Indonesia Comes Together with Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore as Southeast Asia Tourism Plan 2026–2030 Channels Billions to Improve Alternative Accommodation, Train Local Workers and Build Climate-Resilient Destinations

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Southeast Asia has entered a decisive tourism phase as ASEAN begins implementing the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 and the Asian Development Bank advances an investment pipeline worth more than $3 billion through 2030. The new regional plan places sustainable growth, skilled workers, stronger destination management, digital transformation, better connectivity and climate resilience at the centre of tourism policy. It also gives alternative accommodations, community enterprises, women, young people and micro, small and medium businesses a clearer role in the visitor economy. ASEAN designed the framework to move the region beyond simple post-pandemic recovery and towards higher-quality, inclusive and competitive tourism. The plan will guide cooperation among national tourism organisations, authorities, development partners and the private sector. Meanwhile, ADB-backed projects will support green infrastructure, resilient transport, secondary destinations and inclusive urban development across participating countries. Together, these measures could reshape how Southeast Asia manages visitor growth, spreads economic benefits and protects natural and cultural assets. However, the investment pipeline supports wider tourism-related development and should not be presented as a single fund controlled by ASEAN under the sectoral plan alone.

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Southeast Asia Begins a New Five-Year Tourism Transformation

ASEAN built the 2026–2030 plan on the work completed under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016–2025. Tourism ministers recorded progress in regional tourism standards, professional recognition, joint promotion and efforts to position the region as a single sustainable destination. Preliminary ASEAN figures showed approximately 144 million international visitor arrivals in 2025. That recovery created momentum, but it also exposed a harder question. The region must now decide how to manage growth without increasing pressure on communities, infrastructure, heritage sites and vulnerable ecosystems.

The new plan therefore shifts attention from recovery towards structural transformation. ASEAN wants tourism to deliver higher value, stronger resilience and wider participation instead of depending only on rising arrival numbers. The framework links tourism development with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030. It organises regional action around competitiveness, connectivity, sustainability, workforce development, digitalisation and stronger institutional cooperation. National tourism organisations will lead much of the work, while sectoral bodies, businesses and development partners will support implementation.

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ADB Investment Pipeline Strengthens the Regional Ambition

ADB announced a pipeline of more than $3 billion in investments in Southeast Asia through 2030 at the ASEAN Tourism Conference in January 2026. This announcement strengthened the financial context surrounding the new plan, although the pipeline does not function as one ASEAN tourism fund. ADB has also estimated that it mobilised about $4.7 billion in tourism and tourism-related financing across the region since the early 2000s. That record demonstrates how multilateral finance can connect visitor-economy goals with transport, water, urban services, environmental protection and institutional capacity.

Future ADB support includes project preparation in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam. The identified initiatives cover inclusive and resilient tourism infrastructure in Cambodia, smart and sustainable tourism infrastructure in the Lao PDR, and sustainable urban and infrastructure development in Lao Cai, Viet Nam. Such investments can help secondary destinations improve access, public services and preparedness while avoiding excessive concentration in established tourism centres. They can also create conditions in which community tourism, smaller accommodation providers and local enterprises participate more effectively.

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Quality Tourism Becomes the Central Regional Test

ASEAN tourism ministers have placed sustainable, inclusive, resilient and quality tourism at the centre of implementation. They have backed greater investment in secondary and tertiary destinations, capacity-building for communities, women and youth, stronger hygiene and safety standards, and improved support for tourism micro, small and medium enterprises. They have also encouraged digital-skills development and continued implementation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals. The regional secretariat supporting that arrangement is targeted for operation in 2026.

The strategy carries significant potential, but delivery will determine its credibility. Member states will need to translate regional objectives into funded national programmes, measurable destination improvements and practical support for workers and enterprises. ASEAN will also need effective coordination with transport authorities, local governments, online platforms, investors and community organisations. If those links are built successfully, Southeast Asia can use the 2026–2030 period to distribute tourism more fairly, strengthen local capability and prepare destinations for climate and economic shocks. This shift matters because the next wave of tourism growth will test not only regional marketing but also whether governments can protect destinations, improve visitor experiences, raise local incomes and maintain public confidence across an increasingly connected regional economy under growing pressure.

