Over 8 in ten tech leaders say data management will drive AI success

Companies unifying data are more likely to reach their AI goals in 2025.

More than eight in 10 (85%) of Asia Pacific’s global technology executives recognise the importance of unifying data to achieve artificial intelligence (AI) success, according to a NetApp report.

The report found that companies prioritising unifying data are more likely to reach their AI goals in 2025.

Investing in data management and infrastructure has become the main concern for organisations, with executives emphasising it twice as much as other AI initiatives.

In APAC, tech executives in Japan (42%), Singapore (49%), Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) (43%), and India (44%) see data management and infrastructure investments as their top future investment priority.

However, 72% of APAC respondents said the rise in AI adoption has increased security challenges for their businesses, whilst 54% identified this as their top stressor.

Executives at the board and C-suite levels continue to prioritise cybersecurity and ransomware protection, with 38% ranking it as a top priority.

Furthermore, three-quarters of respondents reiterated the importance of carbon footprint reduction—slightly above the global average.

Increased data and computation due to AI have contributed to their companies' sustainability initiatives, with 57% indicating "high" or "extremely high" impacts.