Betting on the Backbone: An Interview with Tim Albinson on Southeast Asia’s Logistics Real Estate Boom

By Robert Samuelson, Asia Logistics Today Magazine

In recent years, Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic logistics real estate markets in the world. With surging e-commerce, supply chain shifts, and infrastructure investment driving demand, investors are pouring capital into the region — particularly in Vietnam and Indonesia.

To understand what’s behind the momentum, I sat down with Tim Albinson, a seasoned investor and developer with deep roots in the region. Albinson has spent the past several years building a portfolio focused on logistics and warehousing across these two fast-growing economies.

Robert Samuelson: Tim, you’ve been investing in Southeast Asia for a while now. Why are Vietnam and Indonesia such a focus for you?

Tim Albinson: “Both markets are at inflection points, but for different reasons. Vietnam is riding the wave of global manufacturing reallocation, while Indonesia is being driven by domestic consumption and e-commerce. What excites me is that the fundamentals for logistics real estate are strong in both — growing demand, limited modern supply, and governments actively investing in infrastructure.”

RS: Let’s start with Indonesia. What makes it stand out?

Albinson: “Indonesia is a giant. You’ve got 270 million people, rapid urbanization, and a young, digital-native population fueling online shopping. But the logistics infrastructure is still catching up. Modern warehousing stock is extremely limited, especially outside Jakarta. That gap between demand and supply is exactly where opportunity lives.”

RS: And Vietnam?

Albinson: “Vietnam is one of the biggest winners of the global supply chain shift. Multinationals are investing heavily — from electronics to textiles — and that creates an immediate need for high-quality logistics hubs. We’re seeing strong demand for distribution centers, cold storage, and bonded facilities, particularly in areas like Binh Duong and Bac Ninh.”

RS: How do the two countries complement each other in your strategy?

Albinson: “They’re two sides of the same coin. Vietnam gives you export-driven growth; Indonesia gives you consumer-driven growth. By being in both, we’re hedging risk and gaining exposure to different demand drivers. It’s diversification with synergy.”

RS: What’s your take on the investor environment in the region?

Albinson: “It’s still relationship-driven. You need strong local partners, patience, and a real understanding of how each country operates. But yields are compelling, and the trajectory is clear. These aren’t short-term plays — this is about building durable assets in markets that are just getting started.”

RS: You’ve described logistics as the ‘backbone’ of Southeast Asia’s economic rise. Can you elaborate?

Albinson: “Absolutely. Whether it’s a factory or a smartphone order, nothing moves without a warehouse in the middle. Logistics isn’t just infrastructure — it’s enablement. And in these markets, we’re not just catching up to demand; we’re shaping the future of how goods move.”

RS: Final thoughts?

Albinson: “If you want to see where the future is being built, don’t just look at the skylines — look at the warehouses. That’s where transformation is happening.”

As Southeast Asia continues to evolve, voices like Tim Albinson’s offer not only insight — but a roadmap for where opportunity lies.