Bordered by powerhouses China and India, Southeast Asia is sometimes overlooked by multinational companies. But ignoring the transformation now under way could blind leaders to this increasingly attractive market.

For Chinese enterprises to enter the ranks of the world’s premium brands, they must establish a significant global presence in operations, sales, distribution and R&D.

Progress has been slow, but some organizations are finding ways to seek new customers and employees from the world’s poor, underprivileged and isolated.