ASEAN ICT Spending to Hit $171 Billion, Driven by ROI-Focused Investments and Digital Resilience.- IDC

According to the IDC Worldwide ICT Spending Guide Enterprise and SMB by Industry, businesses are prioritizing investments that deliver tangible ROI and build resilience against future uncertainties. The overall ICT spending in the ASEAN market is projected to reach USD $171 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 5.8% through 2028. Businesses in this region are refining their technology strategies to adapt to the current economic landscape. While ICT spending remains significant, the focus has transitioned from rapid expansion to strategic optimization. Businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are prioritizing investments that deliver tangible returns on investment and bolster resilience against future uncertainties.

"ASEAN businesses are entering a new phase of technology adoption," says Mario Allen Clement, associate research manager, Data and Analytics. " The emphasis is no longer solely on acquiring the latest technologies, but on strategically deploying solutions that address specific business challenges and drive measurable outcomes. We're seeing a move towards pragmatic investments that enhance productivity and a stronger focus to improve customer experience," Clement adds.

The top 10 fastest-growing industry accounts for almost 20% of the total ICT Spending Market in ASEAN. Key industries within ASEAN drive ICT spending by focusing on digital transformation initiatives, AI implementation, and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure. Organizations prioritize technological resilience and digital capabilities despite challenges like regional economic fluctuations and cybersecurity threats. This strategic focus is driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

ICT spending in the ASEAN region has seen consistent growth across businesses of all sizes. Very large businesses are prioritizing innovation and operational efficiencies. Medium-sized businesses are investing heavily in data analytics to scale operations and improve decision-making, with a focus on AI and machine learning. The small office/home office (SOHO) market is also increasing ICT spending, primarily on productivity tools seeking cost-effective and scalable solutions. This overall trend of increased ICT investment is expected to continue across all segments within ASEAN.

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