The use of nonthermal processing technologies (NTP) is finding increased application within the food industry. NTP have not been well researched with regard to its suitability for Asian food products. Challenges faced by food producers include cost and competitive international trade. The objective of this study was to identify the potential and challenges in using NTP such as irradiation, pulsed electric fields, high pressure processing, and ultrasound technologies in Southeast Asia. As a food paradise, this region has yet to fully utilize the advantages of NTP, but have the potential to be taken up as consumer and trade demands as well as economic strength in the region is changing. Despite the region’s global strategic importance and wealth in its agricultural resources and seafood products, disruptions due to shortcomings in raw materials management and product quality have resulted in trade loss. This can be reduced through NTP, but economic limitations suggest that suitability and hurdle technology studies are crucial in order to get NTP technologies to move closer to realm of commercialization in Southeast Asia.