Asia’s appetite for fitness has not gone unnoticed by Western franchises. Not only will 90% of the next 1 billion people to attain middle-class status be from Asia, but they will also be focused on securing education, health and safe food for their families.

Western gym franchises have become the latest fitness fad in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and across the region. Fitness brands, including Anytime Fitness, F45 Training, Gold’s Gym and UFC Gym have readily gained acceptance throughout Asia, as more franchisees open for business.

However, despite calls for the creation of a business-friendly ASEAN Economic Community since 2015, the region remains diverse in its franchising laws and practices.

How can ASEAN countries harmonise their franchising laws to allow for greater franchise expansion in the region?