Why Southeast Asia Matters with Gullnaz Baig

Jan 1, 2025

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"People always ask us this question, what can I learn from that country? People ask us about this from the report especially when we're talking to policymakers, or what should I learn from Malaysia? What should I learn? The thing to learn is to not learn to replicate exactly. But the thing to learn is sort of what are the principles behind what works for them. What are your comparative advantages, Every country needs to be asking that for themselves. So for Vietnam, comparative advantages are things like proximity to China, and an ability at a geopolitical level to navigate between the U.S. and China. They do this pretty delicately, given their history with both countries. There's an acquiescence by the major powers also to not force Vietnam to take sides. And, you know, and so it's a delicate balancing game that ASEAN always plays ..." - Gullnaz Baig

Fresh out of the studio, Gullnaz Baig, executive director from the Angsana Council, shares her perspectives on the "Southeast Asia Outlook 2024-2034: Navigating the High Winds" report by Angsana Council, DBS and Bain & Co. In our conversation, Gullnaz emphasized Southeast Asia’s unique strengths, including its cultural diversity, openness to innovation, and ability to navigate geopolitical complexities between global powers like China and the U.S. She highlighted Southeast Asia’s resilience, citing its rising wealth, improving standards of living, and comparative advantages such as Vietnam’s strong STEM workforce and the Philippines’ English-speaking talent. Last but not least, she described the importance of leveraging regional collaboration and technology to foster sustainable growth and offered her thoughts on what great would look like for the region.

Episode Highlights: [00:46] Quote of the Day by Gullnaz Baig [01:28] Gullnaz Baig’s Career Journey and Key Milestones [03:53] Introduction to the Angsana Council and Its Mission [05:52] Career Lessons and Importance of Mentorship [07:50] Southeast Asia's Economic Outlook for 2024-2034 [10:03] Collaboration Behind the Southeast Asia Outlook Report [12:46] Economic Resilience of Southeast Asia Over the Past 30 Years [16:58] Structural Challenges Across Southeast Asia [20:29] Vietnam’s Growth Potential and Comparative Advantages [25:17] Philippines’ Services Sector and Comparative Strengths [26:14] Startups in Southeast Asia: Building and Scaling Across Borders [29:51] Southeast Asia’s Receptiveness to New Technology [31:50] China’s Influence and Opportunities in Southeast Asia [34:42] Navigating Geopolitical Tensions Between China and the U.S. [36:29] Leveraging China’s Strengths in Southeast Asia [38:52] The question that Gullnaz would like people to ask her more: Who are Southeast Asians? [45:19] What Does Great Look Like for Southeast Asia? [47:03] Closing

Profile: Gullnaz Baig, Executive Director of Angsana Council LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gullnazbaig/ Angsana Council: https://angsanacouncil.org/member/gullnaz-baig/

Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig. Here are the links to watch or listen to our podcast.

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