Governance Outlook 2026: Charting the Future of Board Leadership in Asia-Pacific

70% of governance leaders in Asia cite digital transformation, including AI risks and opportunities, as the most pressing board agenda topic for 2026.

48% of governance leaders in Asia are prioritising AI adoption as a top strategic priority for 2026, compared to 45% prioritising growth opportunities.

57% of organisations in Asia have already incorporated AI into one or more areas of their operations.

33% of governance leaders in Asia are creating AI committees or working groups.

61% of governance leaders in Asia identify a lack of governance processes to guide AI decision-making as a top risk.

72% of governance leaders in Asia want more strategic planning time to optimise governance processes.

68% of governance leaders in Asia identify digital technology skills as a critical board development need.

37% of governance leaders in Asia now require CTO/CIO presence in board meetings for AI discussions.

86% of governance leaders in Asia see task efficiency and productivity as the greatest benefits to agentic AI.

28% of organisations in Asia have recruited directors with AI expertise.

53% of governance leaders in Asia seek increased exposure to external experts to optimise governance processes.

64% of governance leaders in Asia cite data quality and privacy concerns as top risks associated with agentic AI.

31% of governance leaders in Asia have mandated director training on AI.