Japan consistently ranks as a global leader in research, development, and intellectual property, with the Tokyo-Yokohama region standing as the second-largest innovation cluster worldwide.
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization
Japan
South Korea’s total R&D expenditure surpassed 5% of its GDP for the first time in 2024, reached 5.13%, and ranked second- highest globally. Despite some limitations in financial market accessibility, the country has accelerated the opening of its currency markets, among other structural reforms.
Source: Korea.net, International Financing Review
South Korea
Chinese Mainland accounts for nearly 30% of global manufacturing output, operating the world's most comprehensive industrial network. It’s also emerging as a global leader in research and development, with R&D spending reaching 2.8% of GDP in 2025 and surpassing the OECD average for the first time. Beyond production and innovation, it is the world's second-largest consumer market, underpinned by a robust financial sector, whose banking assets grew 8% by the end of 2025, reaching 480 trillion RMB (US$70 trillion).
Source: China Briefing, Global Times, Caixin Global
Chinese Mainland
In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a major player in the global electronics market, with sector exports surpassing US$107 billion in 2025. Major multinational corporations have established massive production bases in the country as part of the China+1 strategy.
Source: Asia News Network
Vietnam
Thailand’s established manufacturing capacity is its primary economic endowment, contributing approximately one quarter of its GDP. This industrial strength is reflected in its export performance, with Thai exports rising 12.9% to a record US$339.6 billion in 2025.
Source: OECD, DHL Group
Thailand
The Philippines ranks as the fifth-most mineralised country in the world, with estimates suggesting nearly US$1 trillion in untapped reserves of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, and silver. The services sector is a key engine of the economy, anchored by the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, while a large, young, and increasingly urbanised population is driving a qualitative transformation in domestic consumption.
Source: South China Morning Post
The Philippines
Malaysia is one of the world's most resource-rich nations, with a diversified portfolio of commodities, from fossil fuels to rubber and palm oil, that drive significant export revenue. The country has also successfully scaled its manufacturing base to become a critical link in the global high-tech supply chain, controlling 13% of the world's semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging.
Source: ASEAN Briefing (Dezan Shira and Associates)
Malaysia
Australia is the world's largest producer of lithium and bauxite, with the government set to launch a AU$1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve in 2026 to back developers and enhance resilience. While mining makes headlines, the services sector drives the economy, accounting for approximately two-thirds of GDP. This is further supported by US$2.97 trillion in pension assets, providing massive domestic capital for long-term investment.
Source: Statista, Geoscience Australia, Argus, Asia Fund Managers, Investor Daily
Australia
Unlike Australia's mineral focus, New Zealand's wealth lies in its productive natural capital—land, water, and climate—which it converts into premium exports. The country also ranks among the top three in Asia-Pacific for talent competitiveness.
Source: Portulans Institute and Insead
New Zealand
India’s economy is characterised by a rapidly scaling industrial base, with manufacturing FDI accelerating by 18% to US$19.04 billion in FY 2024-25. The services sector remains the primary engine of growth, as exports hit an all-time high of US$387.5 billion in FY 2024-25, marking a 13.6% annual increase. Fuelled by massive upward income mobility, India is on course to see a 4x growth in consumer spending by 2030.
Source: India’s World, India Ministry of Commerce & Industry, World Economic Forum
India
Singapore ranked as the fifth most innovative nation globally. It also ranked second globally and first in Asia-Pacific in talent competitiveness, recognised for its ability to attract and develop high-level talent. Complementing this, Singapore is the fourth leading financial centre globally, after only New York, London, and Hong Kong.
Source: IP Office of Singapore, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Long Finance (Z/Yen)
Singapore
Indonesia is a global leader in critical minerals, particularly those essential for the green energy transition, holding 42% of global nickel reserves. Leveraging these resource endowments, the country is shifting from exporting raw materials to high-value manufacturing, particularly in the EV supply chain. As the world's fourth most populous country, Indonesia's massive domestic market is bursting with potential.
Source: Government of Canada, Deutsche Bank
Indonesia
Asia-Pacific is brimming with potential
Endowments across selected markets in Asia-Pacific
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