Southeast Asia

Covering the key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, the Southeast Asia region’s rapid economic growth presents significant long-term trade and investment opportunities for South Australia.

The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) is complemented by bilateral FTAs, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnerships and a Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos and New Zealand.

Overview


Predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040 after the United States, China and India, the Southeast Asia region presents diverse opportunities that span South Australia’s industry strengths.

Through both regional and bilateral business development programs, we will promote South Australia as preferred partner in food and agribusiness, wine, critical and emerging technologies and education.

By 2040, the region will be an economic powerhouse fuelled by favourable demographics, industrialisation, urbanisation and technological advances.

A rapidly expanding middle-class will drive increased demand for premium food, wine and consumer products, as well as education and tourism services.

The region’s digital economy will be valued at US$1 trillion by 2032, presenting growth opportunities across critical and enabling technologies.

Engagement and market access


In 2025, Australia and Malaysia celebrate 70 years of partnership, and Australia and Singapore also celebrate 60 years of partnership.

In December 2024, Australian officials visited Singapore for the 14th Singapore-Australia joint ministerial committee to affirm strong bilateral ties under the comprehensive strategic partnership, reviewing progress across six pillars of collaboration: economics and trade, defence and security, science and innovation, people-to-people links, digital economy and green economy. A significant achievement highlighted was the Singapore-Australia green economy agreement.

Adelaide enjoys a sister-city relationship with Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia, that was established in 1973 and is further boosted with our market representative who is available to provide support to South Australian exporters, in-market buyers and investors looking for their next investment-ready opportunity.

With direct flights between Adelaide, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore and Bali in Indonesia and plans by Adelaide Airport to target non-stop aviation networks to Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand by 2030, market access can be leveraged and people-to-people relationships that underpin deep business connections will be made easier.

Southeast Asia is a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, where sovereignty is respected. The South Australian Government will partner with the Australian Government on programs and activities under the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which aims to deepen economic and trade engagement by increasing two-way trade to $465 billion by 2040 and to focus on key sectors such as green energy, infrastructure and digital economy. 

The strategy includes 75 recommendations to boost private investment, remove trade barriers and strengthen business and people-to-people links across the region.

About our team


Natalya Twohill

South Australia Regional Director (Trade & Investment Southeast Asia)


Natalya has extensive technology, trade and investment experience across Southeast Asia and key experience in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. She is on hand to support South Australian companies looking to take advantage of the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement signed in 2022, which aims to accelerate the transition to a green and sustainable future.

Contact

+65 8028 9817 Natalya.Twohill@austrade.gov.au

25 Napier Road, Singapore 258507

Martin Haese

Martin Haese

Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia for Trade and Investment


With a strong track record of delivery, Martin has played a tangible role in attracting institutional and private investment into South Australian projects and supporting South Australian organisations seeking commercial opportunities in Southeast Asia. As Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia for Trade and Investment, Martin draws upon his extensive networks in Singapore and Southeast Asia to support South Australia and its business community.

Contact

+61 438 888 218 Martin.Haese@sa.gov.au

Nadzirah Ali

Trade and Investment Manager, Malaysia


Nadzirah has experience in promoting commercial opportunities and driving investment, as well as increasing opportunities for export across sectors such as technologies, agriculture, renewables, life sciences and more.

Contact

+603 2782 5619 nadzirah.ali@austrade.gov.au

6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur 50450