Asia Boards Rank AI Adoption Top Priority For 2026 - Diligent

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Almost half of governance leaders in Asia (48 per cent) are prioritising artificial intelligence (AI) adoption as a top strategic focus for 2026, according to the APAC Governance Outlook 2026 report by the Diligent Institute.

The report revealed that 57 per cent of organisations in the region have already integrated AI into one or more areas of their operations, with 70 per cent identifying digital transformation — including AI risks and opportunities — as the most pressing board agenda item for 2026, followed by growth strategies (68 per cent).

In contrast, only nine per cent prioritise shareholder activism, and 13 per cent focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), signalling a stronger emphasis on internal transformation over external expansion.

However, the report noted that many organisations are struggling to ensure governance frameworks keep pace with accelerating AI adoption.

“In the era of AI, the greatest risk is not the technology itself, but the governance gap that it is creating. By developing strong expertise and robust oversight, organisations can secure a competitive advantage and navigate uncertainties in the year ahead with confidence,” said Diligent Institute Executive Director, Dottie Schindlinger in a statement.

The study said agentic AI — systems that act autonomously on behalf of users — has emerged as a major governance concern. Although respondents see efficiency gains as the main benefit, many highlighted risks tied to data quality, privacy and the lack of governance processes.

One-third (33 per cent) of organisations are creating AI committees or working groups, while 37 per cent now require chief technology officer/chief information officer attendance at board meetings for AI discussions. Respondents also called for more strategic planning time (72 per cent) and greater access to external experts (53 per cent).

The report, published in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Directors and the Governance Institute of Australia, surveyed 187 governance leaders across Asia-Pacific from July to September 2025 to identify the top priorities shaping boardrooms in the year ahead.

-- BERNAMA