Middle East War 2026: SEA Business Leaders on Impact & Solutions

As the US/Israel and Iran conflict rages on, join us to explore expert leadership insights on impact of the Middle East conflict 2026 across businesses in Southeast Asia. From rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains and growing psychological unrest, women leaders share candid thoughts on how the crisis has impacted their respective industries while also exploring the strategies that are helping them overcome the challenges.

Often, wars aren’t contained within their respective borders. This has been especially true for the ongoing 2026 Middle East war, with its impact being felt world-wide. From LPG crisis in India to energy crisis in several nations, the conflict’s impact has been far reaching.

What started out as coordinated strikes by the US and Israel against Iran has rapidly evolved into a full-blown conflict in the region, involving interference with energy production sites, counterattacks and threatening key maritime routes. With parallels drawn from previous events such as attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, international concern is rising. The aftermath of this ongoing crisis in the Persian Gulf region is now reverberating throughout Southeast Asia.

What’s happened across Southeast Asia: An Overreaching Energy Crisis & More

Perhaps the most obvious impacts have been experienced in the energy sector. With instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical oil transit chokepoint, there has been a sharp surge in crude oil prices.

For Southeast Asian countries whose economies depend heavily on energy imports, the direct consequence has been higher fuel prices, elevated costs of transportation, and intensified inflation perks. Proponents of manufacturing, airlines, and telecommunication are the first to feel the heat.

Additionally, problems persist in the supply chains due to higher shipping charges, raised insurance levels and detention. Besides these real challenges for the sectors where handling efficiency is very crucial, the retail and electronics industries have been much affected. But beyond these tangible disruptions, a more subtle shift is underway.

Across industries ranging from finance to advertising and digital services, corporate confidence is turning more cautious. Investments are subjected to thorough checks, spending is reduced and decision-making processes are getting slower.

For some, the impact is as much psychological as it is economic. With no peace agreement in sight, Southeast Asia not only faces rising costs, but also a profound sense of uncertainty that is fundamentally changing the way industries work, adapt and get ready for a world that is becoming more unpredictable.

Global Woman Leader bring insights from female leaders from across industries who share candid thoughts on the impact of the Middle East conflict. Leaders including Titi Susanti from BSI; Galih savitri from teltonika; Abigail Marie Casanova from SB Finance; Olivia Saha from Shinaraa; Sorada Sonprasit from Publicis Group; Dee Chong from eGentic Asia Pacific speak about the conflict’s impact on their respective industries, while also sharing the strategies being adopted by their companies to build resilience in these tough times.