Destinations

First of all – What is ASEAN?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, called ASEAN, is formed by the 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its establishment in 1967 had as its goals strengthening economic, social, and political cooperation as well as balancing political conflicts between these nations.

Check out the following short video to learn more about ASEAN.

Chosen Destinations

Each year we aim to visit interesting cities that give us an understanding of the culture and business conducted in the ASEAN region.

For this year’s theme “Beyond Growth: Embracing Digitalization and Robotics in Circular Economy”, we have picked three countries that will give us a deeper insight into our chosen areas of interest.

Our journey will take us to two of ASEAN’s founding countries, Singapore and Thailand, as well as to Vietnam, which joined the Association back in 1995.

Welcome to Singapore, a fascinating destination in the heart of Southeast Asia. Its impressive economic development has made the country one of the world’s leading technology, finance, and trading hubs. It is known for its modern infrastructure, its affinity for technology and its high standards of sustainable business.

It is therefore not surprising that Singapore is often referred to as one of the leading countries in sustainability and innovation. One of their main focuses is to turn themselves into a smart nation with an ongoing commitment to cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With that forward-thinking approach they manage to attract companies seeking a sustainable and technology-driven environment.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an environmental advocate or simply someone who appreciates progress, Singapore has something to offer for you. Join us on this journey to explore this incredible country together!

Next stop: Thailand. A stunning country that impresses with a diverse economic structure. At its center is the export industry, accounting for 60% of the country’s GDP. Producing, among other goods, cars, car parts, electronic devices, and computers that are valued worldwide.

Another historically crucial sector of the economy is agriculture. Although it contributes only around 6 % to the country’s GDP, more than a third of the population works in this sector, representing a significant number of people employed. Apart from that, Thailand is well known for its tourism. From gorgeous beaches to historic temples, it offers a wide range of travel experiences that attract visitors from all around the world.

Join us on this captivating journey through Thailand’s vibrant economy and culture and learn more about their digitalization and sustainability efforts!

Last but not least: Vietnam, which managed to transform itself into one of the fastest-growing economies over the last few decades. This success is based on investor-friendly policies and low-cost conditions, especially in terms of labour. The country is now a major player in the international supply chain for products such as clothing, footwear, and electronics. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Samsung operate production facilities in Vietnam.

Despite these successes, however, challenges remain, such as improving infrastructure, securing energy supplies, and raising the education level of the workforce. Nevertheless, Vietnam continues to be a fascinating example of economic advancement and continues to attract the interest of investors worldwide.

Come along on Vietnam’s dynamic journey of economic progress, where you’ll encounter bustling manufacturing centers and breathtaking landscapes