Don't be naive, these big tech company will not share their technology, even when the transfer is done. There is already new one out.Our current situation in Malaysia any economy planning is impossible. Vietnam is lucky to have a stabil government. About South China Sea I personally think it is stupid. We also built a runway in layang layang Island. It is so hard to maintain under the scorching sun. It is only good for scuba diving and it cost 1000 usd to go there and worst you cannot stay overnight because the high tide might wash you away. Hence basically they are useless. Due to political rhetoric people is talking nonsense. The smartest is still Singapore they don't get involve at all. Vietnam claimed the most of all these islands. What can people do with these called tiny island. Mass media nowadays is unbelievable filled with fake news. US is also spending more money in creating more distorted news. Perhaps the CIA wishing Asian to fight Asian so that they will still hold on to be world hegemon. News said US is declining in fact they are not, but other nations had developed and progress hence they felt out of place. For Malaysia we are neutral and we don't feel the threat even from China, as we had live for centuries together they did not conquered us even when they were superpower before 19th centuries. Only the west does that to the whole world.
Singapore and Malaysia not doing what you mentioned it is due to economical fore sight. We are too small.
Most probably Intel moved from Penang Malaysia to Vietnam. They stayed in malaysia big for almost 25 years. Believed they will stayed in Vietnam for a certain period then they perhaps will move somewhere else when Vietnam becomes expensive. That is the cycle.
My personal experience building roads, utilities, all the basics it is more important for Asean. I also worked in India, their roads are terrible, how are going to attract foreign investor when the basic is not there. In the 50 and 60s malaysia started to ensure basic utility is developed. In the 70 to 90s many roads, highway are built. In the 2000s we venture to technology but not so successful. Then corruption takes it toll when money is there. You are right we are stucked in the middle income trap whereas Singapore is free of these. For a country to get out of the income traps, corruption should not be there. Education and planning is most important. If Vietnam is successful we are happy for Asean. For now we are not in good situation. If Vietnam does not keep good relationship with China like what you said a small war or whatsoever, investors will runaway. And then we Asian is pushed into poverty again. The West will watch TV and enjoyed.