Rapid Socioeconomic Growth in Southeast Asia: Evidence From Nighttime Light Observations

Abstract

Since the new century, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has managed to sustain stable economic growth, drawing global attention due to its robust performance. Nighttime light (NTL) observations have been recognized as a useful tool for monitoring the long-term socioeconomic development trends over large areas. Therefore, this study focused on analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of NTL data in ASEAN countries from 2000 to 2022. The results reveal that NTL data are closely correlated with four key socioeconomic factors, including population, gross domestic product, industrial output, and service industry output. This demonstrates the viability of using NTL data as a proxy for assessing socioeconomic development levels in ASEAN countries. The study also observes significant variations in the spatial distribution of NTL within the ASEAN. Since 2000, there has been a continuous increase in NTL data across ASEAN countries, with a particularly rapid growth phase commencing post-2010. Notably, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam exhibited the fastest growth rates, with annual averages of 15.79%, 14.95%, and 14.81%, respectively. Furthermore, the relative changes in NTL values in ASEAN countries significantly surpassed those observed in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The main reasons may be the implementation of open policies, optimized industrial structure, enhanced infrastructure development, and abundant labor resources in ASEAN countries. The insights from this study provide local governments and policymakers with a scientific basis to inform regional sustainable development planning in ASEAN countries, highlighting the importance of integrating NTL data analysis in socioeconomic development strategies.

Keywords

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries
• nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing
• socioeconomic development
• spatio-temporal analysis