The region of Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest growing consumer markets and a key destination for manufacturing and business growth. Yet, keeping track across the diverse and heterogeneous nations that make up this region can be challenging, with risks of following the wrong trends or missing relevant regulatory updates. At MRL Advisors, our dedicated teams on the ground in a range of Southeast Asian countries stay on top of the latest developments and bring deep expertise to help you focus on what matters most. We believe that understanding these shifts is essential to understanding these markets, which is why we provide a bi-annual summary highlighting the most significant regulatory, investment and market developments.
Investments: Firms’ Commitment to the Region
Kalbe’s Acquisition of 49% Stake in Thai Distributor of Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical Products
Thailand, July, 2024 – Tilleke& Gibbins
PT Kalbe Farma Tbk., through its subsidiary Kalbe International Pte. Ltd. („Kalbe“), acquired a 49% stake in Alliance Pharma Co., Ltd., a leading Thai distributor of medical devices and pharmaceutical products. This deal expands Kalbe’s presence in Southeast Asia, enhancing its market penetration in Thailand and other regional markets, reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s largest public pharmaceutical companies.
As demand grows, OUE Healthcare looks to beef up regional offerings
Singapore, August, 2024 – Business Times
OUE Healthcare is focusing on scaling up its operations and improving its service offerings to meet the rising demand, particularly in Southeast Asia. OUE Healthcare plans to grow its presence through partnerships and expanding its portfolio of healthcare-related assets.
Philippines‘ Ayala explores minority stake sale in AC Health
Philippines, August, 2024 – Reuters
The Philippines‘ oldest conglomerate, is exploring selling a minority stake in Ayala Healthcare Holdings (AC Health) in a potential deal that could value its healthcare arm at up to $500 million.
Vietnam evolving to manufacturing and R&D hub with new FDI
Vietnam, November, 2024 – Vietnam Law & Legal Forum
Vietnam is witnessing a significant shift in the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects pour into the country as an increasing number of high-tech and pioneering industrial companies move into the country to expand operations.
Vietnam is becoming a key link in the global supply chain, especially in sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). In September 2024, during a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in New York, SpaceX Senior Vice President Tim Hughes revealed the company’s intent to invest USD 1.5 billion in Vietnam.
GIC invests further US$150 million in Asia Healthcare Holdings
Singapore, December, 2024 – Business Times
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, has invested an additional US$150 million in Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH). This investment is part of GIC’s ongoing commitment to support AHH, a leading healthcare platform focused on providing specialized medical services in India.
Praemia REIM Is Said to Consider Singapore Health-Care REIT IPO
Singapore, December, 2024 – BNN Bloomberg
France’s Praemia REIM is considering listing a health-care real estate investment trust in Singapore, the potential IPO would focus on healthcare assets in Singapore, aiming to tap into the growing demand for healthcare properties in the region. The REIT would likely include medical facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare-related properties. This move reflects the increasing interest in healthcare real estate as an investment class, especially as the sector continues to grow in Asia.
Regulatory Reforms: Easier Access for Foreign Investors
HCM City policies facilitate investment in healthcare
Vietnam, October, 2024 – Vietam News
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has introduced new policies to attract investment in its healthcare sector. These policies aim to streamline processes for both domestic and foreign investors looking to establish or expand healthcare facilities in the city. Key measures include tax incentives, land-use policy adjustments, and support for the construction of new medical centers, hospitals, and healthcare infrastructure.
FDA simplifies export process for pharma products
Philippines, Nov, 2024 – Philippine News Agency
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enhanced the regulatory process for pharmaceutical exports and active pharmaceutical ingredients intended for export. The FDA said the rules outlined in administrative order ensure that pharmaceutical products would not be adulterated or misbranded if they comply with the foreign purchaser’s standards, follow the laws of the receiving country, and are properly labeled “intended for export“.These provide a significant boost for current manufacturers and future investors and the position of the Philippines as prime hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the FDA said.
MoH Issues Notice on Medical Devices with Import Licenses Expiring December 31, 2024
Vietnam, December, 2024 – Andamanmed
The MOH has emphasized that any medical devices imported into Vietnam without valid registration or import licenses after the expiration date will not be allowed for sale in the market. The notice serves as a reminder to stakeholders in the medical device industry to comply with the regulatory framework to avoid disruptions in their operations.
Southeast Asia: Strategic Importance for Global Growth
Proposal to increase contributions to stabilize the public healthcare system
Vietnam, July, 2024 – WTW
Vietnam’s health ministry has a plan to improve healthcare benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs through increased employee and employer contributions to the public healthcare system.
KLAR Smile sees 10x revenue surge in Indonesia’s untapped smile care market
Indonesia, August, 2024 – ACVentures
Klar Smile, a dental startup in Indonesia, has experienced a 10x revenue surge as it taps into the country’s underserved smile care market. Klar Smile provides affordable and accessible dental services, primarily focusing on orthodontics, including clear aligners. The company has capitalized on the increasing demand for aesthetic dental treatments in Indonesia, where the market remains largely untapped. Klar Smile’s innovative approach and use of technology have allowed it to scale quickly and attract a growing customer base, positioning it as a key player in the region’s dental care market.
Singapore invests $150M for public health genAI adoption
Singapore, October, 2024 – Healthcare IT News
The Singaporean Ministry of Health is investing SG$200 million ($150 million) over the next five years to further implement new AI technologies. The funds will support the integration of GenAI into various aspects of the healthcare system, including predictive modeling, disease surveillance, and personalized patient care.
Malaysia emerges as preferred hub for medical device manufacturers
Malaysia, December 2024 – Selangor Jornal
Malaysia is emerging as a preferred hub for medical device manufacturers, according to a statement from the country’s Minister of Health. This growth is driven by Malaysia’s well-established manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies. The country’s strategic location and strong trade ties within Southeast Asia also make it an attractive destination for global medical device companies. The Malaysian government aims to strengthen the sector further, positioning the country as a key player in the global medical device market.