Multi-Nation Research Study on Firms in ASEAN

Synopsis:

Economic uncertainty, fluctuating demand, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer behavior create difficulties in strategic decision-making by firms globally. Supply chain disruptions caused by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, trade conflicts, and transportation issues further compound challenges. Moreover, adapting to remote work environments, digital transformation, and evolving customer expectations adds complexity. These multifaceted challenges demand resilience, agility, and proactive decision-making from firms operating in today's global business landscape. Needless to say, government policies play a crucial role in influencing firms’ growth and trajectories; trade policies and international cooperation continue to affect market access and supply chains.

Against this backdrop of increasing operating complexity by firms, this multi-nation research study on Firms in ASEAN is conducted by scholars from NUS, Duke University, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), and the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia). Specifically, the study aims to understand firms’ strategies, the challenges that firms face, and firms’ views on free trade agreements and government policies.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Kim Soo Yeon
Co-Investigator: Dr Faizal bin Yahya