ASEAN focuses on corporate governance and semiconductor roadmap

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is pursuing strategic developments in both corporate governance and high-tech industrial ecosystems.

A study by the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) titled ‘ASEAN Board Trends 2026/2027’ indicates that while there is growing awareness among regional boards regarding geopolitical uncertainty and technological shifts, there remains a gap between recognition and actual readiness. The study, which surveyed leaders across eight ASEAN nations, emphasizes the need for boards to develop greater agility and foresight to support long-term value creation amidst rapid transformation.

Simultaneously, ASEAN is working to develop a semiconductor ecosystem roadmap to manage intensifying competition for high-tech investment. Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri stated the goal is to build a complementary regional ecosystem rather than engaging in unhealthy competition between member states. The proposed roadmap focuses on academic research, supply chains, critical mineral infrastructure, and harmonized incentives. This follows significant investment activity in the region, such as Thailand attracting over US$26.8 billion in semiconductor and advanced electronics investment applications between 2023 and mid-2026.