Singapore companies increase use of AI: CPA Australia survey

Singapore AI adoption in business continues to grow, with high uptake of AI and data analytics tools among companies, as reported by CPA Australia’s Business Technology Survey.

Despite this progress, most organisations have yet to fully integrate cybersecurity into their operations.

The CPA Australia survey notes that 95% of Singapore companies use data analytics and visualisation software such as Python, Power BI, and Excel.

This is slightly above the survey’s average rate of 93%.

AI is also widely adopted, with 92% of businesses implementing some form of AI, compared to the survey average of 89%.

Around one in five of Singapore organisations have integrated AI deeply across their business processes, according to the survey.

However, occasional or ad-hoc deployment remains the main pattern for AI usage.

This approach is seen in 44% of companies, often involving tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, or AI-enabled assistants within platforms including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Cybersecurity integration is less advanced in Singapore as only 23% of surveyed companies have embedded cybersecurity measures into both their strategy and operations.

This figure sits below the overall survey average of 28%.

CPA Australia Singapore divisional president Greg Unsworth said: “Singapore’s strong foothold in AI reflects the nation’s continued push towards digital transformation and operational excellence. However, businesses must move beyond experimentation and strategically integrate AI across functions to unlock its full value.

“The rise of AI-enabled threats, from sophisticated phishing to deepfake impersonation, makes it critical for businesses to strengthen their cyber resilience. Trust must be earned and reinforced through every digital interaction.”

Additionally, 69% use cybersecurity software, trailing the average usage rate of 81% reported elsewhere.

The survey revealed that over 17% of companies take a reactive stance to cyber threats, meaning actions are taken only when incidents occur rather than through planned prevention.

Furthermore, 11% do not know how their company manages cybersecurity internally, indicating possible gaps in oversight or communication.

Over the past 12 months, these tools are said to have helped automate repetitive duties, streamline workflows and support quicker decision-making.

Despite these advantages, challenges remain. Relying more on AI prompts questions about human oversight and decision-making responsibility, especially where judgement or ethics are involved.

Some businesses report job losses among roles involving repetitive tasks and face difficulties connecting new AI systems to older legacy platforms.

Cultural and organisational issues also hold back wider adoption.

Recently, CPA Australia called for improved governance standards in Australia’s proposed financial reporting reforms, cautioning that the current draft legislation may weaken confidence in the independence of standard-setting.

"Singapore companies increase use of AI: CPA Australia survey " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.

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