Franchising opportunities in South East Asia

South East Asia is a region that contains countries such as Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Singapore.

The region has a population of more than 593 million people (2004 survey).

Even before the coming of the Europeans to the region in the colonial era, Southeast Asia was a critical part of the world trading system as it still is today.

South East Asia’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, manufacturing and services. An emerging market, Indonesia is the largest economy in this region.

Countries in this region have long started to take initiatives for improving franchise and investor environments in general including formulating acts that will define, govern and regulates the franchising process.

Some countries in the region have gone a step further to create bodies and associations which will help to implement their respective governments programs to encourage entrepreneurship.

Franchise Opportunities in Malaysia

Malaysia is a good example; it formed the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) in 1994 which aims to represent the franchise industry towards comprehending the Malay vision of being the regional center for SE Asia with regards to franchising. Further more the MFA strives to protect its member’s (franchisors and franchisees) interests, and to encourage correct business practice among its members.

Many events involving franchising matters take place annually in Malaysia, for instance the Malaysia Franchise Awards, which are given to franchise entrepreneurs who have gone on to be the year’s best players in the franchising industry.

Another important franchising event in the region is the Franchise International Malaysia. This event is organized by the MFA and the Malaysian Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development. This event brings together both new and old franchisors and potential franchisees interested in purchasing franchises.

Therefore making it to be the best place for franchisors to meet qualified franchisees and hence launch there franchises in the region.

Both franchisors and franchisees intent to start operating their businesses in this region should consider taking part in such events so as to  make the general public aware of their business activities and intentions such as desire to expand their business in the region.

The franchising business has proven to be very promising in this particular region, Singapore for instance has more than 30,000 franchisees operating, with a turnover of about $3.63 billion US in a year.

Most of the franchises in the region are related to the food industry, however other Industry such as education and childcare, are starting to catch up.

Food Industry Franchises in SE Asia

Some of the Western fast food companies with franchise in South East Asia include KFC, Pizza Hut McDonald's. Arby's, Kenny Rogers Roasters, A &W, Hokka Bento, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Texas California Fried Chicken, Burger King, Wendy, Starbuck's Spinelli's Seattle's Best, Swenson’s, TGI Fridays, Chili's, Planet Hollywood, Dome, Sizzler, Dan Ryan's, California Pizza Kitchen, Lawry's and Morton's of Chicago and Hard Rock Café.

South East Asia is a region that contains countries such as Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Timor, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Singapore.

The region has a population of more than 593 million people (2004 survey).

Even before the coming of the Europeans to the region in the colonial era, Southeast Asia was a critical part of the world trading system as it still is today. 

South East Asia’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, manufacturing and services. An emerging market, Indonesia is the largest economy in this region. 

Countries in this region have long started to take initiatives for improving franchise and investor environments in general including formulating acts that will define, govern and regulates the franchising process. 

Some countries in the region have gone a step further to create bodies and associations which will help to implement their respective governments programs to encourage entrepreneurship. 

Malaysia is a good example; it formed the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) in 1994 which aims to represent the franchise industry towards comprehending the Malay vision of being the regional center for SE Asia with regards to franchising. Further more the MFA strives to protect its member’s (franchisors and franchisees) interests, and to encourage correct business practice among its members. 

Many events involving franchising matters take place annually in Malaysia, for instance the Malaysia Franchise Awards, which are given to franchise entrepreneurs who have gone on to be the year’s best players in the franchising industry.

Another important franchising event in the region is the Franchise International Malaysia. This event is organized by the MFA and the Malaysian Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development. This event brings together both new and old franchisors and potential franchisees interested in purchasing franchises.

Therefore making it to be the best place for franchisors to meet qualified franchisees and hence launch there franchises in the region. 

Both franchisors and franchisees intent to start operating their businesses in this region should consider taking part in such events so as to  make the general public aware of their business activities and intentions such as desire to expand their business in the region.

The franchising business has proven to be very promising in this particular region, Singapore for instance has more than 30,000 franchisees operating, with a turnover of about $3.63 billion US in a year.

Most of the franchises in the region are related to the food industry, however other Industry such as education and childcare, are starting to catch up.

Some of the Western fast food companies with franchise in South East Asia include KFC, Pizza Hut McDonald's. Arby's, Kenny Rogers Roasters, A &W, Hokka Bento, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Texas California Fried Chicken, Burger King, Wendy, Starbuck's Spinelli's Seattle's Best, Swenson’s, TGI Fridays, Chili's, Planet Hollywood, Dome, Sizzler, Dan Ryan's, California Pizza Kitchen, Lawry's and Morton's of Chicago and Hard Rock Café.