How many Nations ARE in ASEAN?
It’s not every day that a U.S. Senate hearing doubles as an impromptu geography refresher. But when Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and Trump’s pick for defense secretary, mistakenly included South Korea, Japan, and Australia in ASEAN, Senator Tammy Duckworth didn’t hold back. Her swift correction, “None of those three countries you’ve mentioned are in ASEAN,” was a mic-drop moment that left everyone wondering: How do people still not know about ASEAN?
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be Defense secretary, speaks before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Let’s fix that, shall we? If you’re hazy about ASEAN, where Southeast Asia is, or why this region’s growth is rewriting the rules of global business and technology, read on. Spoiler alert: This isn’t just about geography; it’s about the future.
Where Is ASEAN, and Why Does It Matter?
First things first, where is Southeast Asia? Think of it as the bridge between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It stretches all the way from Myanmar on one side to the Philippines on the other. At the heart of it lies ASEAN—the Association of Southeast Asian Nations—a close-knit group of countries working together for political and economic co-operation. The ASEAN member states include: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (Sorry, Pete, still no South Korea or Australia here.)
With a combined population of over 675 million people and a GDP that exceeds $3.8 trillion, ASEAN is a global powerhouse. Its strategic location, abundant resources, and youthful workforce make it one of the most critical regions for trade, innovation, and economic growth.
ASEAN’s Economic Might and Technological Future
ASEAN isn’t just a geography quiz answer; it’s the world’s next big economic and technological frontier. Here’s why:
Global Economic Importance: ASEAN’s GDP is projected to grow by 4.7% in 2025, outpacing many developed regions. It’s the 5th largest economy globally, and the U.S.-China trade tensions have made it an increasingly attractive hub for industries like semiconductor manufacturing and data centers.
Digital Transformation Leadership: According to the 2024/2025 ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Market Overview report, ASEAN enterprises are charging ahead in digital transformation. A whopping 58.22% of enterprises have already implemented digital strategies, with only 4.11% yet to start. These numbers aren’t just stats; they’re proof that ASEAN enterprises are future-proofing themselves to lead the digital revolution.
Technological Advancements: From fintech to green tech, ASEAN is becoming a hotbed for innovation. Companies are leveraging the region’s growing digital maturity to attract global investors and foster partnerships that will shape the next decade.
Opportunities in ASEAN: Why You Should Pay Attention
ASEAN isn’t just rising—it’s skyrocketing. As global industries rethink supply chains and seek new markets, Southeast Asia offers unmatched opportunities. The region’s governments are pouring resources into infrastructure, digital connectivity, and innovation ecosystems to make ASEAN the place to be for global enterprises.
Cornerstone to these developments in ASEAN is digital transformation, and the four themes leading this shift includes cybersecurity, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Data & AI, and the Future of Works. These pillars are the foundation of ASEAN’s journey to becoming a global leader in technology and sustainable development.
From securing critical data to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, creating ethical and sustainable business practices, and reimagining the way we work, ASEAN enterprises are building a transformative future. Here’s the kicker: If you’re not part of the conversation on these game-changing themes, you’re missing out on one of the biggest shifts in the global economy.
So, how many nations are in ASEAN? Well, 10 - and you get to visit 5 of them in our upcoming AIBP Conference & Exhibition.
Join the Conversation at the 2025 AIBP’s Conference & Exhibition
Since 2013, the AIBP Conference & Exhibition has been the go-to platform for business leaders to connect, share insights, and drive actionable change. This year, we’re celebrating our 50th edition with a five-city tour:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 9-10
Bangkok, Thailand – July 16-17
Jakarta, Indonesia – August 20-21
Manila, Philippines – September 23-24
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – October 21-22
At this milestone event, we’ll dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing enterprises across the region. From discussions on digital transformation to exploring how ASEAN is leading global tech trends, this is where the future of ASEAN will unfold.
Get your front-row seats to ASEAN’s digital transformation today. Register now to join the conversation and connect with the leaders shaping the region’s future.
Interested in contributing to the next dialogue? Reach us at aibp@industry-platform.com
AIBP provides a platform for public and private organisations in Southeast Asia to access and share information on B2B growth and innovation. With a network of over 30,000 stakeholders, AIBP fosters ecosystem development through value-added activities, enabling transformative impacts within organisations.
