Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Greetings and warm wishes for health and prosperity in this new year.
Looking back on 2021, it was the year that global supply chain issues became mainstream news – making headlines on a daily basis. Factory closures giving way to the global shipping crisis and logistics crunch generated ripple effects throughout the supply chain. As a result, our counterparts in Europe and North America are left wondering: How has the COVID crisis been handled across the APAC region? How will this affect policies and business strategies in the years to come? What is the long-term impact on manufacturing and supply chain management, ex-China?
Of course, nobody knows for sure, but my outlook on economic activity and progress in Southeast Asia remains strong. While business and leisure travel struggle to return to pre-pandemic norms across APAC, the manufacturing sector is poised to benefit as a clear alternative to China – without the geopolitical risk.
We have seen supply chain disruption before, but not at this scale. Established business models and strategies are suddenly coming under attack. This stems from critical climate initiatives, regional conflicts and political shifts all contributing to a macro environment of uncertainty.
The focal point of my work in Asia has been to build successful and sustainable relationships in SE Asia on behalf of multinational companies. As an advocate and local expert for 25 years, I’ve helped manufacturers to start or maintain their presence and profitability in the region. As a founding partner of Modularity, my singular aim is to help North American companies in overcoming this uncertainty.
International firms cannot find guidance and insight by simply reading the headlines. Cutting through complexity and navigating the global supply chain requires experts at every link in the chain. We have a team of those local experts who stand ready to serve.
I look forward to reconnecting with you in the near future to discuss this outlook as well as how we can help you in building your Asian business and improve your global supply chain. Looking forward to speaking and exchanging fresh insights about the future.
Respectfully,
Hans Brenner
