary.

There are several questions on geostrategy in the region: Will rising populism ultimately reinforce economic nationalism? Will ASEAN react to global protectionism by putting up new barriers? What will policy uncertainty and corruption mean for businesses operating in the region? What lies ahead in the next 50 years of ASEAN?

In this publication, we address some of the risks and overarching political trends that will affect government, regulation and policy in the region. What emerges through our analysis is a picture of potential: despite the geopolitical risks, new and exciting opportunities are evolving. Especially in key sectors, such as financial services, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, e-commerce, retail and real estate. Our objective is for business leaders to maintain focus on the big ideas while being aware, but not distracted, by the inevitable political squalls that come and go.