Southeast Asia’s digital economies are defying global macroeconomic challenges, with a projected total transaction value of $218 billion this year, an 11% increase from the previous year. The region’s digital economy is experiencing significant growth, especially in terms of revenue, as companies shift their focus towards profitability.
2 November 2023 – A new report jointly conducted by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company has unveiled that Southeast Asia’s digital economies are on track to achieve a total transaction value of $218 billion this year, reflecting an impressive 11% surge from the previous year. This remarkable growth is occurring even in the face of global macroeconomic challenges.
The report, titled “e-Conomy SEA 2023,” emphasizes Southeast Asia’s resilience in navigating these global economic headwinds. Notably, consumer confidence has shown signs of revival in the second half of 2023 after experiencing a dip during the first half.
The annual report meticulously examines the five primary sectors of Southeast Asia’s digital economy: e-commerce, travel, food and transport, online media, and digital financial services.
Furthermore, the report reveals that the revenue generated by Southeast Asia’s digital economy is anticipated to reach $100 billion this year, expanding at a rate 1.7 times faster than the region’s total transaction value. This remarkable growth can be attributed to a shift in focus from the previous “growth at all costs” mentality to a more profit-centric approach. Companies are increasingly prioritizing profitability, striving to establish robust and sustainable businesses.
Fock Wai Hoong, Head of Southeast Asia at Temasek, underlined this transformation, stating, “Southeast Asia’s digital economy is truly undergoing an unprecedented shift towards profitability. There is now an intense emphasis on generating high-quality revenue and monetization, which, quite frankly, is exceedingly beneficial.” – ref: NBC
