South-east Asian urbanisation to drive investment need

Subject

Impacts and investment needs of South-east Asian urbanisation.

Significance

Urbanisation, driven by regional economic integration and social and technological development, is straining South-east Asian housing, socio-economic infrastructure and basic services.

Impacts

• A spending backlog for infrastructure and essential services is threatening economic growth targets.
• Cities' growth could see land rights concerns and ecological difficulties.
• Governments need to close skills gaps to keep up with growing services demand as urbanisation expands.
• Changing demographics will change urban and rural voting patterns.