From automation to autonomy: the APAC Agentic AI journey

Agentic AI represents a fundamental leap beyond traditional automation, where systems don’t just respond, but proactively plan, decide, and act. This blog series explores how enterprises across the APAC region are moving from experimental pilots to automation. We begin with the ‘why’ and ‘how’: what’s driving adoption, and what it will take to translate agentic AI into lasting value.
 
As Ainkaran Krishnarajah, Partner at Exponent Venture Group, observes: “Agentic AI isn’t about novelty -it’s about redesigning the enterprise around autonomous execution. The shift will be bigger than cloud and faster.”

Agentic AI represents a new paradigm of generative AI (GenAI) adoption. According to Omdia’s report on Understanding Agentic AI: Attributes, Architecture, and the Ecosystem, agentic AI refers to system architectures that leverages core capabilities of GenAI to create highly autonomous, goal-oriented software that can plan and execute complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

The APAC region presents unique opportunities due to its strong digital infrastructure, diverse market environments, and rapidly evolving regulatory environments. In Omdia’s 2024 AI Maturity Survey, 32% of the APAC enterprises cite GenAI benefits as their primary motivation for AI investment, indicating strong readiness for advanced AI solutions.

Some experts frame the shift in strong terms. Krishnarajah describes, “Agentic AI is not an evolution of automation - it’s a redefinition of how work gets done. The shift isn’t about tools. It’s about autonomy.”

Technical Architecture Considerations

Much like DeepSeek came to symbolize GenAI hype in APAC, Manus AI is now synonymous with the rise of agentic AI. Launched by Butterfly Effect, a Chinese startup, the proprietary, subscription-based AI agent took the APAC region, by storm in March 2025, particularly in China creating strong momentum in spreading awareness of agentic AI.
While this growing awareness is valuable for the democratization of the technology, Manus AI has its fair share of limitations. For enterprises looking to move from hype to execution, three practical paths have emerged:

·       Pre-integrated SaaS partners (e.g., Salesforce, Netcracker)
·       Hyperscaler SDKs (e.g. AWS Strands)
·       Open-source agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, CrewAI)

Each offers trade-offs in speed, control, and customisation.

Executive Decision Framework

According to Krishnarajah, “If GenAI was the spark, agentic AI is the engine. The question is no longer ‘can it do it?’ — it’s ‘where do we let it run?’”
Enterprises must begin with the end in mind. Rather than jumping into tools or SDKs, decision-makers should first identify where existing RPA, predictive AI, or GenAI fall short—and target those gaps with agentic systems.

When implemented correctly, agentic AI augments the workforce, removes repetition, and frees employees to focus on higher-value work.
Calculating ROI requires more than traditional tech metrics. In addition to cost and revenue impacts, enterprises must measure improvements in decision quality, speed, and organisational agility. Agentic AI isn’t just an automation upgrade—it’s a lever for long-term competitive advantage.

Key Considerations in APAC Deployment

APAC’s diversity shapes deployment strategies. Markets like Singapore and Japan are tech-savvy but cautious in implementation. Others, such as China and India, demonstrate higher risk appetite despite varying infrastructure. Language processing and data governance also differ, from China’s prescriptive regulatory model to Singapore’s principles-based frameworks.

Implementation Roadmap

Organizations should avoid waiting for perfect conditions and instead adopt a DevOps mindset for agentic AI implementation:
• Start small and iterate quickly
• Use cross-functional teams that blend technical + domain expertise
• Build modular systems that can adapt across markets
• Establish rigorous feedback loops for ongoing refinement

Organizations should begin implementation now rather than waiting for technology to mature fully. Those who move decisively and implement agentic AI systems— balancing technical requirements and regional nuances—will establish sustainable competitive advantages in one of the world's most dynamic digital economies.

In the next post, we explore how agentic AI is moving beyond the back-office —emerging as a frontline engine for growth. We’ll showcase enterprises across APAC turning autonomy into revenue.