Australian businesses in Southeast Asia show optimism amid complex global challenges

Australian businesses in Southeast Asia show optimism amid complex global challenges

Australian businesses are demonstrating confidence in the Southeast Asia market, with optimism for the future, according to the AustCham ASEAN Australian Business in Southeast Asia survey 2025.

RMIT partnered with AustCham and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to deliver this year’s survey, which provides comprehensive insights into Australian business sentiment across the region.

Among the main findings, a third of respondents expected a significant revenue increase in the next five years, with a marked improvement in the importance of undertaking business in the region.

"The survey has revealed a lot about the business operating environment throughout Southeast Asia,” said survey adviser and RMIT Professor of Economics Ashton De Silva.

"Despite some unique challenges and opportunities in individual markets, businesses face common hurdles. Collectively, they remain optimistic about future operations in the region.

More than 300 businesses across the services industry, education, construction and infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries responded to the survey, the largest in its nine-year history.

Business optimism was expressed against a challenging global landscape, including political instability and changes to the regulatory environment. 

Survey respondents identified corruption and poor governance, barriers to ownership and investment, and talent acquisition as some of the leading challenges.

RMIT College of Business and Law economists were instrumental in shaping this year’s survey, to ensure the findings continue to be insightful and relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

Read the Australian Business in Southeast Asia survey 2025 here.

25 September 2025

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25 September 2025

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