APAC CEOs leading global AI adoption: Forrester

Deployment of AI within IT operations also growing deeper in APAC organisations.

APAC CEOs are leading the charge in global adoption of AI, with deployment in IT operations growing deeper, according to a new report.

The Forrester report, AI adoption across regions 2025, noted that organisations in APAC are investing more aggressively in generative AI, deploying it across core business functions, and aligning leadership structures to accelerate transformation.

IT operations in organisations are witnessing AI deployment becoming more deeper and broader in APAC, according to the report.

APAC organisations are reporting a 63 percent of AI adoption within IT operations and 46 percent in data management and engineering. This surpasses other regions and reflects APAC’s readiness to embed AI into core business functions.

The report also noted that as APAC firms continue to scale across IT operations, data management and innovation, they are also preparing for a shift in priorities.

Forrester highlighted that governance, AI literacy and measurable ROI will become a focal point for CEOs and organisations in 2026.

Regional leaders in Asia Pacific will prioritise sovereignty, security, and responsible deployment in 2026 as AI becomes more embedded in national infrastructure and enterprise strategy, the report said.

More than a quarter of APAC firms have invested between $400,001 and $500,000 in generative AI. Comparatively, North America has 19 percent of firms, and 17 percent in Europe.

Furthermore, 33 percent of APAC AI decision-makers say their CEO is the primary owner of AI strategy, compared to just 18 percent in North America and 8 percent in Europe.

Frederic Giron, VP and senior research director at Forrester said Asia Pacific’s leadership in AI adoption reflects bold investment, decisive leadership, and a clear understanding of regional dynamics.

“With CEOs taking ownership of AI strategy, organisations are better positioned to align technology with business transformation,” he said.

“But success requires more than ambition, it demands adapting to local market conditions. APAC’s momentum shows that tailoring AI strategies to regional realities is the key to unlocking meaningful and sustainable impact.”