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Six Southeast Asian Countries Turn Regional Goals into National Action

The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 gives Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore a shared framework for building sustainable and inclusive tourism. The plan groups regional action around six connected areas: resilient tourism, an empowered workforce, accessible and seamless travel, digital development, product and market diversification, and sustainability. Each country will implement these priorities through its own policies, institutions and investment programmes. ADB’s pipeline of more than $3 billion supports tourism and tourism-related development across Southeast Asia, but officials have not published a country-by-country allocation under the plan. The figure must therefore not be described as six fixed national funding packages.

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Indonesia Strengthens Accommodation Governance and Resilient Tourism

Indonesia has linked its ASEAN participation with a national commitment to innovative, resilient and sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has promoted quality development while supporting stronger governance across the accommodation sector. It has developed an application programming interface system with online travel agencies to improve accommodation data, oversight and regulatory fairness. This step carries particular importance because Indonesia operates an extensive market of hotels, guest houses, homestays, villas and digitally listed properties across thousands of islands. More reliable information can help authorities identify registered businesses, improve compliance and create fairer competition. Indonesia can also use the ASEAN plan to support workforce training, cultural immersion, community enterprises and destination diversification beyond established centres. However, rapid development must protect biodiversity, water resources, local ownership and communities facing pressure from rising visitor demand.

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Thailand Pushes Quality-Led and Environmentally Responsible Growth

Thailand has started moving its tourism strategy away from volume-led expansion and towards higher-quality growth. The Tourism Authority of Thailand placed wellness, meaningful travel, sustainability and stronger international partnerships at the centre of its New Thailand direction for 2026. The country has also advanced the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 and promoted responsible tourism products in Krabi, Phang-nga and Surat Thani. These measures align with ASEAN’s goals for destination resilience, diversified tourism and stronger local participation. Thailand can use the regional plan to improve workforce capabilities, promote recognised sustainability standards and spread visitors towards communities that offer cultural, wellness and nature-based experiences. Its challenge will involve balancing strong international demand with responsible resource management, local benefits and the protection of heavily visited coastal destinations.

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Malaysia Connects Visit Malaysia 2026 with Skills and Sustainable Standards

Malaysia enters the new ASEAN planning period while implementing Visit Malaysia 2026 and strengthening industry preparedness. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture regulates tourism businesses and supports training, certification and grading across several segments, including spa and wellness services. Official sustainability criteria for nature, adventure and ecotourism encourage operators to employ local people, buy local products, involve communities, conserve biodiversity, reduce waste and use resources efficiently. These principles support the sectoral plan’s emphasis on inclusive enterprises, quality standards and community participation. Malaysia can also use the regional framework to strengthen rural tourism, homestays and nature-based products in destinations outside its established urban gateways. Better skills, transparent standards and responsible marketing will remain essential as the country seeks stronger demand without weakening environmental or community safeguards.

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Vietnam Places Resilience, Communities and Digitalisation at the Forefront

Vietnam has directly connected its national tourism direction with the ASEAN sectoral plan. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism identifies resilient tourism, workforce empowerment, accessible travel, digital development, diversification and sustainability as the plan’s central pillars. The government also treats community-based tourism as an important part of sustainable development because it can connect visitor spending with local culture, livelihoods and heritage protection. Vietnam continues to promote digital transformation through tourism data, official applications and artificial intelligence-supported services. These measures can help businesses reach travellers while improving information, safety and destination management. At the same time, Vietnam must address climate exposure in coastal areas, river deltas and mountain destinations. Green infrastructure, capable workers and community participation will therefore determine whether rapid tourism growth produces durable and widely shared benefits.

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The Philippines Leads Regional Coordination from Cebu

The Philippines played a central role in developing the new roadmap and served as the lead country coordinator during its preparation with ASEAN and ADB. The plan formally entered the regional agenda during the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Cebu in January 2026. The Philippine government has already connected tourism policy with infrastructure, workforce training, ecotourism and climate resilience. Since 2022, the Department of Tourism has trained more than 444,000 Filipinos, including more than 144,000 workers who received skills-specific instruction in areas such as guiding, gastronomy, tourism retail and dive-boat operations. The country has also incorporated green criteria into accommodation standards and supported solar-powered, rainwater-harvesting tourist rest areas. These programmes provide a practical national base for implementing ASEAN’s workforce, sustainability and resilience priorities.

