There is no doubt that the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with its huge population and rapid economic development, is the most important market for the global chemicals industry. But even after taking India and China’s multi-billion populations out of the mix, one is left with a slice of great significance: The Southeast Asia (SEA) region, home to 600 million people spread across 11 countries, and with an aggregate economy growing faster than most others over the last 10 years.

However, this grand SEA population, the fourth largest trade bloc in the world after China, India, and Europe, is also one of the most diverse – the idiosyncrasies of language, culture, religion, geography, politics, and economy leaving the region fragmented and struggling to present itself as one. Broken up into individual countries, the region diminishes its global significance, as well as its collective force to attract investment.

Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and The Philippines are all competing for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the chemicals sector. The region would become more competitive to international investors if it learned to act more as one – for instance, by developing upstream-to-downstream regional value chains and by focusing on complementary differentiating points, rather than competing ones. Investments in any ASEAN nation can benefit the entire region if these are guided to an equal extent by consid- erations of differentiation and integration. This would lead to the development of a complete and self-sustaining regional ecosystem.

TESTIMONIALS

“GBR has produced an excellent first edition of Southeast Asia Chemicals. Its timely publication highlights the significance of the region as a manufacturing, logistics and trading hub for chemicals. Insights from key players provide an overview of the current state and future direction of the regional chemical industry, as well as its inevitable global impact. Throughout the research period in Malaysia in early 2023, it was a pleasant experience for CICM to collaborate with the GBR team. The Southeast Asia Chemicals 2023 is undoubtedly the result of hard work and the high standard of professionalism by the GBR team. Well done GBR!” - Dato’ Muhtar Hashim, Executive Director, Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia

“I had the pleasure to contribute to GBR’s newest project, the Southeast Asia Chemicals 2023 report, with a special focus on Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The comprehensive report covers first-hand insights from industry leaders, which drives the originality and informative content produced. Personally, I am also impressed by the professionalism displayed by the dynamic GBR team. All the best!” - Marko Murtonen, MD/Senior VP, BASF Petronas Chemicals, Malaysia

"GBR provides an extensive platform for Kuantan Port to share our story and updates with key players in the chemical industry, particularly within the ASEAN region. Collaborating with GBR on the Southeast Asia Chemical Week Report 2023 has given significant industry knowledge. Congratulations to the GBR team for producing a well-structured and balanced report that caters to both chemical and non-chemical stakeholders." - Vino Kumar, CEO, Kuantan Port

“The interview process went very smoothly as the GBR team demonstrated professionalism with a very human touch. The selection of the interviewees in each targeted country was made in a very purposeful manner which led to high quality interviews and content.” - Thomas Philipon, CEO, TotalEnergies Corbion

“The focus on chemical production and logistics within the Asia-Pacific region in the most recent GBR book was impeccable. OURAY was very happy to participate by providing our prospective on the region’s growth and existing strengths. Our clients value the insight from these articles, and we are happy to add value wherever we can.” - Aaron Montgomery, President and CEO, OURAY

“The GBR teams are absolutely professional, asking the right questions and knowing the industry trends. I also enjoyed reading the insightful reports, which included a great review of the industry dynamics. Keep it up!” - Kenny Teh, Managing Director, Air Liquide Malaysia

“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with GBR on the latest report on Southeast Asia Chemicals. GBR has managed to provide a platform to delve into current trends, developments and elaborate insights into the various chemical sectors. Certainly, this will serve as a good information base for industry leaders to explore and stay up to date.” - Jerry Looi, CEO, Asta Chemicals (Astachem)

"We had a wonderful experience working with the GBR team for our interview. Their team is professional, easy to work with and they asked eloquent questions. The GBR reports are always informative and provide a comprehensive view of the chemical industry in our region – highly recommended to those interested in gaining valuable insights into the industry." - Paul Chan, Managing Director, Jebsen & Jessen Ingredients Thailand

“My interview with the GBR was fantastic and fun! They made me comfortable and engaged throughout the process. Their professionalism, warmth, and genuine interest in our company solutions for a better livestock production in the future and my local market experience left a remarkable and uplifting impact on me.” - Charttrawat (Tony) Apinyapanich, CMO, NeoSci

“GBR's latest report provides valuable and comprehensive insight on the current goings-on in the chemical industry in Malaysia. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and present Leschaco's views and activities whereby we appreciate the high level of professionalism and courtesy of the GBR team.” - Lothar Lauszat, Managing Director, Leschaco Malaysia

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with you on these publications and are delighted with the outcome. Your dedication to providing valuable content about the chemical industry is evident, and we are glad to have been a part of it. We genuinely enjoyed working with you and your team and hope to have the chance to collaborate again in the future.” - Akbar Thayoob, President, Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA)