In-Depth Analysis: Western Tech Firms Will Expand in Southeast Asia

(Oxford Analytica) — As China tightens restrictions on internet freedoms and aspects of digital trade, Western and Chinese tech firms alike are increasing their focus on Southeast Asia as a source of profitable new markets and as regional hubs for their operations. Although several countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, also have laws which restrict the internet -- and affect foreign tech companies through data localization and other requirements -- Western companies are inclined to downplay this aspect of the region’s tech sector.