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Singapore Builds a Future-Ready and Sustainable Visitor Economy

Singapore approaches the ASEAN plan through its quality-tourism model and long-term Tourism 2040 roadmap. The Singapore Tourism Board aims to generate sustainable growth while responding to global competition, changing traveller preferences and resource constraints. Its Tourism Sustainability Programme helps tourism businesses develop workforce capabilities and introduce innovative environmental solutions. Singapore also supports human-capital programmes across hotels, attractions, integrated resorts, cruises, travel agencies and the MICE industry. These core tourism segments employ more than 76,000 workers. In 2026, Singapore placed tourism resilience, technology and artificial intelligence at the centre of its industry discussions. The country can contribute digital knowledge, service standards and sustainability expertise to ASEAN while learning from the region’s community-based and nature-led destinations. Its compact geography makes efficient resource use, workforce productivity and visitor-flow management particularly important.

National Differences Strengthen the Shared Southeast Asian Strategy

The six countries bring different strengths to the regional plan. Thailand offers established visitor markets and expanding sustainable products. Malaysia connects major promotional ambitions with community and industry standards. Indonesia contributes an enormous and diverse accommodation landscape. Vietnam brings fast growth, community tourism and digital development. The Philippines combines workforce programmes with climate-focused infrastructure and regional leadership. Singapore adds advanced technology, service quality and long-term planning.

Together, these national approaches can make Southeast Asia more competitive without forcing every country to follow one development model. Regional cooperation can help the six governments exchange training practices, improve standards, coordinate connectivity and attract responsible investment. However, officials must continue to report the ADB pipeline accurately. The more than $3 billion represents planned investments across tourism and related infrastructure through 2030, not money divided equally among Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore.

Alternative Accommodations Enter Southeast Asia’s Tourism Mainstream

Southeast Asia has witnessed rapid growth in alternative accommodations as travellers increasingly choose homestays, serviced apartments, privately managed properties, guest houses and community-based lodging. Digital platforms have expanded the visibility of these options and allowed smaller operators to reach international markets. ASEAN recognises that this segment can diversify tourism supply, distribute visitors beyond established hotel districts and direct income towards local households. However, uneven regulations can create concerns involving licensing, taxation, consumer protection, safety, land use and competition with registered hotels. The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 therefore encourages stronger governance, higher service standards and more inclusive participation across the regional accommodation economy.

The Asian Development Bank has identified alternative accommodations as an important component of tourism competitiveness in Southeast Asia. These properties can provide flexible and distinctive stays, particularly in rural areas, heritage communities and emerging destinations where large hotels may remain commercially unsuitable. Clearer registration systems and proportionate regulations can help governments recognise legitimate operators without placing excessive administrative burdens on family businesses. Authorities can also use licensing frameworks to improve fire safety, hygiene, data collection and neighbourhood management. Better regulation should protect travellers while allowing locally owned accommodation providers to participate fairly in the expanding digital tourism market.

Community Tourism Gains Greater Economic Importance

ASEAN has placed community participation at the centre of sustainable destination management. Community-based tourism can connect visitor spending with local guides, craftspeople, farmers, food producers, transport providers and accommodation owners. It can also strengthen cultural preservation when communities control how traditions, landscapes and heritage assets are presented. The new plan supports tourism models that distribute benefits more widely and reduce excessive dependence on a few major destinations. Under this approach, secondary and tertiary locations can receive stronger policy attention while visitors gain access to nature-based, cultural, gastronomy, wellness, adventure and creative experiences.

