Asia's AI boom: India leads adoption, hubs emerge
AI adoption is surging across Asia, with companies establishing new hubs in Singapore and India. IDC projects AI investment in Asia/Pacific to hit $175 billion by 2028, growing at 33.6% CAGR. BCG's 2025 survey shows 78% of APAC employees use AI weekly, with India leading at 92%. This is driving demand for specialized AI talent, as seen in Rogo Technologies' expansion into Singapore with plans for 150-200 regional employees by 2027, and HSBC's new AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore hiring over 100 specialists. India's GCCs are moving up the value chain, focusing on higher-value AI and product development work. Key signal: AI and generative AI investment in Asia/Pacific is projected to reach $175 billion by 2028, with 78% of APAC employees using AI at work weekly. For hiring leaders, this matters because for CHROs and TA leaders, this signals a strategic shift: AI talent is no longer just a niche requirement but a core driver of business transformation. The race to establish AI hubs in Asia means competition for specialized skills will intensify, especially in India where adoption is highest. Companies must rethink their talent strategies to attract and retain AI engineers, data scientists, and AI governance experts. The gap between employee AI adoption and organizational workflow transformation (57% vs 78%) highlights an urgent need for upskilling and change management. GCCs in India are becoming centers of AI innovation, not just execution, which will impact hiring volumes and skill profiles. Teksands view: The AI talent race is no longer just about hiring data scientists—it's about building entire ecosystems. India's 92% AI adoption rate is a double-edged sword: it signals readiness but also exposes a gap in organizational transformation. For hiring leaders, the priority should be to invest in upskilling existing talent and creating roles that bridge AI and business strategy. The $175 billion investment forecast means the demand for AI skills will only grow, and those who act now will have a competitive edge.
Key fact
AI and generative AI investment in Asia/Pacific is projected to reach $175 billion by 2028, with 78% of APAC employees using AI at work weekly.
Why it matters
For CHROs and TA leaders, this signals a strategic shift: AI talent is no longer just a niche requirement but a core driver of business transformation. The race to establish AI hubs in Asia means competition for specialized skills will intensify, especially in India where adoption is highest. Companies must rethink their talent strategies to attract and retain AI engineers, data scientists, and AI governance experts. The gap between employee AI adoption and organizational workflow transformation (57% vs 78%) highlights an urgent need for upskilling and change management. GCCs in India are becoming centers of AI innovation, not just execution, which will impact hiring volumes and skill profiles.
The Teksands point of view
The AI talent race is no longer just about hiring data scientists—it's about building entire ecosystems. India's 92% AI adoption rate is a double-edged sword: it signals readiness but also exposes a gap in organizational transformation. For hiring leaders, the priority should be to invest in upskilling existing talent and creating roles that bridge AI and business strategy. The $175 billion investment forecast means the demand for AI skills will only grow, and those who act now will have a competitive edge.
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