2026年亚太地区企业高管晴雨表展望报告_18页_1mb

Asia Pacific C-Suite Barometer: Outlook 2026 Summary

Core Content

The Asia Pacific C-Suite Barometer for 2026 highlights the region's strategic response to a volatile global economic environment, marked by trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and technological disruption. Despite declining revenues, C-suite leaders in APAC are showing increased confidence in navigating these challenges through agility, resilience, and a renewed focus on internal growth and technology investment, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).

Main Viewpoints

1. Confidence Amid Uncertainty

• Confidence in Growth Outlook: 83% of APAC executives expect growth in 2026, up from 30% in 2025.
• Revenue Expectations: Despite this optimism, only 67% expect revenue to increase, a sharp drop from 80% in 2025 and 90% in 2024.
• Shift in Expectations: The rise in confidence suggests a recalibration of expectations rather than complacency, with leaders feeling more equipped to act due to increased operational agility and strategic flexibility.

2. Trade Tensions and Geopolitical Uncertainty

• Tariffs as a Central Challenge: Tariffs, especially those imposed by the U.S. and retaliatory measures from other regions, are a major driver of uncertainty and a key barrier to international expansion.
• Regional Focus on Expansion: Over 75% of APAC executives are pursuing international expansion, with a clear preference for regional markets.
• Top Expansion Destinations: China, Australia, and Hong Kong are the leading targets, indicating a shift toward intra-regional collaboration and resilience.

3. Strategic Priorities

• Technology Transformation: A majority of APAC executives (63%) are increasing investment in sourcing new talent, and 68% are boosting upskilling efforts.
• AI as a Strategic Lever: AI is the top technology investment priority (47%), with 55% reporting it has already had a major impact on their organisation.
• Operational Efficiency: AI is being used for forecasting, planning, internal automation, and customer experience, with a focus on efficiency and resilience.

4. Workforce Dynamics

• Job Creation Over Disruption: While 28% of executives report AI replacing roles, 43% say it has led to the creation of new positions.
• Upskilling and Talent Development: The region is investing in both human capital and AI capabilities, indicating a workforce in transition rather than contraction.

5. Sustainability Reporting vs. Real Resilience

• Compliance Confidence: 91% of APAC executives are confident in meeting sustainability reporting requirements.
• Practical Resilience Gaps: Only 73% feel confident in managing actual environmental impacts, highlighting a need to align reporting with real-world practices.

Key Information

Survey Overview

• Total Respondents: 3,012 globally, including 260 from the APAC region.
• Demographics:
  • Countries: Australia (50), China (20), Hong Kong (50), India (20), Japan (20), Singapore (50), South Korea (50).
  • Seniority: CEO, Chair, Board (160), Other C-suite (100).
  • Revenue Bands: $1bn+ (112), $100m - $1bn (58), $1m - $100m (90).
  • Functions: CFO (25), COO (19), CTO (29).
  • Sectors: Financial Services (82), TMT (45), Manufacturing (41), Consumer (34), Energy & Infrastructure (20), Real Estate (13).

Technology and AI Investment

• AI Investment: 47% of APAC leaders prioritize AI, with only 11% investing more than 20% of their budget in AI, compared to 15% globally.
• ROI in AI: Executives see high returns from AI and machine learning, particularly in forecasting and planning, knowledge acquisition, and internal automation.
• Ethical Concerns: 70% of APAC executives report some ethical concerns about AI, but these concerns are not deterring investment.

Conclusion

APAC C-suite leaders are demonstrating a strong commitment to adaptation, innovation, and resilience in the face of global trade tensions, inflation, and geopolitical risks. The region is shifting its focus toward internal growth and regional markets, with AI playing a central role in driving efficiency and competitiveness. While sustainability reporting is well-managed, real-world environmental resilience remains a challenge. The barometer underscores a leadership mindset that is proactive, strategic, and aligned with the region's long-term growth ambitions.