AAR & Company Pushes Southeast Asian SMEs To Expand Beyond Borders

AAR & Company has kicked off the second half of 2025 with a clear mission: to push more Southeast Asian SMEs to expand beyond their home turf. The regional growth movement is already in motion, starting with businesses in Malaysia and Singapore, and the firm wants more to follow suit.

Behind this drive is the firm’s Senior Partner, Azleen Abdul Rahim, who is actively leading the charge from a marketing strategy perspective. The goal is straightforward which is to build a smarter, more scalable marketing foundation that allows ambitious SMEs to compete regionally without overspending or diluting focus.

“Most SMEs wait too long to explore new markets. By the time they do, their competitors have already built a stronger presence,” Azleen shared in his post on LinkedIn.

The firm has been working with a mix of B2B and B2C players, refining their brand narratives, setting up strategic marketing blueprints, and preparing them to confidently take their first steps into neighbouring countries. It will be a big risk to play domestically for too long, as it could slow down revenue growth and diminish long-term potential.

AAR & Company’s approach is a mix of transformational advisory and structured systems designed to make regional growth not just a bold dream, but a manageable and well-supported plan. Azleen and his team are placing strong emphasis on predictability, where leads, visibility, and growth aren’t left to chance, but mapped with purpose.

As of July, the firm is about to work with businesses plotting their regional moves across Malaysia and Singapore for now. Indonesia and the Philippines will follow. For SMEs looking to stay relevant and profitable in the years ahead, the message is clear. Regional readiness is no longer optional.