Insights from 8 APAC Industry Experts: Trends & Opportunities for 2025

I recently spoke to experts across 8 different industries in APAC, and the insights they shared were nothing short of groundbreaking. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening in the world’s most dynamic region:

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APAC is starting to dictate global trends

From integrative wellness practices like tai chi and Ayurveda to the booming beauty industry, APAC is taking the charge in preventative health.

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By 2050, 1 in 4 people in APAC will be over 60 years old, representing nearly 1.3 billion people. Culturally speaking, Asian communities have always prioritised longevity, but the region’s big aging population further emphasises the need to act fast.

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The world is now looking to ancient Asian ingredients and practices, such as Matcha, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, which have been around for centuries.

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The region isn’t just solving its own challenges — it’s setting the stage for global solutions.

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APAC is gearing up for export

Brands are no longer just focusing on their local markets. Take Olive Young, Korea’s leading beauty drugstore, which recently opened its first US store. This comes after seeing huge success on their online platform, which is the 12th most-visited beauty website in the US.

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China’s Heytea pop-up store in Paris during the 2024 Olympics, served around 20,000 people in its first four weeks and made over €10,000 (US$11,000) in sales on its first day as large crowds gathered to try the drinks.

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By deeply understanding their customers and replicating their success formula, APAC brands are expanding their beauty, electronic vehicle, health, food and beverage and hospitality footprints around the world.

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Tapping into diaspora markets

Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are great springboards for growth for their vibrant diaspora communities, and brands are looking even further abroad to get a glimpse into how well a product or service will do in a larger market.

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Kopi Kenangan, Indonesia’s leading coffee chain, is exploring expansion into the Middle East by first targeting Indonesian migrant workers and diaspora communities. They’re using this strategy to understand local tastes and preferences, before making big moves to invest in a new market.

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Adapting to the market is important

Simply copying and pasting your existing strategy and hoping it will work isn’t enough. Asia’s diverse cultural, social, and consumer landscapes require a tailored approach.

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For example, Sephora, despite its global dominance, struggled in South Korea and eventually had to close its stores in 2021. The brand failed to fully grasp the local beauty culture, where consumers prioritize innovative, K-beauty-driven products that they know will work for Asian skin types over generic international offerings.

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Similarly, in Hong Kong, where communities thrive on local knowledge and trust, small boutique and specialized shops often outperform large, multi-branded megastores. Hong Kongers value authenticity, niche expertise, and a deep understanding of their preferences — something that smaller, localized businesses are better positioned to deliver.

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A one-size fits all approach doesn’t work in Asia.

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Local brands are starting to take over

People want to support local businesses. For the first time ever, Chinese cosmetics brands captured 50% of the country’s market last year, exceeding that of overseas brands.

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Consumers are increasingly supporting local businesses, not just to boost the economy but also to promote sustainability.

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It is easier than ever to test new markets

Expanding within APAC’s diverse regions is still challenging, but it’s never been more accessible. With minimal investment, brands can now test markets and gather insights before fully committing. An example is leveraging popular, localised platforms like Red Note to connect with audiences in China — even before setting foot in the country.

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Want to hear more from industry leaders? Check out our latest podcast episodes:

• Entering the Asian Beauty Market: Strategies for Success in 2025 – Explore how brands are navigating APAC’s beauty landscape and what it takes to succeed.
• Unlocking Market Research in APAC: The Future of Consumer Insights – Discover how brands are leveraging data and consumer behavior trends to drive success in APAC.
• Breaking Barriers in Women’s Health: The Rise of FemTech in APAC – A deep dive into the growing FemTech movement and how innovation is transforming women’s healthcare across the region.

Stay informed, stay ahead.

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