The Chief Editor of Fortune Asia Magazine, Clay Chandler, explains that Fortune's 500 Largest Companies in Southeast Asia reflects a dynamic and rapidly changing region. The region has an economy that is growing much faster than Europe or the United States (US).

Ten of the largest companies on the list reported revenues of US$650 billion. This revenue accounted for more than a third of the fiscal year 2023 revenue for all 500 Largest Companies in Southeast Asia, which reported a total revenue of US$1.8 trillion.

The minimum income threshold for inclusion in the list is US$460.8 million. With a collective income of US$242 billion, the banking sector becomes the second largest sector in Southeast Asia. Significantly, nine banks are included among the top 20 most profitable companies, with DBS Singapore leading in terms of both revenue and profit.