Push Admin

AirAsia boss says nationalism is Southeast Asia's 'challenge'

Article (news)

Michelle Ong, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Nationalism is the biggest challenge to the growth of regional companies in Southeast Asia, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said.Fernandes said having homegrown Southeast Asian companies can help the region compete globally. He cited how ride-sharing service Grab is competing against Uber in the region.&quot;People are looking at, well, should I protect my individual country as opposed to looking at ASEAN?&quot; Fernandes told ABS-CBN News on the sidelines of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.&quot;ASEAN has lots more to do and the challenges we face are really nationalism more than anything,&quot; he said.Fernandes said he was pushing to have AirAsia own 100 percent of its operations in Southeast Asian countries to cut costs and create more jobs.AirAsia, co-founded by Fernandes, has grown to become Asia&#x27;s largest low-cost airline since its founding in the 1990sIn 2016, the airline flew 56.6 million people, operating a fleet of 174 Airbus A320 jets to 109 destinations. It connects all 10 countries in ASEAN.&quot;That is AirAsia&#x27;s challenge. That&#x27;s ASEAN’s challenge as well whether to put aside vested interest, put people first and put the greater good of the common market,&quot; he said.&quot;We’re making progress in showing that it makes much more sense to act as one,&quot; he said.Fernandes said AirAsia was focusing on connecting second and third-tier cities in the region for growth.

Nationalism is the biggest challenge to the growth of regional companies in Southeast Asia, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said Tuesday.

Nationalism is the biggest challenge to the growth of regional companies in Southeast Asia, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said Tuesday.

AirAsia boss says nationalism is Southeast Asia's 'challenge'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Business

AirAsia boss says nationalism is Southeast Asia's 'challenge'

Michelle Ong,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 14, 2017 09:55 AM PHT

|

Updated Nov 14, 2017 09:59 AM PHT

Read More:

ASEAN 2017

ASEAN Business and Investment Summit

Southeast Asia

Air Asia

nationalism

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.