Community participation alone will not guarantee inclusive results. Local organisations require access to finance, market information, digital tools, training and reliable infrastructure. They also need meaningful roles in destination planning. Governments must therefore involve residents before tourism projects alter land use, mobility, natural resources or cultural practices. ASEAN has already encouraged closer cooperation among public agencies, businesses and communities. The regional framework now gives member states an opportunity to convert that commitment into practical programmes. Strong community governance can protect local interests, improve visitor management and prevent outside businesses from capturing most of the economic value generated by emerging destinations.

Southeast Asia Strengthens Its Tourism Workforce

The tourism plan treats workforce capability as a central requirement for regional competitiveness. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, attractions, transport services and event businesses need workers who can meet changing expectations in safety, sustainability, customer service and digital delivery. ASEAN tourism ministers have therefore supported further implementation of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals. The arrangement promotes common competency standards and helps member states compare tourism qualifications. ASEAN has targeted the supporting regional secretariat for operation in 2026, creating a stronger institutional base for professional mobility, training coordination and workforce development.

Digital capability will become particularly important during the 2026–2030 period. Tourism workers and smaller enterprises increasingly need skills involving online booking, electronic payments, digital marketing, customer data, cybersecurity and technology-supported visitor services. Artificial intelligence and digital personalisation will also influence how destinations communicate with travellers and manage demand. ASEAN intends to strengthen digital skills while helping micro, small and medium tourism enterprises participate in regional and global value chains. Training programmes must remain accessible to rural businesses, informal operators, women and young people if digital transformation is to narrow rather than deepen existing inequalities.

Women and Young People Move Closer to the Centre

ASEAN tourism ministers have backed capacity-building for local communities, women and youth as part of the shift towards inclusive growth. Tourism can provide flexible entry points into entrepreneurship through food services, guiding, handicrafts, cultural experiences, transport and small accommodation businesses. Women already play major roles across these activities, yet many face limited access to finance, technology, formal training and decision-making structures. Young people may possess stronger digital skills but often encounter insecure employment and weak career pathways. The plan can address these gaps by connecting training with recognised competencies, business support and real market opportunities.

Governments will need to measure whether these programmes create lasting improvements. Participation figures alone will not show whether workers receive better wages, safer conditions, professional advancement or greater business ownership. ASEAN must encourage member states to collect reliable workforce data and evaluate how tourism benefits different groups. Businesses can support this agenda through apprenticeships, mentoring, inclusive recruitment and continuous training. Educational institutions can align courses with industry requirements while preserving knowledge connected to local culture and traditional hospitality. These combined efforts can help Southeast Asia build a workforce that remains skilled, adaptable and prepared for future disruptions.

Better Standards Can Protect Travellers and Local Businesses

ASEAN has developed regional standards covering green hotels, clean tourist cities, homestays, community-based tourism, spas, public toilets and meeting venues. These standards can help destinations improve consistency and demonstrate quality to travellers. At the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, establishments and destinations received recognition across green hotels, clean cities, meeting venues and sustainable attractions. ASEAN tourism ministers encouraged member states to promote these standards nationally because stronger adoption can improve regional competitiveness and strengthen confidence in tourism products.

Standards will deliver meaningful results only when operators can understand and afford them. Small businesses may struggle with certification costs, documentation and technical requirements. Governments and development partners should provide training, assessment support and practical guidance rather than treating certification as a purely administrative exercise. Digital registration systems can simplify compliance, while incentives can encourage businesses to invest in efficiency, accessibility and safety. Through this balanced approach, Southeast Asia can raise accommodation quality, protect visitors and allow community enterprises to compete without losing their local character.

Climate Resilience Moves to the Centre of Southeast Asia Tourism

Climate change now threatens many tourism destinations across Southeast Asia. Rising temperatures, stronger storms, coastal erosion, flooding, water shortages and ecosystem damage can disrupt transport, accommodation and visitor activity. Island, coastal and river-based destinations face particularly serious exposure. ASEAN’s official tourism outlook recognises that climate risks already affect important destinations. It also identifies limited green finance, uneven institutional capacity and implementation costs as barriers to stronger sustainability. The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 responds by placing resilience, crisis preparedness and sustainable destination management within the regional tourism agenda.

