Southeast Asia's Emerging Logistics Hubs: Where Should Investors Look?

Southeast Asia is rapidly positioning itself as one of the most strategic logistics regions in the world. With global supply chains shifting, the demand for resilient, high-performing industrial infrastructure is increasing—and Southeast Asia offers the right mix of cost, connectivity, and consumption growth.

For investors in logistics real estate, the region presents opportunities that go beyond emerging market potential. The rise of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), modern trade corridors, and regional e-commerce ecosystems is creating hubs of industrial activity where scale, speed, and long-term value intersect.

Why Southeast Asia Is Drawing Logistics Capital

Manufacturers, retailers, and 3PLs are actively diversifying their operations into Southeast Asia, bringing with them sustained demand for logistics facilities that can adapt to new supply chain realities. This includes everything from large-scale distribution centres to fulfilment hubs and urban logistics nodes.

Several factors are driving this shift:

Southeast Asia benefits from its geographic position at the heart of major east-west and intra-Asian trade routes. But its appeal runs deeper. Governments across the region are investing heavily in infrastructure, supporting private sector growth through regulatory reform, and incentivising industrial expansion through SEZ frameworks and tax policies.

At the same time, growing consumer demand, digitalisation, and rising labour competitiveness are making the region increasingly attractive for companies seeking both efficiency and market access.

For industrial real estate investors, these dynamics translate into demand for future-ready assets—facilities that offer long-term adaptability, access to talent and infrastructure, and alignment with evolving occupier expectations around operational and ESG performance.

Four Logistics Hubs to Watch in Southeast Asia

1. Johor, Malaysia

Johor has emerged as one of the most strategically located logistics hubs in Southeast Asia, thanks to its proximity to Singapore and direct access to two key seaports—Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang.

The development of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is accelerating interest in cross-border trade, catalysing demand for logistics assets that serve both domestic and international tenants.

Johor’s industrial corridors are now home to integrated logistics campuses and next-generation warehousing projects that support high-specification use. Equalbase has multiple developments across Johor, including projects in Senai and Iskandar Puteri that reflect the company’s long-term commitment to enabling sustainable logistics growth within the JS-SEZ region.

2. Greater Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia’s capital region continues to attract investment in large-scale logistics and fulfilment infrastructure. With urban consumption rising and e-commerce expanding across the archipelago, Greater Jakarta’s logistics nodes—including Bekasi and Karawang—are scaling quickly.

Infrastructure developments such as the Patimban Port and the Trans-Java toll road are improving last-mile reach and national distribution coverage. Demand for build-to-suit facilities, cold chain warehousing, and fulfilment automation is creating investment momentum across both core and peripheral logistics zones.

3. Central and Eastern Vietnam

Vietnam has seen some of the highest industrial real estate growth in the region. Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces are magnets for foreign direct investment, supported by deep-sea ports, modern highways, and robust free trade agreements such as the CPTPP and EVFTA.

Locations such as Da Nang are also emerging as logistics and light manufacturing clusters. As the government expands infrastructure and encourages green-certified construction, investors are entering the market through logistics parks, bonded warehouses, and export processing zones.

4. Greater Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s logistics transformation is being driven by the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) strategy and its broader Thailand 4.0 industrial development plan.

Greater Bangkok is now home to high-spec logistics infrastructure that supports multi-modal connectivity—linking ports like Laem Chabang with major industrial parks, distribution zones, and regional rail.

Investor interest continues to rise in facilities that combine efficiency, automation-readiness, and flexibility for both domestic and regional fulfilment.

What Should Logistics Real Estate Investors Prioritise?

Investors exploring Southeast Asia’s logistics sector are focusing on fundamentals that balance current demand with future resilience. Key priorities include:

• Location relevance: Proximity to major ports, airports, highways, and consumption centres

• Asset flexibility: Buildings that support warehousing, light manufacturing, or cross-docking

• Tenant profile and pre-commitments: Pre-leased or build-to-suit facilities with strong anchor tenants

• Design efficiency: High-clearance spaces, floor loading capabilities, and smart facility layouts

• Environmental performance: Energy-efficient infrastructure, on-site renewables, and measurable carbon reduction

• ESG compliance: Alignment with local and international ESG reporting requirements, from building certifications to emissions tracking

The ability to future-proof logistics assets—whether through upgrade-ready design, clean energy integration, or digital building systems—is becoming essential for investors seeking stable returns over the long term.

Equalbase’s Role in Delivering Scalable, Sustainable Logistics Assets

Equalbase is supporting Southeast Asia’s logistics transformation by developing high-specification, sustainability-aligned infrastructure in key growth corridors. The company’s portfolio spans both build-to-suit and multi-tenant projects, with a focus on ESG compliance, long-term flexibility, and operational resilience.

Across Malaysia, Equalbase is delivering scalable solutions that meet the needs of global logistics tenants and institutional capital. This includes facilities in Johor such as upcoming developments in Iskandar Puteri, designed with low-carbon construction features, on-site renewable energy options, and tenant-specific build flexibility.

By aligning operational functionality with long-term ESG strategies, Equalbase enables investors and tenants to scale efficiently in the region’s most promising industrial ecosystems.

A Shifting Region, A Strategic Opportunity

Southeast Asia’s logistics sector is no longer simply a cost-driven play—it’s a strategic asset class with growing institutional interest. As demand continues to evolve and infrastructure matures, investors are positioning early to capture resilient value.

The opportunity lies not just in the scale of consumption or trade, but in the quality of infrastructure being built to serve it. Industrial developments that combine location advantage, future-ready design, and environmental performance will define the next chapter of growth in the region’s logistics real estate landscape.

FAQ on Emerging Logistics Hubs in Southeast Asia

Which Southeast Asian countries are leading logistics investment trends?

Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand are leading destinations due to infrastructure expansion, favourable trade agreements, and manufacturing activity.

What makes Johor a key logistics hub?

Its proximity to Singapore, access to two ports, and SEZ-linked policy integration make Johor a strategic location for cross-border logistics and scalable warehousing.

Why is ESG important in logistics real estate?

ESG-aligned buildings support emissions reduction, regulatory compliance, and long-term investor and tenant appeal—especially in markets where reporting requirements are tightening.