Asia Forward

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• What U.S. Businesses Should Know Before Entering Southeast Asia 25.06.2026 37分

  Southeast Asia offers major opportunities for U.S. businesses, but each market comes with its own risks.In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ei Thant Sin speaks with Erin Murphy, managing director for Asia at Redpoint Advisors and a former CIA analyst, about how companies should assess risks before entering or expanding in the region.The conversation looks at Vietnam’s manufacturing growth, Indonesia’s regulatory complexity, the Philippines’ political and energy challenges, Malaysia’s digital infrastructure ambitions, Thailand’s recurring political uncertainty and Myanmar’s high-risk business environment.They also discuss why U.S. companies should look beyond the U.S.-China lens, how climate change factors into country risk assessment, and what businesses can do before committing capital in Southeast Asia.Watch the full episode to learn how U.S. companies can better understand political risks as well as long-term rewards in one of the world’s most important growth regions.
• Why Education is Strategic for the U.S. and Southeast Asia | Asia Forward | Episode 10 11.06.2026 35分

  The United States remains the top destination for international students globally, hosting 1.2 million students according to the IIE Open Doors report released in November 2025. For students from Southeast Asia and around the world, the experience can shape careers, build worldwide networks and create relationships that last long after graduation.In Episode 10 of Asia Forward, host Ledy Simarmata speaks with Marie Royce, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, about why education remains an important part of U.S.-Southeast Asia relations.Royce discusses what continues to draw students to the U.S., including hands-on learning, STEM programs and community colleges. She also talks about the roles of student exchanges, Fulbright programs, as well as U.S. education programs and university partnerships specific to the Southeast Asian region. The conversation also addresses some of the current concerns facing international education including visa bans impacting students from certain countries and a shifting political climate in the U.S.
• Where Indonesian Coffee Fits in the U.S. Market | Asia Forward | Episode 9 28.05.2026 36分

  Americans drink an estimated 463 millions cups of coffee every day. In a market shaped by major chains and daily habits, how does an Indonesian coffee shop introduce specialty coffee and new flavors to U.S. consumers?In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ei Thant Sin visits DUA DC Coffee in downtown Washington, D.C. for a conversation with founder Vivit Kavi about what it takes to bring Indonesian specialty, single-origin coffee into the U.S. market. Indonesian coffee has long been associated with Sumatra. But Vivit says Indonesia’s coffee story is much broader, with beans and flavors shaped by regions across the archipelago, including Java, Bali and Sulawesi.Vivit shares how DUA DC Coffee began as a way to bring something from home in Indonesia to Washington, how the business survived the COVID-19 pandemic and why direct relationships with Indonesian farmers remain central to its mission. She also explains how familiar drinks, such as lattes, Americanos and cortados, can become an entry point for customers trying Indonesian beans for the first time.The conversation also looks at the flavors and stories behind Indonesian specialty coffee, including excelsa from Central Java, as well as Southeast Asian ingredients such as pandan and aren, or the sweet sap of the sugar palm tree. The episode also explores how a small coffee shop can help introduce Indonesia’s products, people and culture to the U.S. market.Watch the full conversation with Vivit Kavi and host Ei Thant Sin on Asia Forward. Subscribe for more forward-thinking conversations on U.S.-Southeast Asia business.
• Why Southeast Asian Representation in Media Matters to Americans | Asia Forward | Episode 8 14.05.2026 34分

  What does Southeast Asian representation in American media really mean, and why should it matter to Americans?In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ledy Simarmata speaks with Vicky Nguyen, NBC anchor chief consumer investigative correspondent and author of “Boat Baby,” about her family’s journey from Vietnam to the United States, growing up Vietnamese American and building a career in journalism.Vicky shares how her parents’ decision to leave Vietnam shaped her life, why representation in media can help the next generation see what is possible and how building people-to-people connections between the U.S. and Southeast Asia can help Americans’ understanding of the region and of their own country. Watch the full conversation with Vicky Nguyen and Ledy Simarmata on Asia Forward. Subscribe for more forward-thinking conversations on U.S.-Southeast Asia businesses.
• Why Indonesian SMEs Matter for U.S. Investors | Asia Forward | Episode 7 30.04.2026 37分

