The Rising Power of Southeast Asia

For decades, Southeast Asia stood in the shadow of China. That narrative is changing. The region, spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, is fast becoming one of the most dynamic areas of the global economy. Unlike China’s vast landmass, Southeast Asia stretches across thousands of islands and coastlines, producing a rich mix of cultures, industries and opportunities. Today, bold ambitions, regional cooperation and rapid economic transformation are pushing the region firmly into the spotlight.

Historically, proximity was the main link between the region’s 11 nations, each with its own political systems, languages and international affiliations. Now, the shared goal is growth. A major driver has been the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), established in the 1990s and now working towards the AEC Blueprint 2025. Much like the European Union, the AEC envisions a single market approach, harmonising standards, easing trade and fostering stronger integration both locally and globally. This gradual alignment has been a key factor in attracting foreign investment and encouraging domestic industries to compete on a global scale.

Against this backdrop, the wire Southeast Asia 2025 exhibition opens in Bangkok from 17–19 September. Running alongside Tube Southeast Asia, GIFA and Metec, the event showcases the growth of the region’s wire and cable sector. Since its launch in 1995, and now in its 16th edition, wire Southeast Asia has become the leading trade exhibition in the region, offering a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and international business. Previous editions have drawn thousands of visitors from more than 50 countries, and this year’s show is expected to be one of the most significant yet as industry leaders look to tap into ASEAN’s momentum.

The Asia-Pacific wire and cable market, valued at around $200bn before the 2023 show, is forecast to grow by up to 4.5% annually through the end of the decade. ASEAN economies are outpacing that, fuelled by electrification, digitalisation and industrial expansion. For global manufacturers, this translates into long-term opportunities across the entire wire and cable ecosystem, from power transmission and fibre optics to specialist coatings and machinery.

One emblematic project is the Australia Asia PowerLink (Sun Cable). Backed by private investment, this ambitious scheme will generate solar energy in Australia’s Northern Territory and deliver it to Singapore through the world’s longest HVDC undersea cable. Once operational, it could supply up to 15% of Singapore’s electricity needs, a remarkable step for a nation that imports almost all of its energy. Despite entering administration in 2023, the project was revived under new ownership and secured environmental approval from the Australian government in August 2024. Energy delivery to Darwin is targeted for 2030, with Singapore to follow. Combining large scale solar, battery storage and subsea transmission, the project promises to reshape the regional energy landscape while spurring further growth in high-tech, power-hungry industries.

Urbanisation is also transforming demand. Bangkok hosts the wire show because it sits at the heart of one of the fastest-growing cable-making hubs in Southeast Asia, alongside Vietnam and the Philippines. Thailand is investing heavily in transport links, a new terminal for Suvarnabhumi airport and major industrial estates. Singapore is pushing forward with smart buildings, data centres and grid modernisation, alongside its role in Sun Cable. Indonesia, the largest consumer and producer, is advancing vast urbanisation and infrastructure programmes. Vietnam remains a significant importer, largely from China, while Thailand ranks as the third largest exporter with a pivotal role in supply chains. Malaysia’s electrical and electronics sector is equally vital, accounting for 40% of national exports.

The statistics highlight the scale of what is happening. Asia-Pacific’s economy is expected to expand by 60% over the next eight years. AEC nations alone are investing $27bn annually in renewables, though this will only replace around a quarter of their generating capacity. Undersea power supply projects will accelerate demand, with Vietnam planning at least 10 new subsea cable systems by 2030. That will bring its total to 15 systems with a combined capacity of 350 Tbps, two of them fully Vietnamese-owned and directly linked to key regional data hubs. It is a bold strategy to improve both data resilience and international connectivity.

For companies in the wire and cable industry, these shifts mean opportunity at every level. Growing cities need power distribution networks and telecoms. Expanding data centres demand fibre optics and advanced cabling solutions. And renewable megaprojects such as offshore wind and solar require large-scale investment in subsea and HVDC cables. With ASEAN economies working to localise supply chains and reduce reliance on imports, international firms are also finding fresh incentives to partner with local manufacturers.

Challenges remain. In August 2025, the United States introduced tariffs of 10% to over 40% on imports from Southeast Asia. The move was aimed squarely at China, which has previously sidestepped US tariffs by relocating export production to ASEAN, especially Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. These countries saw a sharp rise in manufacturing investment, but Washington’s new measures seek to clamp down on that “trans-shipping” strategy.

The impact has been significant. Vietnam’s tariffs fell from 46% to 20% only after agreeing to greater US imports and concessions. Singapore, despite having a trade deficit with the US, was still hit with a base 10% tariff. These measures may alter trade patterns in the medium term, depending on whether future US administrations keep them in place. For now, regional governments are treading carefully, balancing the need to maintain export growth with the reality of tighter trade conditions.

Even so, ASEAN’s growth prospects remain strong. Projections suggest the bloc could expand by 5% to 8% annually in the next decade, compared with 4.5% across Asia Pacific. This growth will be driven by smart grids, renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure. Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, with its billions invested in roads, ports, water systems and industrial parks, is just one example of how the region is preparing for the future.

It is little wonder that wire Southeast Asia 2025 is being met with such anticipation. There may be concerns about tariffs, but optimism far outweighs them. For the global wire and cable industry, the show is more than a biennial exhibition. It is a window into one of the world’s most exciting growth stories, and a clear sign that Southeast Asia is no longer a supporting act. It is stepping into the lead role on the global stage.