Political turbulence across key Southeast Asian markets has created both challenges and opportunities for Acer's regional operations

In the second quarter of 2025, Southeast Asia's electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 102% year-over-year, driven by affordable battery electric vehicles, rising consumer awareness, government subsidies, and local production expansion. Chinese and Vietnamese brands like BYD and VinFast have become central forces, reshaping the regional EV ecosystem

Taiwan-based Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) is strengthening its international and cloud strategy through its cloud business, Nextlink. FET has announced it has signed a 100% share acquisition agreement with Hong Kong-based cloud service technology firm Renova Cloud, through which FET will gain control of Renova Cloud's subsidiary in Vietnam

Malaysia has revealed that China is prepared to offer assistance in developing rare earth processing technology, contingent upon partnerships involving Malaysian state-owned companies

On July 31, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing new tariffs—ranging from 10% to 41%—on imports from 68 countries and the European Union (EU). While many trade partners faced updated rates, tariffs on Vietnamese goods remained unchanged: a 20% duty on direct imports and a 40% levy on transshipped goods. In exchange, Vietnam has agreed to fully open its market and eliminate all tariffs on American imports

According to Reuters and Antara, the Indonesian government has launched a Mineral Industry Agency to oversee state control of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, announced President Prabowo Subianto. Brian Yuliarto, the current Minister of Higher Education, was appointed to lead the new agency

Tex Year Industries is set to optimize its manufacturing operations across Taiwan, Vietnam, the US, and other Asian locations in response to ongoing tariffs and geopolitical challenges. The company anticipates revenue growth in the second half of 2025 compared with the first half but projects a slowdown in full-year revenue relative to 2024

China's new energy vehicle leader BYD Auto has made headlines for aggressively expanding its overseas market. Its earlier plans to export electric vehicles (EVs) to Taiwan via its Thailand factory drew attention and prompted countermeasures from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). BYD's Thai subsidiary has recently announced that more than 900 Dolphin EVs have been shipped, primarily destined for the European market, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands

South Korean display inspection equipment company Youngwoo DSP has signed a supply contract with Samsung Display Vietnam (SDV) valued at KRW17.9 billion (approx. US$13.2 million). This contract accounts for roughly 30.3% of Youngwoo DSP's forecasted revenue for the year 2024, according to reports from Korean media outlets Hankyung and EBN

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto plans to establish its inaugural assembly plant in Malaysia, situated in Tanjong Malim, Perak. The facility is slated to begin operations in the latter half of 2026, though details on production capacity and investment size remain undisclosed

Vietnamese leaders recently observed humanoid robot performances by VinMotion, a subsidiary of Vingroup, signaling the country's growing interest in robotics for industrial applications. The robots are poised to assist in electric vehicle factories, highlighting a shift toward automation in Vietnam's manufacturing sector

Luxshare Precision Industry Co. delivered robust first-half 2025 results, underscoring resilience from a consumer electronics recovery and its expanding diversification strategy. The Apple supplier booked revenue of CNY124.5 billion (US$17.41 billion), up 20.2% year-over-year, while net profit climbed 23.1% to CNY6.64 billion. Gross margin rose to 11.6%, up 0.4 percentage points, reflecting a stronger product mix and tighter cost discipline

Malaysia has launched its first locally designed edge AI processor, the MARS1000, developed by SkyeChip Sdn Bhd. Unveiled at the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association Merdeka Dinner 2025, the 7nm chip is designed for autonomous robotics, smart cities, industrial automation, and AI learning, marking a significant step in the country's semiconductor ambitions

The US tariff policies have disrupted global supply chains, hitting South Korea not only by imposing a 15% reciprocal tariff but also by impacting the ASEAN countries where South Korea has actively invested. Moving forward, South Korea must proactively develop an ASEAN strategy and seize opportunities in the artificial intelligence (AI) market

For Taiwan's display solutions provider Data Image, 2025 will be a fruitful and pivotal year. The company is shifting its focus from primarily touch panel products to more advanced display system solutions, with particular emphasis on large professional ship displays, according to CEO Phil Yu