As reported in CPA Australia’s Business Technology Survey, AI adoption in Singapore businesses continues to grow, with high penetration of AI and data analytics tools among businesses.
Despite these advances, most organizations still haven’t fully integrated cybersecurity into their operations.
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According to a study by CPA Australia, 95% of Singapore businesses use data analysis and visualization software such as Python, Power BI, and Excel.
This is slightly higher than the survey average rate of 93%.
AI is also widely deployed, with 92% of companies implementing some form of AI, compared to the survey average of 89%.
Research shows that around one-fifth of organizations in Singapore have deeply integrated AI across their business processes.
However, occasional or ad hoc deployments remain the predominant pattern of AI usage.
This approach is seen in 44% of companies, often using tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, or AI-enabled assistants within platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
Cybersecurity integration is not very advanced in Singapore. Only 23% of companies surveyed have integrated cybersecurity measures into both their strategy and operations.
This number is lower than the survey-wide average of 28%.
Greg Unsworth, Head of CPA Australia and Singapore, said: “Singapore’s strong foothold in AI reflects the country’s continued commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence. But to unlock the full value of AI, businesses need to move beyond experimentation and strategically integrate AI across their functions.”
“The rise of AI-powered threats, from advanced phishing to deepfake impersonation, makes it important for businesses to strengthen their cyber resilience. Trust must be earned and strengthened through every digital interaction.”
Furthermore, 69% use cybersecurity software, which is lower than the average usage rate of 81% reported in other reports.
The study found that more than 17% of companies take a reactive approach to cyber threats. This means that action is taken only when an incident occurs, rather than through planned prevention.
Additionally, 11% do not know how their organization manages cybersecurity internally, indicating there may be gaps in oversight and communication.
Over the past 12 months, these tools are said to have helped automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and support faster decision-making.
Despite these advantages, challenges still remain. Increasing reliance on AI raises questions about human oversight and decision-making responsibilities, especially when judgment and ethics are involved.
Some companies have reported job losses among roles that involve repetitive tasks and are facing difficulties connecting new AI systems to old legacy platforms.
Cultural and organizational issues also impede broader adoption.
Recently, Chartered Accountants of Australia called for improved governance standards in Australia’s financial reporting reform proposals, warning that the current legislation could undermine confidence in the independence of standard-setting.
