How does the geography of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam etc.) impact its economic activities?

South East Asia countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, East Timor, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Vietnam.

Many of the Southeast Asian countries were strategically positioned along the Silk Road which later developed into trade centers.

Some Southeast Asian countries also commanded important waterways and were in charge of the rich trade routes.