Singapore has recorded the strongest demand for agentic AI among all markets surveyed in CPA Australia’s Business Technology Report 2026.
The report found that 56% of organisations in Singapore plan to increase their use of agentic AI in the next 12 months. AI adoption is nearly universal, with 93% of businesses using AI, compared to the survey average of 89%.
CPA Australia’s Singapore Deputy Divisional President, Joshua Ong, said: “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. 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.”
Beyond experimentation
Singapore businesses are shifting from AI experimentation to focusing on how the technology can drive productivity, performance, and competitive advantage.
Nearly half of respondents reported using advanced AI applications, such as custom-built solutions and agentic AI, indicating a shift from off-the-shelf tools to technologies tailored to specific business needs.
While adoption is high, the next opportunity is deeper integration. Forty-one per cent said AI is used across several business areas, but only 12% reported AI is deeply embedded throughout their organisation.
The study indicates that the next challenge is embedding AI across business functions, rather than focusing solely on adoption.
“The opportunity now is for businesses to translate that enthusiasm into practical applications that deliver measurable value, while maintaining effective governance and human oversight…Organisations that combine innovation with strong governance, cybersecurity and workforce capability will be best placed to realise the full value of AI,” Ong added.
The study surveyed 1,679 accounting and finance professionals across Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Chinese Mainland and Singapore.
