Business leaders in Asia-Pacific build resilience through AI and regional trade

While global markets brace for further geopolitical turbulence, a new “resilience paradox” is emerging among C-suite leaders in Asia-Pacific. Despite a drop in revenue expectations, business confidence is climbing as executives pivot from short-term reactions to structural reinvention. This shift places human capital and AI at the centre of a strategy designed to insulate organisations from global shocks.

According to the Forvis Mazars’ C-Suite Barometer 2026: Adapting in Uncertainty, the number of leaders in Asia-Pacific expecting revenue growth fell to 67%, down from 80% in 2025. However, underlying business confidence surged to 41%, up from 30% the previous year. The data suggests that organisations are no longer waiting for global conditions to improve but are instead actively re-engineering their operations to endure anticipated disruptions.

This commitment to structural stability is reflected in a sustained investment in the workforce despite economic headwinds. Rather than implementing the broad hiring freeze often seen during periods of uncertainty, organisations in Asia-Pacific are fortifying their foundations through significant people-centric investments. Currently, 63% of respondents plan to increase spending on acquiring new talent, while 68% intend to increase investment in upskilling their existing workforce to meet the demands of a changing market.

Contrary to the narrative of AI-driven displacement, the technology is currently driving headcount growth in the region. The barometer reveals that 43% of leaders in Asia-Pacific report AI has created new roles within their organisations, significantly outpacing the 28% who say it has replaced them. Leaders are focusing on disciplined, high-impact AI applications, specifically in forecasting, knowledge acquisition, and operational efficiency, achieving these gains through focused and cost-effective adoption strategies.

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Geopolitical instability and tariff risks have also triggered a strategic retreat to regional markets. Business expansion is turning inward toward China, Australia, and Hong Kong, as organisations shorten supply chains to secure growth in territories where risks are more manageable. This shift necessitates a localised talent strategy and a deep focus on navigating regional regulatory environments, an area where 91% of executives already express high confidence.

However, the report identifies a critical disconnect between regulatory compliance and physical reality regarding sustainability. While 91% of executives feel confident in their ability to meet sustainability reporting requirements, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical impacts of climate change. This disparity suggests that the next priority for the region is to bridge the gap between disclosure and physical defence, ensuring that supply chains and assets are capable of withstanding tangible environmental shocks.