Southeast Asia Archives - Asia Pathways

Supporting the creative economy for sustainable development in Southeast Asia

Pitchaya Sirivunnabood / September 3, 2021

Many efforts have been made in Southeast Asia to support creative industries and boost the creative economy, realizing the ability of knowledge-based economic activities to foster income generation, job creation, and export earnings while promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity, and human development (UNCTAD 2010: 10).

Climate change, Energy, Finance sector development

Green bonds show promise for financing energy-efficient buildings in Southeast Asia

Anant Kapoor / August 3, 2021

The member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been experiencing a surge in energy demand due to their growing populations, expanding economies, and rising living standards. One reason for this rising energy demand is increased activity in the building and construction sector.

Governance and public sector management

Law, culture, and innovation

Douglas Cumming / November 27, 2017

Many aspects of motivating innovation are painfully obvious, but much research on the topic is segmented depending on the particular issue of interest and the available data for examining that issue.

Seamstresses working for a small garment-making business in Indonesia

Finance sector development

4 ways to boost SME access to finance from commercial banks in ASEAN

Ganeshan Wignaraja / October 6, 2015

Concerns about moderating economic growth and rising income inequality in ASEAN economies have brought small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the policy limelight. Arguing that SMEs have significant potential for creating jobs, some commentators are suggesting a host of industrial policies such as financial subsidies and local content rules to promote SMEs. However, government failure may result from heavy-handed state intervention for SMEs.

Regional cooperation and integration

Potential gains from closer cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia

Ganeshan Wignaraja / March 4, 2015

South Asian and Southeast Asian economies have all embraced an outward-oriented development strategy, albeit to different degrees. The result has been an impressive increase in international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and significant productivity improvements, which in turn have contributed to important socio-economic gains. Indeed, some of these economies have delivered among the most striking economic performances in the world.