Singapore AI returns lag global peers: survey

Adoption matches global pace, but results trail.

Singapore organisations are adopting generative artificial intelligence at the same pace as global peers, but fewer are turning that activity into measurable returns, according to Snowflake.

Snowflake said 39% of Singapore respondents reported using generative AI across many use cases, matching the global average, but only 33% said they had quantified return on investment, against 49% globally.

It said Singapore respondents also expected AI to account for 15% of technology budgets over the next 12 months, the lowest share among the markets surveyed and below the 23% global average.

The company said the gap appeared to reflect weaker execution rather than lower interest. In Singapore, 32% of respondents cited identifying specific use cases as a top challenge, compared with 19% globally, whilst AI adoption across departments such as IT operations, cybersecurity, research and development, human resources, and marketing trailed global levels.

That narrower rollout was linked to softer business outcomes. Snowflake said 79% of Singapore respondents reported operational efficiency gains, compared with 89% globally, whilst 75% reported cost reductions against 82% worldwide.

The broader survey still showed a positive workforce effect from AI adoption. Across all markets, 77% of organisations reported AI-driven job creation, compared with 46% reporting job losses, and 69% of those seeing both said the overall impact had been positive.

Snowflake said stronger data foundations and governance would determine whether organisations could scale AI successfully.

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia