According to the "Asia-Pacific Governance Vision 2026" report, nearly half (48%) of Asian governance leaders list AI adoption as a top strategic priority for 2026, surpassing growth opportunities (45%) and cybersecurity risks (39%). This trend is driven by increasing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. 57% of Asian organizations have already introduced AI technology in some operational areas, and 70% of companies consider digital transformation their most pressing board issue, far exceeding external expansion strategies such as shareholder activities (9%) and mergers and acquisitions (13%).
However, while AI is rapidly advancing, the lag in governance frameworks is becoming increasingly apparent. Doti Sindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, points out: "The biggest risk in the AI era is not the technology itself, but the governance gap." The report shows that while 86% of respondents believe that agent AI (autonomous task execution systems) can improve efficiency, 64% are concerned about data privacy risks, and 61% believe there is a lack of decision-making governance processes. Furthermore, 68% of respondents listed digital technology skills as a key requirement for board development, but only 31% of companies require directors to receive AI training, and only 28% have hired AI-specialized directors.
To address these challenges, 33% of companies are establishing AI committees, and 37% require their chief technology officers to participate in board discussions. Experts emphasize that by strengthening expertise and oversight mechanisms, companies can build a competitive advantage amidst uncertainty, but the current capacity gaps in board leadership still need to be filled through ongoing education.
