This article explores strategic responses of publicly-held manufacturing firms to the competitive challenge posed by the "Association of Southeast Asian Nations" (ASEAN). It examines the relationships between the internal priorities for growth (identified by top management), the externally determined stages of the IPLC, and the competitive rationales for entering ASEAN. Moreover, it analyzes which competitive responses are identifiable with drivers of internationalization posited in the literature. Results suggest that resource-driven motives are strong drivers for international expansion, and therefore should be carefully considered in strategic planning.