Singapore and Hong Kong are at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, according to Aon’s 2026 Human Capital Trends Study. The report reveals that 42% of Singaporean employers have fully deployed AI, with an additional 38% in the pilot phase. In Hong Kong, 60% of organisations have fully implemented AI, surpassing the global average, with 28% currently piloting the technology.
Despite these advancements, both cities face significant challenges in workforce readiness. In Singapore, only 31% of organisations have a clearly defined employee value proposition, and just 11% rate their pay transparency practices as mature. Furthermore, only 20% of employers offer customised benefits, despite 61% of employees expressing their importance.
Hong Kong’s situation mirrors this trend, with only 8% of organisations confident in their ability to recruit and retain sufficient AI talent. The study highlights a disconnect between employer intentions and employee experiences, as only 14% report mature pay transparency practices, and just 22% offer customised benefits, even though 65% of employees value them.
The findings underscore a critical gap between AI implementation and workforce preparedness. As AI reshapes the workplace, the need for new skills and employee engagement becomes paramount. The report suggests that organisations must invest in people through training, reskilling, and effective communication to harness AI’s full potential and drive meaningful change.
