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Asia has a three-year window to seize AI leadership through digital sovereignty

To stay competitive, Asia must rethink digital borders and engineer trust into the architecture of AI systems

    • Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework serves as a vital regional blueprint as governments strengthen safeguards around cybersecurity, data governance and digital resilience.
    • Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework serves as a vital regional blueprint as governments strengthen safeguards around cybersecurity, data governance and digital resilience. PHOTO: BT FILE
    Published Tue, Jun 2, 2026 · 05:00 PM

    FROM Singapore to India, Asian countries are investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure, data ecosystems and digital platforms as they look to seize the next phase of digital economic growth and AI leadership.

    The 2026 IBM CEO Study reveals that 69 per cent of leaders say AI is already changing core business aspects and, by 2030, their agendas will be entirely focused on speed, intelligence and reinvention.

    This implies that Asia’s window to be a leader in the AI transformation is narrow – likely three to five years – and the economic stakes for getting the foundation right are high.