The Asean-UK Advancing Creative Economy program launched the first-ever Regional Perception Poll on the Asean Creative Economy, unveiling both strong public optimism and key challenges faced by creative professionals across Southeast Asia.

Commissioned by the Asean Secretariat and Asean member-states through the Senior Officials Responsible for Culture and Arts, the poll offers a comprehensive snapshot of public attitudes and industry realities across the 10 Asean member-states and Timor-Leste.

It assesses awareness of the creative economy, perceptions of its growth, and the ecosystem supporting it.

It found that 60 percent of respondents believe the creative economy is growing significantly, with 43 percent seeing its positive impact on regional economic development and community wellbeing.

Fifty-four percent agree that local wisdom and culture play a vital role in shaping creative products and services.

Fifty-three percent of the public cite high costs as a major barrier to accessing creative goods, while 50 percent of professionals highlight a lack of regional coordination.

Only 47 percent of the public are “somewhat familiar” with the term “creative economy,” indicating a need for greater advocacy and education.

These insights provide a valuable evidence base for Asean member-states and partners to design more inclusive and sustainable strategies for a thriving creative sector.

Helen Fazey, ambassador, UK Mission to Asean: “This poll shines a light on the ambition to build a thriving creative economy throughout Asean. The UK’s own experience shows how creativity drives innovation and growth, contributing over £124 billion annually to our economy.” 

Through our partnership with Asean, we’re committed to unlocking similar potential across Southeast Asia.

Summer Xia, country director Indonesia and director South East Asia, British Council:

“Data is only powerful when it sparks action. This poll gives us a clear picture of what matters most to creative communities across Southeast Asia and where the gaps still lie. We’re turning that evidence into practical guidance through the forthcoming Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework Companion Guide, helping policymakers and partners design interventions that are relevant, inclusive, and built to last.”