Yeap Swee Chuan, founder and CEO of Aapico Hitech, Thailand’s largest listed automotive parts supplier, emphasized that collaboration with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers is vital for survival in the automotive industry. He pointed to Chinese rivals’ lower costs and advanced technology as key factors reshaping the sector, according to KrASIA.
Aapico Hitech reported global revenue of THB 28.2 billion (USD 844.4 million) in 2025, reflecting its significant presence in the Southeast Asian market. The region’s automotive industry has undergone turmoil over the last three years as Chinese manufacturers disrupted a market traditionally dominated by Japanese companies.
This shift holds particular relevance for Japanese investors and companies, as the changing competitive dynamics in Southeast Asia could influence supply chains and market strategies in the FX and equities sectors linked to automotive exports and technology partnerships.