Empowering SMEs in Southeast Asia

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the unsung heroes of Southeast Asian economic history, exemplifying resiliency, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. But hidden beneath the surface of these busy marketplaces is an important story about the transformational potential of community involvement. Astra International Tbk began as a small Indonesian enterprise in 1957 and grew to become a corporate giant by 2015, employing 200,000 people. But, beneath this quick rise comes a story of great community service as well as business prowess. Astra International, under the guidance of the Dharma Bhakti Astra Foundation (YDBA), has not only welcomed but also developed SMEs, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership that goes beyond business.

This goes beyond just a tale of business triumph. Strong relationships with regional communities let Astra International establish itself not only as a business but also as a reliable partner that will help in good times and bad. Social capital grows via these kinds of activities, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual development. However, the story goes well beyond what happens inside a single company. A kind of renaissance is happening throughout Southeast Asia as SMEs realize the transformative power of community participation. Collaboration is a hallmark of this journey; an astounding 70 percent of SMEs acknowledge the critical role that partnerships play in their ascent to prosperity. These partnerships, which promote a sense of unity and shared purpose, are essential to succeed in both busy marketplaces and corporate boardrooms.