ASEAN member states must connect tourism planning with climate adaptation, infrastructure investment and environmental management. Authorities can reduce vulnerability by improving drainage, water systems, evacuation routes, resilient roads and early-warning arrangements. They can also protect forests, mangroves, coral reefs and watersheds that support tourism while providing natural defences against climate hazards. ADB-backed investment preparation can reinforce this work by linking tourism development with climate-resilient urban and transport infrastructure. These measures can protect visitors, local livelihoods and public assets while helping destinations recover faster after disruptive events.

Climate and Sustainability Priorities

Two Actions Needed for Climate-Ready Destinations

• Build resilience before expansion: Governments should assess climate and disaster risks before approving major tourism developments. Authorities should prevent construction in highly exposed locations, strengthen building requirements and ensure that transport, water and waste systems can handle visitor growth. Tourism projects should support local adaptation instead of creating additional pressure on limited resources.
• Protect nature as essential infrastructure: Member states should treat mangroves, forests, wetlands, reefs and watersheds as vital tourism assets. Stronger conservation can protect scenery and biodiversity while reducing the effects of floods, storm surges, erosion and extreme heat. Tourism revenue can support restoration when governments establish transparent funding and community participation mechanisms.

Digital Tourism Creates a New Competitive Front

ASEAN has identified digitalisation as a major tool for transforming the regional visitor economy. Digital payments, electronic visas, online booking, destination data and technology-supported marketing can simplify travel and help smaller enterprises reach customers. Smart destination systems can also monitor visitor flows, manage congestion and improve public services. The ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2030 supports data-driven, audience-centred and digitally enabled promotion. It aims to strengthen the region’s identity as a seamless and high-quality destination while responding to changing traveller behaviour.

Technology can create risks when businesses lack skills, connectivity or financial resources. Smaller operators may struggle to compete with large platforms, while weak cybersecurity and poor data governance can reduce traveller confidence. ASEAN must therefore combine digital innovation with accessible training, consumer protection and support for tourism micro, small and medium enterprises. Governments should also improve official information systems so travellers can find accurate guidance on entry rules, destinations, safety requirements and transport options. Inclusive digital development will determine whether technology spreads tourism benefits or concentrates them among established companies.

Digital Transformation Priorities

Two Priorities for Fair Digital Growth

• Give smaller businesses practical support: Governments should provide affordable training, connectivity, digital payment access and market guidance. Programmes should reach rural enterprises, homestays, guides, women-led businesses and community tourism groups rather than serving only established urban operators.
• Use data responsibly: Authorities and businesses should protect personal information, strengthen cybersecurity and explain how traveller data will be used. Reliable safeguards can build trust while allowing destinations to analyse demand, improve services and respond quickly to changing travel patterns.

Connectivity Must Spread Tourism Beyond Established Gateways

ASEAN tourism ministers have encouraged stronger cooperation between tourism and transport authorities. The region aims to address connectivity gaps, improve access to emerging destinations and promote multimodal travel. Cruise corridors, rail links, flight connections, roads and cross-border routes can help travellers combine several destinations within one journey. Better connectivity can also distribute tourism spending beyond major capitals, famous islands and heavily visited heritage centres.

However, infrastructure expansion must support sustainability and local priorities. New access can produce rapid development, rising land values and environmental pressure when authorities fail to manage growth. ASEAN must combine connectivity with carrying-capacity assessments, community consultation and enforceable land-use rules. If member states coordinate these elements, Southeast Asia can build a tourism network that improves access without sacrificing destination quality, cultural integrity or climate resilience.

Implementation Will Decide Whether the Regional Vision Succeeds

The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 provides a regional direction, but national implementation will determine its real impact. ASEAN member states operate under different regulatory systems, investment conditions, workforce structures and levels of digital readiness. Each government must therefore translate shared priorities into practical national policies. These policies should establish clear responsibilities, budgets, deadlines and measurable outcomes. Regional cooperation can support this process by encouraging countries to exchange knowledge, compare results and address cross-border challenges together.

ASEAN will also need strong coordination among national tourism organisations, transport bodies, environmental authorities, local governments and economic agencies. Tourism affects land use, employment, infrastructure, conservation, public safety and community development. No single ministry can manage these connected issues alone. The plan’s success will depend on whether authorities integrate tourism into wider economic and climate policies. Development partners and businesses can provide finance, technical knowledge and market access, but public institutions must maintain accountability and protect community interests.

