Singapore – Singapore businesses are showing the region’s strongest demand for agentic artificial intelligence, with 56% expecting to increase their use of the technology over the next 12 months, according to a survey of accounting and finance professionals across five markets.
AI adoption among Singapore respondents was 93%, compared with an average of 89% across the markets surveyed. Nearly half said they use advanced applications, including custom-built AI solutions and agentic AI.
However, deeper integration remains a challenge. While 41% said AI is used across several business areas, only 12% reported that it is embedded throughout their organisation.
“AI adoption is already widespread. What sets leading organisations apart is how deeply they integrate AI into their operations. Businesses are increasingly looking beyond generic AI tools and investing in more sophisticated technologies that can improve productivity, support decision-making and automate complex tasks,” said Joshua Ong, CPA Australia’s Singapore Deputy Divisional President.
“This direction aligns closely with Singapore’s updated National AI Strategy, which places greater emphasis on moving businesses towards meaningful AI adoption and deeper integration across sectors. Singapore’s strong interest in agentic AI suggests many businesses are already preparing for the next stage of digital transformation. The opportunity now is for businesses to translate that enthusiasm into practical applications that deliver measurable value, while maintaining effective governance and human oversight,” Ong continued.
Respondents identified increased productivity, improved employee experience, and greater accuracy and efficiency in repetitive tasks as the main benefits of AI.
Singapore businesses also reported broad use of data and security tools, with 90% using data analytics and business intelligence tools and 84% using cybersecurity software.
However, 16% said they had lost time or money because of a cyber incident in the past year, compared with 19% across all surveyed markets. Respondents also cited overreliance on AI, reduced human oversight, data privacy concerns and the pace of technological change as barriers to wider adoption.
“Organisations that combine innovation with strong governance, cybersecurity and workforce capability will be best placed to realise the full value of AI,” Ong said.
