Singapore leads surveyed markets in agentic AI demand and youth readiness
Business AI adoption reached 93%, according to CPA Australia, but only 12% of respondents said the technology was deeply embedded across their organisations.
Singapore ranked highest for expected growth in agentic AI use among markets surveyed by CPA Australia, while a separate index placed it first for youth AI readiness among 56 Commonwealth nations.
In its Business Technology Report 2026, CPA Australia found that 56% of Singapore organisations expected to expand their use of agentic AI over the following 12 months. Business adoption of AI stood at 93%, compared with an average of 89% across the markets surveyed. Nearly half of respondents used advanced applications, including custom-built systems and agentic AI.
The survey also showed differences in how extensively businesses used the technology. While 41% of respondents reported using AI in several business areas, 12% said it was deeply integrated throughout their organisation.
Ayre Think Tank's Ayre Index gave Singapore 77.6 out of 100 for youth AI readiness, a lead of 2.6 points over the next-ranked country. Only 15 countries met the index's readiness benchmark of 53. The comparison covered approximately 732 million people between the ages of 15 and 29 across the Commonwealth.
Singapore received 9.6 out of 10 for capabilities spanning digital technology, data, media and AI, 9.4 for meaningful access, and 10.0 for motivation and confidence among young people. Its scores were lower for employment and enterprise, at 5.7, and rights, safety and participation, at 4.3. Ayre Think Tank also said information remained limited on young Singaporeans' practical use of AI, including its role in employment, business creation and improving their lives.