  Indonesia’s micro, small and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, serve as the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for the vast majority of businesses and jobs. But beyond the numbers, what makes Indonesian SMEs stand out, and why do they matter for U.S. investors?In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ledy Simarmata speaks with Lishia Erza Budiman, committee chair for SME capacity building and inclusive economy at the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO). They discuss how Indonesia’s SMEs are shaping the country’s economic future and where the opportunities lie for global business.From their role in the digital economy to limited integration into global supply chains, the conversation explores both the strengths and the challenges facing the sector. They also examine the role of women entrepreneurs, how sustainability and ESG considerations are influencing SMEs, and what artificial intelligence could mean for small businesses in Indonesia.The episode also looks at how growth is being defined, including the contrast between high-growth startups, often referred to as “unicorns,” and more sustainable, profit-driven businesses, sometimes described as “zebras.”As interest from U.S. companies grows, where are the entry points, and what should investors understand before engaging with this market? The episode also looks ahead to how Indonesia’s SMEs could evolve over the next decade and what that means for the broader U.S.-Southeast Asia economic relationship.
• Why Southeast Asia's Critical Minerals Matter for U.S. Businesses | Asia Forward | Episode 6 16.04.2026 28分

  Critical minerals are becoming central to global supply chains, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ei Than Sin speaks with Dr. Gracelin Baskaran about why Southeast Asia is drawing growing interest from U.S. businesses and policymakers.Dr. Baskaran, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains how rare earth elements and other critical minerals move from mining to processing and into industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors and defense. A key challenge is processing capacity, which remains heavily concentrated in China and shapes global supply chain risk.The conversation focuses on Southeast Asia’s role in this shift. Indonesia’s rapid growth in nickel production has reshaped global markets, while Malaysia is emerging as a rare earth processing hub. Countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar also hold significant potential, though investment, infrastructure and political stability continue to affect development across the region.The episode also looks at how the United States is working with partners in Southeast Asia to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. For U.S. companies, this raises practical questions about where to invest, how to manage risk and what role the region could play in long-term industrial strategy.Looking ahead, Dr. Baskaran shares her view on how Southeast Asia could fit into the global critical minerals supply chain over the next five to 10 years and what that means for U.S. competitiveness.Check out our website at www.asiaforward.org. Find us and connect with us on our socials.
• From Food to Fashion: What Thailand’s Creative Shift Means for U.S. Investors | Asia Forward | Episode 5 02.04.2026 35分

  Thailand has long been known as the “Kitchen of the World.” But today, it’s expanding far beyond food.In this episode of Asia Forward, we explore how Thailand is building on decades of success in gastrodiplomacy to grow its broader creative economy—from fashion and design to soft power industries.Host Ledy Simarmata sits down with Ketsuree Vijaranakorn, Executive Director of the Thai Trade Center New York, to unpack how government-backed strategies have helped Thai restaurants flourish worldwide, and how those same playbooks are now being applied to fashion, lifestyle brands, and beyond.From the rise of Thai Select certification to pop-up shops in New York Fashion Week, this conversation looks at how Thailand is connecting culture, commerce, and global markets, and what it means for U.S. businesses and investors.
• What Southeast Asia’s Digital Economy Growth Means for U.S. Businesses | Asia Forward | Episode 4 19.03.2026 32分

  Southeast Asia’s digital economy is expanding at a rapid pace, creating new opportunities as well as challenges for U.S. businesses. In this episode of Asia Forward podcast, host Ei Thant Sin speaks with John Goyer, Vice President for Southeast Asia and Oceania at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about how the region’s digital transformation is reshaping trade, investment and competition. From the rise of fintech ecosystems that “leapfrogging” Western markets to the growing importance of international data flows, Goyer explains why Southeast Asia has become a critical frontier for global companies. The conversation also explores how recent trade agreements, evolving tariff policies and regulatory shifts, including data governance and digital trade rules, are impacting market access for U.S. firms. Goyer highlights both the opportunities in fast-growing economies like Indonesia and the persistent challenges, from non-tariff barriers to infrastructure and energy constraints tied to AI and data centers. He also notes that while Myanmar has seen interest across sectors, high political and economic risks continue to limit long-term investment, as its underlying market potential remains.
• From Bangkok to the World | Asia Forward | Episode 3 05.03.2026 34分

  In Episode 3 of Asia Forward, host Ledy Simarmata sits down with Tan Sawaddichai, Project Director of What Do You Want New York and curator of a Thai fashion showcase “Up to the Sky” during New York Fashion Week in February. Together, they explore how designers from Bangkok are stepping onto the global stage, and what it takes to bring Southeast Asia’s creative talent to U.S. and international audiences.Tan shares how Thailand’s fashion industry is gaining global recognition, with government initiatives playing a role in supporting the country’s creative economy. From organizing a successful runway show at the One World Observatory in New York City to building a growing fan base and growing commercial sales for Thai designers in the U.S. fashion capital, he explains why New York remains an important gateway for designers looking to expand beyond Asia.
• What Uncertainty in Myanmar Means for Southeast Asia’s Investment Outlook | Asia Forward | Episode 2 19.02.2026 41分

