The economic integration of such a diverse region is not without challenges. Nevertheless, the AEC 2015 should not be viewed as a deadline but an ongoing process aimed at creating an ASEAN in which trade and investments flow unhindered. Over and above the AEC, Southeast Asia has good fundamentals with a large young population, burgeoning middle class and abundant natural resources. Opportunities will continue to exist for Singapore companies in the manufacturing, infrastructure and consumerism spaces and the move towards integration will yield considerable benefits for businesses.