As 2025 concludes, the Asia-Pacific region has firmly established itself as the epicenter of a worldwide technological transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a disruptive tool but the primary engine for economic expansion, international partnership, and building long-term resilience across the area.
APAC Embraces AI Faster Than the Rest of the World
A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group reveals a significant trend: professionals in Asia-Pacific are integrating generative AI into their work at a faster and more eager pace compared to their counterparts in other global regions. Home to one-third of the global population, the area is rapidly increasing its influence in technological innovation, positioning itself at the heart of the AI shift.
The economic implications are staggering. A report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) forecasts that AI is set to contribute close to 1 trillion U.S. dollars in economic benefits across Asia within the next ten years.
Recognizing this monumental potential, leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) made a historic move in November. They unanimously adopted a joint declaration that acknowledges AI's power to fundamentally reshape global economies by unlocking new avenues for innovation, boosting productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering prosperity and resilience.
For the first time, APEC placed artificial intelligence at the core of its agenda. The forum introduced an AI initiative designed to accelerate and deepen cooperation among member economies throughout the Asia-Pacific.
China's Leadership and Regional Tech Synergy
According to UNDP data, China holds nearly 70 percent of all AI patents filed globally. This commanding position means the region is increasingly looking to China for its technological prowess, policy frameworks, and practical, application-focused innovations to turn AI's promise into inclusive growth that benefits all.
"China will be able to contribute to global growth by accelerating the development of next-generation industries such as renewable energy ecosystems, helping shape international technological standards in areas including AI governance and cybersecurity, and promoting stronger intra-Asian trade and investment flows through deeper and broader regional integration," stated Christine Susanna Tjhin, director of strategic communication & research at Indonesia's Gentala Institute.
China has actively pledged to collaborate with all APEC members to improve AI literacy and close the digital and AI divides within the Asia-Pacific. It has also taken the lead in proposing the creation of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Through this platform, China aims to offer international public goods related to AI by coordinating on development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards.
This commitment is already producing tangible results. A prime example is the recent launch of Qwen-SEA-LION-v4, a Southeast Asian multilingual large language model. Developed by Singapore's national AI program, AI Singapore, it is built upon Alibaba's open-source Qwen model to better serve the region's diverse linguistic and cultural needs.
"Our collaboration with Alibaba on Qwen-SEA-LION-v4 is an important milestone in advancing AI inclusivity and to make it more representative of Southeast Asia," said Leslie Teo, senior director of AI Products at AI Singapore, in a statement released by Alibaba Cloud.
From AI-driven smart sorting systems that improve the grading and trade of Malaysian durians to cloud-based early warning platforms developed jointly with nations like Pakistan, the Solomon Islands, and Laos to boost disaster preparedness and climate resilience, China's innovation-led partnerships are spreading throughout the region.
Capacity building is another key focus. China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has conducted several AI training programs for officials from Vietnam and hosted an AI innovation workshop in November that attracted participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Mongolia.
Collaborating for an Equitable AI Future
The rapid ascent of AI also brings warnings. Philip Schellekens, chief economist for the UNDP in Asia and the Pacific, cautioned that "countries that invest in skills, computing power and sound governance systems will benefit, others risk being left far behind."
Reflecting this concern, the APEC AI Initiative calls for sustained efforts to ensure security, accessibility, trust, and reliability in harnessing AI's benefits. It emphasizes balanced, human-centered approaches to workforce policies, education, and capacity building.
All eyes are now on APEC 2026, which will be hosted in China. Expectations are high for further collaboration on cutting-edge technologies, expansion of digital public services, promotion of standard interoperability, and ensuring technological gains are distributed fairly across the region.
"China has accumulated significant experience in technological innovation and long-term development," remarked Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu at the recent APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting in Shenzhen. He added, "Shenzhen is widely recognized as a global innovation hub, and we are ready to share our experience with all partners and contribute to the region's innovative growth."