  In Episode 2 of Asia Forward, host Ei Thant Sin speaks with Ambassador Susan Stevenson, former Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Yangon from 2023-2026, about the realities of doing business in Myanmar amid political instability, sanctions, and ongoing conflict.Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s economy has been shaped by currency controls, import restrictions, U.S. sanctions on military-linked entities and financial blacklisting. Yet despite the conflict and reputational risks, parts of the private sector continue operating, and businesses on the ground show notable resilience.This episode explores the real business climate in Myanmar in 2026 and what U.S. companies need to consider before entering, staying in or exiting the market.The conversation dives deep into political risk, sanctions compliance, supply chain shifts in Southeast Asia, rare earth minerals and critical resources, the rise of the shadow economy, labor shortages, digital payments, and Myanmar’s role within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).As Southeast Asia positions itself as a supply-chain alternative beyond China, where does Myanmar fit, if at all?This conversation offers essential context for investors, policymakers, and business leaders navigating emerging market risk.What We Discussed:Introduction: How Myanmar’s political instability shapes its investment outlook in Southeast Asia.1:50 What the situation on the ground in Myanmar looks like beyond the headlines.4:59 What Myanmar’s elections could mean for political stability and economic liberalization.8:29 Whether Myanmar can be considered a failed state in 2026, and what the economy on the ground reveals.10:43 How Myanmar’s shadow economy, scam centers and transnational crime are reshaping the country’s economic landscape.14:05 How brain drain, labor shortages and migration are reshaping Myanmar’s workforce.15:29 Do U.S. sanctions on Myanmar’s military work, and how are they affecting the broader economy?17:44 How U.S. businesses can avoid military-linked entities while operating in Myanmar.21:06 How Myanmar’s rare earth minerals and critical resources factor into U.S. supply chain strategy.23:16 Is it possible to surpass working with sanctioned entities when trying to get critical minerals out of Myanmar. 23:57 How U.S. companies can compete with and complement China’s dominant presence in Myanmar. 26:10 What Ambassador Stevenson sees as her most meaningful contribution during Myanmar’s post-coup transition.28:10 What Myanmar’s role could be in Southeast Asia’s economy over the next five years.30:03 What prolonged instability means for Myanmar’s economy and its place in ASEAN’s development agenda.32:24 Whether Myanmar could benefit from supply chain diversification beyond China, and in which sectors the U.S. may have an early advantage.34:40 Whether Myanmar can adapt to digital payments, fintech and a modern banking system.37:13 How capital controls and financial restrictions affect companies trying to move money in and out of Myanmar.39:03 What other risks beyond sanctions could deter U.S. companies from entering Myanmar, and what factors they must consider.Why Asia Forward?Our podcast series brings you straight-talk conversations with leaders, experts and change makers about Southeast Asia’s growth and what it means for U.S. audiences.Check out our website at www.asiaforward.org. Find us and connect with us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asiaforwardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asiaforward/Let us know what topic you'd like us to discuss and drop a message or two on info@asiaforward.org.
• Why Southeast Asia, Why Now? | Asia Forward | Episode 1 05.02.2026 35分

  Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, yet it remains underrepresented in U.S. global business strategy.The first episode of Asia Forward examines why a region with hundreds of millions of consumers and a multi-trillion-dollar economy has often been overlooked by U.S. companies, and why that dynamic is beginning to change. In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ledy SImarmata speaks with Frank Lavin, former U.S. Under Secretary for International Trade and former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore. Drawing on his experience in trade policy, diplomacy and global business, Lavin explains why Southeast Asia’s diversity can be challenging for U.S. firms, and why technology and e-commerce are lowering the cost of entry.The conversation also looks at how Southeast Asia fits into the China+1 strategy of supply-chain diversification and why the region still appears less frequently in U.S. business conversations. A portion of the episode focuses on U.S. investment patterns, including why a large share of U.S. foreign direct investment in ASEAN flows through Singapore and how much of that capital is actually deployed across other Southeast Asian economies.The episode concludes with a forward-looking assessment of which Southeast Asian markets may warrant closer attention in 2026, why the gap between U.S. and Southeast Asia business engagement is narrowing, and the risks for U.S. companies that choose not to engage. It also considers how soft power and people-to-people ties shape long-term business relationships.