AI expansion and integration in Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region continues to see significant movement in artificial intelligence integration and infrastructure investment. Databricks has announced plans to invest more than $350 million in Singapore over three years to expand its regional footprint, aiming to double its local workforce and establish a new regional headquarters while focusing on talent development and partnerships in South Korea.

DBS Bank is further advancing its digital transformation by integrating generative and agentic AI across its regional operations. In Hong Kong, the bank is rolling out agentic AI capabilities for its corporate platform, DBS Joy, starting September 26. This allows business clients to execute tasks, such as querying transaction statuses and fees, through a single dialogue interface. The bank reports that DBS Joy has already contributed to a “16% reduction in customer service hotline volume.” For retail customers, the bank plans to upgrade its personal assistant, DBS digibot, with agentic AI features by 2027, extending these services to over 10 million users across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

To further its leadership in the sector, DBS Bank has announced its inaugural DBS Asia Future Forward Conference, scheduled for October 12, 2026, in Singapore. The event will host approximately 700 participants, including Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and TikTok CEO Shou Chew, to discuss the impact of AI on business models and economic growth. Discussions will focus on “intentional AI”—the deployment of technology with clear, quantifiable purposes to ensure practical value—covering topics such as semiconductor infrastructure and enterprise applications.