Protect the middle? Why Southeast Asia should care about a vulnerable class

Households across Southeast Asia are facing increasing financial pressure due to rising prices, higher borrowing costs, and job insecurity. According to analysts, these economic challenges are leaving a growing vulnerable class exposed.

Despite driving consumer spending in the region, this middle-class population often falls between the cracks of existing social protection systems, which are primarily designed to support poorer households. Analysts are urging governments in Southeast Asia to implement stronger measures to protect this vulnerable demographic.