Private company data is essential for a wide range of business activities such as benchmarking, target screening, company profiling, and valuation. However, obtaining this data in ASEAN countries can be challenging due to the varying degrees of data availability, accessibility, and quality across different markets in the region.

In this article, we will explore the methods to collect private company data from public sources in the ASEAN-6 region, provide an overview of the specific tools available in each country, and highlight how a comprehensive data platform can enhance your data-gathering process.

The Crucial Role of Private Company Data in Strategic Decision-Making

Private company data is indispensable across various industries, serving as the backbone for informed decision-making in sectors like private equity, venture capital, consulting, and corporate strategy. Unlike public companies, whose financial and operational information is readily available, private companies often operate under the radar, making their data harder to obtain yet highly valuable. For private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms, access to private company data is crucial for deal sourcing, valuation, and due diligence. These firms rely on accurate and comprehensive data to identify potential investment opportunities, assess a company’s financial health, and make informed decisions about where to allocate capital.

In consulting, private company data plays a pivotal role in providing clients with strategic advice. Consultants use this data to benchmark companies against their peers, identify market trends, and offer insights into competitive dynamics. Without access to detailed private company data, consultants would struggle to provide actionable recommendations that can drive business growth or optimise operations.

Corporate strategy teams also depend heavily on private company data to guide long-term planning and market entry strategies. Understanding the competitive landscape, identifying potential acquisition targets, and assessing industry trends are all activities that require deep insights into private companies. As economic interconnectivity continues to increase and cross-border investments in the ASEAN region become more prevalent, the need for reliable private company data has never been more critical. Investors and corporate leaders are increasingly looking beyond their home markets, seeking opportunities in ASEAN countries where the private sector is vibrant but often opaque. In this context, having access to accurate and timely private company data can be the difference between seizing a lucrative opportunity and missing out as seen in this case study here.

Understanding Public Sources for Collecting Private Company Information in ASEAN-6

Accessing private company information in ASEAN countries can be complex, as each nation has its own regulations and systems for maintaining and disseminating business data. For business professionals, especially those involved in due diligence, market entry studies, and financial analysis, understanding the specific pathways to obtain this data is crucial. The ASEAN-6 countries—Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia—each offer distinct public databases managed by their respective business regulators. However, the ease of access, the extent of data available, and the costs involved can vary significantly.

Individual Business Regulators in Southeast Asia

The table below lists the primary business regulators and their respective websites where you can access private company data for each ASEAN-6 country:

Each of these websites provides access to a range of company information, from basic profiles to detailed financial statements. However, the level of accessibility and the depth of information available differ from country to country.

Navigating Country-Specific Methods for Accessing ASEAN Private Company Data

Let’s explore the specific details for each country, providing a clearer picture of what you can expect when accessing company data from these different platforms.

  Singapore – BizFile

Singapore’s BizFile, managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), stands out as one of the most efficient platforms for accessing private company data in the ASEAN region. The platform is particularly user-friendly, as no registration is required, allowing users to immediately begin searching for company information. It offers digitised and searchable financial statement documents, accessible by simply entering the company name. While basic data is available for free, users can purchase more detailed reports directly from the site, with clear pricing provided, ensuring transparency in the cost structure.

  Malaysia – SSM e-Info

The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) provides company data through its e-Info portal, but accessing this data requires a few additional steps compared to Singapore. Although registration is free, users must maintain a minimum balance in their e-account to access the company listing page. The platform allows users to search for company details using either the company name or registration number, offering scanned images of audited financial statements that can be browsed but not downloaded. Like Singapore, more detailed documents are available for purchase, but the requirement to maintain a balance in your e-account makes the initial data access somewhat restrictive.

  Thailand – DBD DataWarehouse+

Thailand’s DBD Data Warehouse+ provides a user-friendly interface with a wide range of accessible data, all without requiring registration. The website is well-designed, enabling users to easily search for companies by name, with basic company profiles that include essential details. Financial statements are available for download in either Excel or PDF format at no cost, offering flexibility in how the data can be used. Additionally, the platform includes information on the nationality of shareholders, which is valuable for understanding company ownership structures. A significant advantage of this platform is the availability of financial data for free, a feature not commonly found in many other ASEAN countries.

　Vietnam – National Business Information Registration Portal

Vietnam’s National Business Information Registration Portal provides access to company data, though it comes with certain limitations. The portal allows users to view basic company information without requiring registration, but more detailed data requires the purchase of specific documents. The range of data offered for free is somewhat limited, focusing primarily on basic company profiles rather than in-depth financial information. However, the purchasing process for detailed reports is relatively straightforward, with clear instructions provided on the website, similar to other ASEAN countries.

　Philippines – SEC Express System

The SEC Express System in the Philippines takes a different approach by focusing on physical document delivery. Users can search for companies by name or SEC registration number, but the actual data is not shared directly on the website. Instead of providing digital downloads, the system sends printed documents to the user’s location, which can be less convenient compared to other countries where immediate digital access is available. This delivery process means that accessing detailed information can take several days, which could be a disadvantage for time-sensitive projects.

  Indonesia – No Government Portal for Private Company Data

Indonesia does not currently offer a dedicated online portal for downloading private company data. This lack of a centralised database means that obtaining private company data in Indonesia often requires more manual efforts, such as contacting the companies directly or working through third-party providers.

Overcoming the Challenges of Collecting ASEAN Private Company Data

While the public sources discussed provide valuable data, professionals often face several challenges when collecting private company data in ASEAN countries:

1. Varied Data Availability: The level of detail and accessibility of data varies widely between countries. For instance, while Thailand offers free downloadable financial statements, Vietnam and the Philippines restrict access to basic information unless purchases are made.
2. Time and Cost: Accessing detailed data often requires purchasing documents, and in some cases, such as in the Philippines, waiting for physical delivery of printed materials. This can slow down the research process and increase costs.
3. Data Fragmentation: Without a unified platform, professionals need to navigate multiple websites and regulatory frameworks, making the data collection process cumbersome and time-consuming.
4. Language Barriers: Some ASEAN countries may present language barriers in their public portals, complicating the search process for non-native speakers.

The Go-To Platform for ASEAN-Focused Company Data and Industry Research: Speeda

To effectively navigate the challenges of collecting private company data in ASEAN countries, business professionals need a reliable, efficient, and comprehensive tool. This is where Speeda comes in. As a leading business intelligence platform, Speeda simplifies the complex process of data collection by offering a unified solution that integrates both public and private company data, along with industry research, global M&A deals, news, and access to expert networks. Whether you’re conducting financial analysis, screening targets, or seeking in-depth industry insights, Speeda provides the tools and resources necessary to streamline your research and enhance your decision-making.

Key Features of Speeda:

• Extensive Data Coverage: Speeda covers over 10 million public and private companies across ASEAN-6, China, Korea, and Australia, providing robust data for financial analysis, target screening, and more​.
• Advanced Search Filters: The platform allows users to filter and extract data using advanced search filters tailored to specific regions, industries, and financial metrics​.
• Downloadable Data: All data is digitised and can be downloaded in Excel format, making it easy to incorporate into your existing workflows​.
• Comprehensive Industry Reports: Access to proprietary industry reports and insights written by local experts, covering over 560 industries​.
• On-Demand Consulting: For more complex queries, Speeda offers an on-demand consulting service, connecting users with industry experts who can provide tailored advice and insights​.

Ready to Elevate Your Research?

Take the next step in streamlining your private company data collection and industry research. Schedule a free consultation call with our Speeda team today and discover how our platform can transform your research process and drive better business decisions.