Deloitte’s inaugural APEC CEO Survey 2025 reveals that business leaders in Southeast Asia are navigating economic uncertainty with a focus on regional growth and diversification. The survey, which gathered insights from 1,252 senior leaders across the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, highlights a cautious optimism among executives about their companies’ prospects and the APEC economy, despite concerns over global economic conditions.
The survey indicates that 75% of Southeast Asian leaders are optimistic about their companies’ outlook, whilst 66% share this sentiment for the APEC economy. However, only 46% express the same confidence in the global economy. Eugene Ho, CEO of Deloitte Southeast Asia, noted, “Leaders across Southeast Asia are confident in their own companies’ performance, see tangible opportunities across the APEC region, yet remain cautious about the broader global outlook.”
Key findings from the survey show that 45% of Southeast Asian leaders currently view technology application as their primary growth driver, with a shift towards innovation and new products expected over the next three years. Additionally, 50% of leaders plan to diversify their supply chains within the next year, reflecting a strategic move to build resilience amidst geopolitical instability.
Sustainability is also gaining importance, with 73% of Southeast Asian leaders intending to increase investment in this area, up from 32% last year. The appetite for mergers and acquisitions is rising, with 42% planning to pursue deals in the next year.
The survey underscores the strategic pivots being made by APEC leaders to leverage regional opportunities whilst managing global uncertainties. As businesses adapt to a rapidly changing environment, the focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships is expected to drive future growth.
