September 2026
ASEAN Venture closes its first portfolio as Europe moves deeper into Southeast Asia
ASEAN Venture
Europe · Southeast Asia
The latest EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment Survey 2026 confirms a strong and continuing shift in European business confidence towards Southeast Asia.
61% of European business leaders now rank ASEAN as offering the strongest economic opportunities among major emerging markets, the fourth consecutive year the region has taken the top position.
78% expect their trade and investment in ASEAN to increase over the next five years, up from 71% in 2025, and the same share plan to expand their operations in at least one ASEAN market. 54% are looking to expand across three or more ASEAN markets.
61%
rank ASEAN as offering the strongest opportunities among major emerging markets
78%
expect their trade and investment in ASEAN to increase over the next five years
67%
of companies recalibrating supply chains are considering the region
ASEAN is also becoming an increasingly important destination for supply-chain diversification: 67% of companies recalibrating their supply chains are considering the region, compared with 29% for South Asia and 24% for China.
Within ASEAN, Malaysia and Thailand rank jointly third for planned European expansion, at 49%, behind Vietnam and Indonesia.
For ASEAN Venture, these findings reinforce the rationale behind a platform that is already operating on the ground in Malaysia.
We work from the priorities and needs emerging across the region, identifying requirements across technology, investment, industrial capabilities and talent, and developing potential win-win opportunities at governmental and industrial level.
“The European interest in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly tangible. Our objective with ASEAN Venture is to be on the ground where that interest meets real regional priorities, and to connect the right technology, industrial capabilities and capital to the opportunities that emerge.”
Against this backdrop, ASEAN Venture has now closed its first portfolio of selected European technology and industrial companies, spanning areas including AI and advanced computing, digital infrastructure, energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, industrial technology, semiconductors and electronics, connectivity, maritime technology, and resilience and dual-use capabilities.
“The opportunity in Southeast Asia goes well beyond individual company expansion. Across the region, we are seeing a growing convergence between industrial priorities, technology needs and investment opportunities. ASEAN Venture is building from that convergence — identifying where European capabilities can create value locally, while also exploring opportunities for Southeast Asian capital and companies to connect with Europe.”
There is not only a portfolio of companies. We are also crafting a portfolio of potential bi-directional investment projects between the two regions.
If you would like to know more about ASEAN Venture, please contact us at asean@futureliteracy.eu.