Southeast Asia Must Measure Quality Alongside Visitor Numbers

Arrival growth will remain important, but Southeast Asia cannot judge tourism success through visitor totals alone. ASEAN recorded approximately 144 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, according to preliminary official figures. The regional tourism outlook expects continued expansion towards 2030. This growth can create jobs, tax revenue and business opportunities. However, rising numbers can also increase congestion, pollution, housing pressure, water consumption and damage to sensitive cultural and natural sites.

Governments should measure visitor spending, length of stay, employment quality, community income, environmental performance and destination resilience. They should also monitor whether tourism benefits women, young people, rural communities and micro, small and medium enterprises. These indicators can reveal whether tourism growth improves local prosperity or merely increases pressure on popular locations. Transparent data can help authorities redirect investment, control overcrowding and support destinations that require stronger market access.

Multilateral Investment Can Turn Plans into Visible Change

ADB’s investment pipeline of more than $3 billion through 2030 gives the regional tourism agenda an important financial opportunity. The pipeline covers tourism and tourism-related development across Southeast Asia rather than a single fund placed under ASEAN’s direct control. This distinction remains essential for factual accuracy. ADB projects can still support many priorities contained in the sectoral plan by improving transport, urban infrastructure, public services, climate resilience and institutional capacity.

ADB established the Southeast Asia Sustainable Tourism Facility in 2022 to help countries prepare sustainable projects and mobilise financing. Project preparation plays a crucial role because many promising tourism proposals fail to attract investment without feasibility studies, environmental assessments, financial planning and clear implementation structures. By strengthening project quality, the facility can help governments move from broad policy ambitions towards finance-ready initiatives.

The identified pipeline includes planned support connected with Cambodia, the Lao PDR and Viet Nam. These projects focus on inclusive and resilient tourism infrastructure, smart and sustainable development, and improved urban services. If authorities implement them carefully, they can strengthen secondary destinations, improve local mobility and create new opportunities for small tourism businesses. They can also demonstrate how investment can support both economic growth and environmental resilience.

Regional Marketing Must Support Responsible Growth

The ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2030 complements the sectoral plan by positioning Southeast Asia as a single, seamless and high-quality destination. ASEAN intends to use data-driven, digitally enabled and audience-focused campaigns. It also seeks stronger cooperation with private businesses, global online platforms and subregional organisations. Cruise tourism, cross-border itineraries and multi-destination journeys can support this regional identity.

Marketing must align with destination capacity. Campaigns should not direct unlimited demand towards places already experiencing congestion or environmental stress. ASEAN can use regional promotion to introduce travellers to lesser-known cities, rural areas, cultural routes and nature-based destinations. This approach can spread tourism income while reducing pressure on established hotspots. Governments should pair promotion with infrastructure, workforce preparation, community consultation and environmental safeguards.

Southeast Asia Enters a Defining Tourism Period

The next five years will test whether Southeast Asia can convert tourism recovery into durable transformation. The region possesses strong natural assets, diverse cultures, extensive air networks and rapidly expanding digital markets. It also faces climate exposure, uneven infrastructure, workforce shortages and sharp differences in institutional capacity. The new plan directly recognises these opportunities and risks.

ASEAN has created a framework that connects competitiveness with sustainability, inclusion and resilience. ADB’s investment pipeline can strengthen that framework by supporting projects that improve infrastructure and prepare emerging destinations for responsible growth. Alternative accommodations can bring tourism income closer to communities. Regional standards can improve quality. Digitalisation can expand market access. Workforce programmes can give tourism professionals stronger skills and career opportunities.

Success will require disciplined implementation. Governments must protect ecosystems, regulate accommodation fairly, strengthen local enterprises and prepare destinations for climate shocks. They must also publish reliable data and measure whether tourism genuinely improves community welfare. If member states maintain that focus, the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 can help build a visitor economy that delivers more than rising arrival figures. It can create a better-connected, more inclusive and climate-ready Southeast Asia.