A recent survey by Entermind reveals that 43% of AI users in Malaysia now consult AI tools first when making important decisions, surpassing the 31% who still rely on search engines. Conducted in September 2026, the survey involved 1,300 AI users, highlighting a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards AI reliance.
The whitepaper, titled “The Secret Lives of AI-Ready Customers,” also found that 41% of respondents have made purchases or financial decisions based primarily on AI recommendations. This trend underscores the growing influence of AI in everyday decision-making processes.
Entermind’s study introduces the concept of “AI Experience Debt,” which measures how far brands fall short of customer expectations at decision points. The survey indicates that 78% of users wish company apps and websites could simplify decision-making as effectively as AI tools do.
AI-savvy adults in Malaysia are estimated to account for RM190b in annual household spending, emphasising the economic impact of this technological shift. Entermind’s CEO, Prashant Kumar, notes that whilst AI provides valuable advice, users still prefer to maintain control over final decisions. “Trust comes with conditions,” Kumar states, highlighting that 80% of users value transparency about AI’s role in content production.
As AI continues to shape consumer habits, brands are encouraged to adapt to these evolving expectations to remain competitive in the market.
