Businesses in Asia are pushing ahead with artificial intelligence (AI), making it a core part of operations faster than other regions. A study by Hitachi Vantara, the data storage and cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., found that 42% of Asian companies now see AI as critical, compared to the global average of 37%.
China and Singapore lead worldwide, with 53% and 57% of organizations, respectively, stating that AI is essential to their business.
“Asia’s rapid AI adoption is not a promise; it’s a reality,” said Adrian Johnson, SVP and GM of the Americas and Asia Pacific at Hitachi Vantara. “The region’s markets show that when organizations pair advanced adoption with data best practices, AI can transcend pilot projects to become truly transformative.”
The Hitachi Vantara State of Data Infrastructure Survey, which gathered responses from 1,200 global participants, including 325 from India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, revealed that while Asia is advancing in AI, businesses still struggle with data challenges.
AI models in the region are accurate only 32% of the time, and data is available when needed just 34% of the time. Even more concerning, only 30% of enterprise data is structured, meaning most AI systems are working with unorganized or messy information. This weak foundation makes it difficult for AI to deliver consistent results.
“Leaders must recognize that data availability, security, quality, and governance are not optional. Without them, AI’s potential will remain under-realized,” Johnson said.
The report highlights key factors that help organizations succeed with AI. Among the most effective AI adopters, 40% credit high-quality data, while 39% point to partnerships with AI vendors. Strong project governance is another critical factor, with 45% of top-performing businesses in Asia emphasizing its role, compared to the global average of 37%.
Data storage demands
Adding to the challenge is the rapid increase in data storage demands. Asian businesses expect their data needs to grow by 123% in the next two years, making it even harder to ensure AI systems get clean and timely inputs. Security is another major concern, with 44% of respondents in the region identifying it as a top issue, compared to 38% globally. This worry is even stronger in India and Indonesia, where 54% and 50% of organizations cite data security as a primary challenge.
To bridge these gaps, companies are investing in AI talent and expertise. The survey found that 71% of businesses in Asia are hiring professionals with AI skills, compared to 64% globally. Also, 68% are working with external AI experts, a higher rate than the global average of 61%. Singapore, Indonesia, India, and China are leading these efforts. However, Malaysia is taking a different approach, with 50% of respondents saying they rely on self-teaching rather than hiring outside talent.
“By aligning AI expansion with data integrity and strategic resource investments, Asia’s enterprises can fully capitalize on their early lead,” added Johnson. “This focus on foundational data elements, along with strategic partnerships and effective governance, can ensure AI initiatives deliver truly transformative and enduring value.”