Building the Backbone: Tim Albinson on Why Southeast Asia’s Logistics Real Estate Is Booming

By Robert Samuelson, Asia Logistics Today Magazine



Southeast Asia has rapidly become a global hotspot for logistics real estate investment. With the rise of e-commerce, shifting global supply chains, and a wave of infrastructure development, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are drawing increased attention from global investors.

To explore what’s fueling this momentum, I spoke with Tim Albinson — a veteran investor and logistics real estate developer with a strong track record across the region. Albinson has spent recent years building strategic assets in Vietnam and Indonesia, two of the most promising logistics markets in Asia.

Robert Samuelson: Tim, what makes Vietnam and Indonesia so attractive for logistics real estate investment?

Tim Albinson: “Each market is at a critical growth juncture, though driven by different factors. Vietnam is benefitting from the global manufacturing shift, while Indonesia’s strength lies in its expanding domestic consumption and digital economy. What unites them is the same: rising demand for modern logistics facilities, limited high-quality supply, and strong government support for infrastructure.”

RS: Let’s dive into Indonesia — what stands out?

Albinson: “Indonesia is a massive consumer market. With over 270 million people, rapid urbanization, and a tech-savvy population, e-commerce is exploding. But logistics infrastructure is still in early stages. There’s a severe shortage of Grade A warehouse space beyond Jakarta, and that supply-demand gap is where the investment upside lies.”

RS: How about Vietnam?

Albinson: “Vietnam is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the global supply chain reconfiguration. Major manufacturers are setting up shop here, especially in sectors like electronics and apparel. That’s driving immediate demand for advanced logistics facilities — from distribution centers to cold storage. Industrial zones like Binh Duong and Bac Ninh are seeing especially high interest.”

RS: How do Vietnam and Indonesia complement each other in your strategy?

Albinson: “They balance each other well. Vietnam brings export-led growth; Indonesia offers consumer-led growth. Investing in both markets gives us geographic and demand diversification with strong long-term synergies.”

RS: What’s the investment landscape like in Southeast Asia’s logistics sector?

Albinson: “It’s heavily relationship-based. Local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and long-term patience are critical. But the fundamentals are strong — yields are attractive, and long-term demand is undeniable. These are not short-term plays — they’re about building enduring logistics assets in markets with incredible upside.”

RS: You’ve referred to logistics as the ‘backbone’ of Southeast Asia’s economic development. Why?

Albinson: “Because logistics is what enables everything — from manufacturing to last-mile delivery. Whether it’s a container of goods or a mobile phone order, nothing moves without modern warehousing and distribution infrastructure. In these markets, we’re not just meeting current demand; we’re shaping how the future supply chain will function.”

RS: Final thoughts?

Albinson: “If you want to see where the future is being built in Southeast Asia, look beyond the city skylines. The real transformation is happening in the logistics parks and warehouses. That’s where the foundation for tomorrow’s economy is being laid.”

As Southeast Asia's logistics ecosystem accelerates, insights from experienced voices like Timothy Albinson provide a clear view into the region’s evolving investment opportunities and long-term growth potential.

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