ASEAN Dutch Chamber Network Newsletter – Q4 2025

Strengthening Partnerships Across Borders

Foreword by Hans van den Born, Executive Director, NTCC

After a short summer holiday break, all sorts of business activities throughout the region are steaming up again which you will read in more detail underneath. Also, here in Thailand we have a full agenda for the remaining months of the year 2025; a year which has been “interesting” to say the least. The ongoing trade discussions between the EU and several ASEAN countries as well as the Tariffs imposed on goods exported to the USA is having a great impact on our members active within the region. It is during these challenging times that collaborations and partnerships across borders, like our ASEAN Dutch Chamber Network are more important than ever. Sharing knowledge, business opportunities and tightening relationships are vital in the ever-changing business environment.

Together with several of my ASEAN based colleagues we have just returned from several meetings in The Hague with like-minded Netherlands Chambers across the globe to strengthen our collaboration even further. We feel that by sharing knowledge and resources, we are in a better position to help entrepreneurs and companies in doing business abroad. Please stay tuned for more information and we are also open to your suggestions on how we can strengthen the ASEAN eco-system further. Your input is very much appreciated as always and wishing you all the success during the last quarter of this year.

Regional Highlights

Asian Development Outlook – September 2025

ASEAN is facing slower growth in 2025 – 2026 due to global trade headwinds, but Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia remain bright spots. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are most vulnerable to US tariff hikes and weaker global demand. Inflation is easing, allowing for policy flexibility, but tourism recovery lags and trade policy risks remain high. Growth in developing Asia is slowing as high US tariffs and persistent trade uncertainty weigh on demand. Regional forecasts are trimmed to 4.8% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, with India and Southeast Asia seeing the biggest downgrades, while China’s outlook remains steady thanks to policy support and export diversification.

Export growth was strong in early 2025, driven by AI - related electronics, but momentum is expected to fade as tariffs bite. Inflation is easing across the region, with the 2025 forecast lowered to 1.7% before a mild pickup in 2026, giving central banks space to ease policy. Tourism continues to recover, reaching 94% of pre - pandemic levels, though some economies lag behind.

Financial conditions have improved, supported by expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut, and many Asian economies are loosening monetary policy. Debt levels are broadly manageable, though debt service pressures are a concern in some countries. The full report can be found here...

47th ASEAN Summit – Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2025

The 47th ASEAN Summit will be held on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The summit is expected to be attended by a number of world leaders including: Narendra Modi, Li Qiang, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Donald Trump, and others. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is considering joining. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will host these major leaders under tight security. He also noted that Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, reaffirmed Malaysia’s role as mediator in regional disputes. Anwar expressed optimism about Malaysia’s economic resilience, highlighting its disciplined workforce and strong fundamentals, and noted global investors’ confidence in the country’s human capital. Read more...

China Deepens Trade and Strategic Ties with Southeast Asia

At the China - ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Chinese Vice - President Han Zheng called for stronger alignment with ASEAN, highlighting cooperation in
emerging industries and AI. Beijing is preparing to upgrade its free trade agreement with the bloc (FTA 3.0), covering digital trade, green development, and supply chain security.

China sees ASEAN as a vital partner, with exports to the region jumping 22.5% in August, helping offset US tariff losses. But Beijing remains wary of
Washington’s attempts to weaken China - ASEAN links by accusing Southeast Asia of re - exporting Chinese goods. The expo also showcased AI innovations, underlining China’s push to position itself as ASEAN’s most reliable economic and tech partner. Read more...

Singapore Completes First Polder Project

Singapore has completed its first polder at Pulau Tekong—an 800-hectare reclaimed area below sea level. The project used half the sand of traditional reclamation methods and was designed in partnership with Dutch companies Boskalis, Haskoning, Deltares, and Bosman Watermanagement. The initiative reflects the strength of Dutch-Singapore collaboration in sustainable water management.

Thailand Appoints New Prime Minister

Thailand’s parliament has chosen Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister — the country’s third leader in two years — after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed by the Constitutional Court over ethical violations. Anutin’s Bhumjaithai party, with just 69 seats, broke from Pheu Thai and gained support from the progressive People’s Party, on condition that he hold elections within four months and begin constitutional reforms. Anutin, 58, a wealthy businessman and ex – health minister known for legalizing marijuana, is a staunch royalist and seasoned dealmaker. His rise marks a major setback for the Shinawatra dynasty, long dominant in Thai politics but repeatedly sidelined by courts and coups. He now faces governing with limited authority and only a short window to stabilize Thailand’s turbulent politics. Read more...

Upcoming Events Across the Network

Members of any ADCN chamber can attend events from all chambers at the same member rate.

Chamber in the Spotlight: DutchCham Singapore

Welcome to DutchCham – the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.
We unite the Dutch business community through professional and social activities, enabling members to share expertise and build valuable connections. Founded in 2018 through the merger of two organizations, DutchCham offers a vibrant mix of formal events and informal gatherings.

“By joining forces, we now offer a mix of engagements that strengthen Dutch–Singaporean business collaboration.”
— Petra Hemmes, Executive Director, DutchCham Singapore (director@dutchcham.sg) 

Read more

Watch: Chamber Video

Featured: Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) – Malaysia - Watch here

Connect with the ADCN Chambers

• DutchCham Singapore
• DBAV Vietnam
• DBN Indonesia
• DCCP Philippines
• MDBC Malaysia
• NTCC Thailand

Full article here