Southeast Asia’s investment story is holding up better than many global markets, and the Milken Institute’s 2026 Global Opportunity Index points to Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines as the region’s leading destinations. The report suggests that calibrated growth, deepening financial systems and still-strong foreign direct investment flows are keeping the region on the radar of global capital.
Regional momentum
The Milken Institute says the six growth markets in Southeast Asia attracted 8.2% of total capital inflows to emerging and developing economies from 2021 to 2024, with foreign direct investment accounting for more than 70% of those inflows.
That matters for operators and investors alike, because it suggests the region is still drawing long-term money even amid global uncertainty. The report also highlights that Singapore remains one of the most attractive investment destinations globally, ranking 7th overall in the GOI.
Country positions
Malaysia ranks highest in emerging Southeast Asia and 23rd globally, supported by strong institutions, robust economic fundamentals, and solid scores in Financial Services and Business Perception.
Vietnam comes next in the region and ranks 39th globally, with a particularly strong position in Economic Performance and Financial Size and Conditions.
Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, has made the biggest jump in Financial Services, rising from 78th globally in 2022 to 38th.
The Philippines combines strong growth prospects with more uneven investment conditions, while Cambodia and Laos remain held back by institutional weaknesses.
Executive view
“Southeast Asia’s growth story remains compelling, but investors are becoming increasingly selective,” said Matthew Aleshire, director of Geo-Economics at the Milken Institute and one of the report’s authors.
He added that countries able to maintain macroeconomic stability, deepen financial systems and strengthen governance will be best placed to attract long-term investment.
Why it matters
For operations leaders, the report is a reminder that investment appeal now depends on more than headline growth alone. The GOI evaluates countries across Business Perception, Economic Fundamentals, Financial Services, Institutional Framework and International Standards & Policy, using 101 variables and updated digital-economy indicators.
That broader lens means resilience, governance and digital readiness increasingly shape where capital is deployed
